JimBowie1958
Old Fogey
- Sep 25, 2011
- 63,590
- 16,753
- 2,220
By Reflective Centrism I do not mean mere fence sitting. Those who simply whirl about like a weathervane achieve nothing of long term value, except perhaps to enrich themselves.
I am trying to put together a set of principles to guide the centrist in making decisions that are intended to result in the best outcome for us as a people and as a nation, and not to focus on the needs of a few or the dictates of ideology. In fact this is a kind of un-ideology in that its first principle is the recognition of the limits of all ideology and of the human mind itself to truly grasp the nature of reality around us, both natural and contrived by man.
So, here they are, and please comment constructively. I am interested in any facet of this perspective I may have missed. Not really looking for editing services from anyone, lol.
1. No human mind or ideology can fully encompass the complexity of the reality we live in.
...a. So ALL voices are needed to help define what that reality is and how to address issues that arise within it as we all work together toward a better future.
...b.We must respect the benevolent rational thoughts of our fellow citizens by extending to them courtesy and ostracizing those who are irrational, seditious and dishonest and to provide our own rational thinking supported by facts as far as we are able.
2. All things must change as needed, must evolve with the surrounding environment or they die.
...a. However, it is wise to respect the accumulated wisdom of our ancestors, and change the things that require change through the framework of social and political institutions we have inherited by modifying/evolving what already functions rather than sweeping aside all that exists to build things from nothing but abstract models that are bereft of practical experience and wisdom.
...b. That being said, we have a duty to improve the reality we live in as much as possible and leave a better world for each new generation.
3. Human life is of eternal and infinite moral value.
...a. Human life cannot be sacrificed without due moral consideration and a clear and reviewable legal process that produces justice and not merely an undirected process.
...b. The innocent life of the unborn, children, and elderly must be protected for all our sakes as they are the seed and guides for our future.
...c. We are defined by how we think, act, and live our lives, and not by race, gender or sect and so the government should be blind to those elements not directly related to the specific individuals involved in whatever process is ongoing within the government if that government is to be fair, just and win the love of its people.
4. All human beings have the right to pursue Truth as they best understand it, and to freely conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent within their own moral values system.
...a. In connection to this we all also have the right to pursue happiness, to own property and to defend ourselves from threat as individuals.
...b. We all have the right to think and speak freely and to live a life of liberty so long as we are incompliance with just laws derived from the common will of our people and cause no direct harm to our fellow man.
...c. We have innate human rights not though the permission of the government but through the very nature of who we are as human beings utilizing the gifts given to us by our Creator in what way we think best serves our values, interests and goals.
...d. Government censorship or economic extortion should never be used to silence those minority groups who engage in benevolent, rational discourse.
5. The role of government is to protect the people from threat, internal and external, and to provide the necessary measures so that as many as possible may be as happy as possible.
...a. In our quickly changing and complex modern world, the government must provide a social safety net that can fill in for antiquated institutions that once provided for social stability and confidence in the security of each of us in our infirmity.
...b. The principle of subsidiarity should be a guide for government policy making as often expressed in the phrase, 'the government that governs best governs LEAST'. Let the lowest levels of government address problems first, then escalate up the chain as necessary till the problem is addressed.
...c. When government solves problems, it isn't because of how much money is thrown at the problem. Solutions require PEOPLE to use their best talents, what funding is necessary and creative/innovative thought. The government should lead and guide, not dictate, suppress and restrict needlessly as the private secotr addresses theneeds of the people.
6. Government should be certain, careful and slow to act in peace time, and determined, focused and relentless in emergency periods.
...a. While martial law is sometimes needed in war or emergency, in peace time the security of individual liberty outweighs the needs of efficiency on our government. A balanced division of powers within the government is preferable to a unicameral government that has no checks to its power because it moves more carefully and with greater caution to protect and respect the rights of its citizens.
...b. Oppressive large governments have proven to be more destructive than the worst brigandry and natural disasters combined. To remain truly free, a citizenry must remain vigilant and protect their rights and interests internally as much as externally.
...c. The private sector provides more motivation, creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness than the government. Where governments find shortages they ration; where businesses find shortages they expand to fill that market. The role of government is to harness that power through over-sight and regulation that does not strangle that creativity and productivity.
...d. Government social programs can encourage dependency on itself, and so those who can work should work so that those who cannot or can no longer work are provided for.
7. The use of compromise is a beneficial device that enables government to function more smoothly and utilizes the knowledge, experience and concerns of the vast majority of our fellow citizens to secure our future, more ably govern and provide justice, opportunity and stability for each of us.
...a. No ideology is so certain that all the concerns and objections of that ideologies opponents may be dismissed without consideration and being voiced as policies are developed.
8. In order to best serve the will and expression of the people, the freedom to form various assemblies to address the interests of each person needs to remain unfettered and given full access to the democratic processes of our Republic.
9. Nations are the expression of the existence of a people. Defined by their culture and language, each people has the right to defend their culture, their economic interests and their ability to pursue their own idea of happiness together.
...a. The United States is unique among nations to define itself not by a single culture so much as by a coalition of energetic people of good will who's primary purpose is to live alongside each other in freedom.
...b. This great experiment must not fail, for it is an example to all mankind of the value of peaceful cooperation and peaceful coexistence under a common government defined by a written foundational Constitution.
10. Peace is best served by building bridges of economic cooperation, exchange of ideas, and the fraternal networking of all people of good will in every nation. Though national interests are of great importance, we all need to respect the common bonds that bind all people of good will together and allow us to work for peace and a better future for all mankind.
I am trying to put together a set of principles to guide the centrist in making decisions that are intended to result in the best outcome for us as a people and as a nation, and not to focus on the needs of a few or the dictates of ideology. In fact this is a kind of un-ideology in that its first principle is the recognition of the limits of all ideology and of the human mind itself to truly grasp the nature of reality around us, both natural and contrived by man.
So, here they are, and please comment constructively. I am interested in any facet of this perspective I may have missed. Not really looking for editing services from anyone, lol.
1. No human mind or ideology can fully encompass the complexity of the reality we live in.
...a. So ALL voices are needed to help define what that reality is and how to address issues that arise within it as we all work together toward a better future.
...b.We must respect the benevolent rational thoughts of our fellow citizens by extending to them courtesy and ostracizing those who are irrational, seditious and dishonest and to provide our own rational thinking supported by facts as far as we are able.
2. All things must change as needed, must evolve with the surrounding environment or they die.
...a. However, it is wise to respect the accumulated wisdom of our ancestors, and change the things that require change through the framework of social and political institutions we have inherited by modifying/evolving what already functions rather than sweeping aside all that exists to build things from nothing but abstract models that are bereft of practical experience and wisdom.
...b. That being said, we have a duty to improve the reality we live in as much as possible and leave a better world for each new generation.
3. Human life is of eternal and infinite moral value.
...a. Human life cannot be sacrificed without due moral consideration and a clear and reviewable legal process that produces justice and not merely an undirected process.
...b. The innocent life of the unborn, children, and elderly must be protected for all our sakes as they are the seed and guides for our future.
...c. We are defined by how we think, act, and live our lives, and not by race, gender or sect and so the government should be blind to those elements not directly related to the specific individuals involved in whatever process is ongoing within the government if that government is to be fair, just and win the love of its people.
4. All human beings have the right to pursue Truth as they best understand it, and to freely conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent within their own moral values system.
...a. In connection to this we all also have the right to pursue happiness, to own property and to defend ourselves from threat as individuals.
...b. We all have the right to think and speak freely and to live a life of liberty so long as we are incompliance with just laws derived from the common will of our people and cause no direct harm to our fellow man.
...c. We have innate human rights not though the permission of the government but through the very nature of who we are as human beings utilizing the gifts given to us by our Creator in what way we think best serves our values, interests and goals.
...d. Government censorship or economic extortion should never be used to silence those minority groups who engage in benevolent, rational discourse.
5. The role of government is to protect the people from threat, internal and external, and to provide the necessary measures so that as many as possible may be as happy as possible.
...a. In our quickly changing and complex modern world, the government must provide a social safety net that can fill in for antiquated institutions that once provided for social stability and confidence in the security of each of us in our infirmity.
...b. The principle of subsidiarity should be a guide for government policy making as often expressed in the phrase, 'the government that governs best governs LEAST'. Let the lowest levels of government address problems first, then escalate up the chain as necessary till the problem is addressed.
...c. When government solves problems, it isn't because of how much money is thrown at the problem. Solutions require PEOPLE to use their best talents, what funding is necessary and creative/innovative thought. The government should lead and guide, not dictate, suppress and restrict needlessly as the private secotr addresses theneeds of the people.
6. Government should be certain, careful and slow to act in peace time, and determined, focused and relentless in emergency periods.
...a. While martial law is sometimes needed in war or emergency, in peace time the security of individual liberty outweighs the needs of efficiency on our government. A balanced division of powers within the government is preferable to a unicameral government that has no checks to its power because it moves more carefully and with greater caution to protect and respect the rights of its citizens.
...b. Oppressive large governments have proven to be more destructive than the worst brigandry and natural disasters combined. To remain truly free, a citizenry must remain vigilant and protect their rights and interests internally as much as externally.
...c. The private sector provides more motivation, creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness than the government. Where governments find shortages they ration; where businesses find shortages they expand to fill that market. The role of government is to harness that power through over-sight and regulation that does not strangle that creativity and productivity.
...d. Government social programs can encourage dependency on itself, and so those who can work should work so that those who cannot or can no longer work are provided for.
7. The use of compromise is a beneficial device that enables government to function more smoothly and utilizes the knowledge, experience and concerns of the vast majority of our fellow citizens to secure our future, more ably govern and provide justice, opportunity and stability for each of us.
...a. No ideology is so certain that all the concerns and objections of that ideologies opponents may be dismissed without consideration and being voiced as policies are developed.
8. In order to best serve the will and expression of the people, the freedom to form various assemblies to address the interests of each person needs to remain unfettered and given full access to the democratic processes of our Republic.
9. Nations are the expression of the existence of a people. Defined by their culture and language, each people has the right to defend their culture, their economic interests and their ability to pursue their own idea of happiness together.
...a. The United States is unique among nations to define itself not by a single culture so much as by a coalition of energetic people of good will who's primary purpose is to live alongside each other in freedom.
...b. This great experiment must not fail, for it is an example to all mankind of the value of peaceful cooperation and peaceful coexistence under a common government defined by a written foundational Constitution.
10. Peace is best served by building bridges of economic cooperation, exchange of ideas, and the fraternal networking of all people of good will in every nation. Though national interests are of great importance, we all need to respect the common bonds that bind all people of good will together and allow us to work for peace and a better future for all mankind.
