Motivated by Barnabus' comment in the "Second American Revolution" thread below and TPG's thoughts on globalization, I decided to post some thoughts on these topics in a new thread. Indeed, trying to find common ground between people is a truly noble trait. Often the only way to peacefully rectify disagreement is to first identify common ground, as progression hinges on mutual compromise. Progression is also dependent on interaction and participation of all parties involved.
January 13, 1777, Thomas Paine wrote a letter entitled American Crisis II, in response to Admiral Richard Howe's announcement that King George III offered pardons to all in exchange for reconciliation. Within this letter the phrase, "The United States of America" would be published for the first time. The following is the introductory paragraph:
UNIVERSAL empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain; he that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to "Defender of the Faith," than George the Third.
Indeed, Thomas Paine envisioned a universal empire for all mankind. It seems to me that history... destiny... has bound the United States of America to globalization, to global democracy. The internet is the new Republic of Letters and a powerful ally of globalization. By sharing ideas, news and perspectives directly, many barriers to reconciliation amongst earths people can be circumvented. Ultimate global reconciliation will only be possible through the process of globalization. Global democracy is far from reality but the seeds are being planted, the seedlings nurtured, perhaps one day we may find ourselves in a deep, beautiful forest of global common ground?
First things first. The United States of America must look into the mirror and into the pages of history. Democracy can not be "spread" with force and war, these instruments will return opposition and war! Only reason can spread democracy through the process of education. The state of democracy in the USA is sickly and ragged. The superficial government of the USA is of grave concern. Our congressional representatives are now so far "removed" from the people they are supposedly representing, that many people don't care about politics anymore. More bad things will happen with a populous continually relinquishing power and caring even less. Corruption, greed, tyranny, war... Within American Crisis II Thomas Paine writes:
"The UNITED STATES of AMERICA," will sound as pompously in the world or in history, as "the kingdom of Great Britain"...
While pride is an desirable quality, it must be tempered with absolute humility. Further into American Crisis II Thomas Paine writes:
It has been the folly of Britain to suppose herself more powerful than she really is, and by that means has arrogated to herself a rank in the world she is not entitled to...
How about returning the house of representative to the people?
1 comment:
TPG thanks for reading my comment. I completely agree that if the United States of America is to continue to grow and prosper it MUST change the way Americans approach government. Just over half of the citizens that are eligible actually vote in the United States for Presidential elections and roughly a third vote for congressional elections. Compared to many other countries we have a significantly lower voter turn out. Why is this so? Do we need to create incentives such as having a national holiday so people can get the time to vote? Do we require by law that they vote? Or can we engender a sense of patriotism back in Americans so that they vote without some form of incentive?
Another point that must be made is that we have been governed for far too long by lobbyists and special interest groups working behind closed doors with legislators. We need to get lobbyist out of Washington and we need to get new representatives voted into office that will actually stand for what is best for the governed. In the near future I hope that President Obama will help to reform government and put back on the right path.
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