“Egora” is a contraction of “electronic” and “agora”. “Agora” is an ancient Greek term meaning “gathering place”. For the ancient Greeks the agora of a town served as the center of public life, where people could socialize, do business, and hold discussions. Egora follows in that ancient Greek spirit, but its main function is to enable a new form of democratic organization, one that is rational, efficient, and incorruptible – i.e. Intelligent Democracy.
To explain it most briefly, Egora enables everyone to
- develop their own political philosophy out of various ideas,
- determine which ideas are most strongly supported by the people,
- organize meetings to examine and deliberate any ideas, and
- use a simple algorithm to find the true representatives of the public will.
However, Intelligent Democracy would not be possible without a community that is dedicated to using reason to make sense out of a chaos. Thus, Egora is actually the home of the International Logic Party (ILP), and we have built Egora to organize ourselves. We want philosophers to have the advantage over demagogues in politics, and Egora makes our mission possible. But you do not have to be a member of the ILP to use Egora. We want democracy to be available to everyone, and we invite you to use Egora to develop and express your philosophy regardless of your affiliations. Furthermore, because Egora technology is so versatile, it is possible for any other community to use Egora to democratically organize themselves too.
Lastly, Egora is free to use and protected by Copyleft. If you are dissatisfied with this Egora, you can create your own version of it, and you can use the code of this Egora to start. Egora welcomes all competition. May the best ideas win!
Egora: Version Σ
(archived: January 7, 2019)
Idea Dominance Index
Universal Basic Income:
In our sophisticated society with a complex economy we recognize that, while we must incentivize people to be productive members of our society, the value of the contributions of some members to society cannot easily be gauged by their activity in the market (for example, parents, artists, philosophers, community servants, etc.). Furthermore, we recognize that markets can fail to reward people despite their best efforts to be productive. For this reason, we should institute a Universal Basic Income (UBI).
In our sophisticated society with a complex economy we recognize that, while we must incentivize people to be productive members of our society, the value of the contributions of some members to society cannot easily be gauged by their activity in the market (for example, parents, artists, philosophers, community servants, etc.). Furthermore, we recognize that markets can fail to reward people despite their best efforts to be productive. For this reason, we should institute a Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Definition of Justice; Criminal justice system reform
Section 1.
Justice is the friendship of strangers.
Section 2.
The focus of the criminal justice system shall be on rehabilitation—especially through education, life-coaching, and job training—rather than on punishment. Those who cannot be reformed sufficiently for eventual return to society shall be given a choice between continued institutionalization or release into a well-guarded, natural location.
Section 1.
Justice is the friendship of strangers.
Section 2.
The focus of the criminal justice system shall be on rehabilitation—especially through education, life-coaching, and job training—rather than on punishment. Those who cannot be reformed sufficiently for eventual return to society shall be given a choice between continued institutionalization or release into a well-guarded, natural location.
Personal Liberty; Romantic Liberty; Philosophical and Religious Liberty
Section 1.
All people have the right to life and pursuit of their own happiness, as long as they do not actively deprive others of the same.
Section 2.
All people have the right to select partners of their own preference – the bond between two consenting adults is no one's concern but their own. The organs of the state are in place only to assist romantic couples, not to impede them, and will do so equally for all couples.
Section 3.
Section 1.
All people have the right to life and pursuit of their own happiness, as long as they do not actively deprive others of the same.
Section 2.
All people have the right to select partners of their own preference – the bond between two consenting adults is no one's concern but their own. The organs of the state are in place only to assist romantic couples, not to impede them, and will do so equally for all couples.
Section 3.
Voting Reform; Ballot Access
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, ranked-choice, range, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by forcing the voters to vote "strategically" rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, ranked-choice, range, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by forcing the voters to vote "strategically" rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Human society is best served when every child is afforded the opportunities to prosper and thrive in the human community and society, regardless of the wealth and personal life choices of their parents. This includes the basic needs of sustenance, shelter, protection, and healthcare, plus the education of language, nutrition, farming, conflict resolution, fiscal planning, culture, sciences, physical fitness, self-defense, arts, philosophy (logic, critical thinking, ethics, meditation), and market-based economics.
International Liberation Task Force to overthrow oppressive regimes
Around the world there are many oppressive regimes that violate the basic standards for a decent human life:
- freedom of bodily autonomy
- freedom of sexuality,
- freedom of gender,
- freedom of philosophy,
- freedom of religion,
- freedom of speech,
- freedom of assembly,
- freedom of travel,
- and freedom of business.
These regimes are not in power because the people want them in power but because one group of people has strategically maneuvered themselves into positions of power, and they violently suppress any opposition to their hegemony.
Around the world there are many oppressive regimes that violate the basic standards for a decent human life:
- freedom of bodily autonomy
- freedom of sexuality,
- freedom of gender,
- freedom of philosophy,
- freedom of religion,
- freedom of speech,
- freedom of assembly,
- freedom of travel,
- and freedom of business.
These regimes are not in power because the people want them in power but because one group of people has strategically maneuvered themselves into positions of power, and they violently suppress any opposition to their hegemony.
Environmentally-friendly, sustainable energy
In order to reduce the destructive impact of our society on the environment and to enhance the stability of both our society and the environment, we must make immediate efforts to switch the vast majority of our energy infrastructure (at least civilian) to sources of energy that are not destructive to the environment. In the short to mid term, this means relying mainly on energy from these sources: solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear fission. In the long term, this means developing nuclear fusion technology for a practically unlimited source of energy.
In order to reduce the destructive impact of our society on the environment and to enhance the stability of both our society and the environment, we must make immediate efforts to switch the vast majority of our energy infrastructure (at least civilian) to sources of energy that are not destructive to the environment. In the short to mid term, this means relying mainly on energy from these sources: solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear fission. In the long term, this means developing nuclear fusion technology for a practically unlimited source of energy.
All military service should be on a completely voluntary basis
No person should ever be coerced into serving in the armed forces of any country, and a military draft should be considered as unacceptable according to our ethical standards. Therefore, if a country is under attack and must defend itself against aggression, a sufficient military force should be raised solely by relying on market forces, mainly in the form of attractive compensation packages, tiered based on the combat roles and associated dangers.
No person should ever be coerced into serving in the armed forces of any country, and a military draft should be considered as unacceptable according to our ethical standards. Therefore, if a country is under attack and must defend itself against aggression, a sufficient military force should be raised solely by relying on market forces, mainly in the form of attractive compensation packages, tiered based on the combat roles and associated dangers.
Orphaned children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and they must be given by society every possible effort to experience the natural comforts of a loving family and an enriching upbringing.
The implementation of this goal should primarily revolve around making the process of adoption as easy as possible for any person or couple able to raise children. Naturally, this will involve adequate resources for confirming the performance of such parents.
For children who are still unable to find individual homes—in addition to the basic needs of food, shelter, healthcare, and education—we must provide a protective, nurturing, and proactive community.
The implementation of this goal should primarily revolve around making the process of adoption as easy as possible for any person or couple able to raise children. Naturally, this will involve adequate resources for confirming the performance of such parents.
For children who are still unable to find individual homes—in addition to the basic needs of food, shelter, healthcare, and education—we must provide a protective, nurturing, and proactive community.
In order to reduce the impact of our society on the environment and to enhance the stability of both our society and the environment, we must make every effort to minimize the production of waste materials. This should be achieved primarily through programs that financially incentivize the consumers to segregate and recycle their waste materials. Second, we should sponsor community programs that educate the public how to reduce the amount of waste we produce and how to dispose of potentially hazardous waste.
Voting system reform; Fair ballot access; No partisan identification on ballot; No public financing of partisan processes; Elimination of campaign finance restrictions
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, range/score, ranked-choice, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by incentivizing the voters to vote strategically rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, range/score, ranked-choice, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by incentivizing the voters to vote strategically rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Medical care is not an ordinary good; Role of government in medical care; Funding of medical care; Practical implementation
Section 1.
Medical care is not an ordinary good in the marketplace. The reasons for this fact are numerous. Mainly, what sets medical care apart is that the greatest costs in medical care are not the consequence of easily detectable and alterable behavior patterns of the consumers but rather due to a variety of factors that are unfair, hidden, and complicated. For example, the burdens bestowed upon us by our genetics can be distributed very unfairly in a population.
Section 1.
Medical care is not an ordinary good in the marketplace. The reasons for this fact are numerous. Mainly, what sets medical care apart is that the greatest costs in medical care are not the consequence of easily detectable and alterable behavior patterns of the consumers but rather due to a variety of factors that are unfair, hidden, and complicated. For example, the burdens bestowed upon us by our genetics can be distributed very unfairly in a population.
Theory of taxation
In order to realize certain values and goals that we hold in common (or compromise to tolerate) in our society—which, for whatever reason, are not best realized through free participation in a market economy—we give our governing bodies the right to levy certain taxes upon us. These taxes consist of six specific types, and each plays its own economic role in distributing the tax burden fairly and efficiently. The specific amounts of each tax are to be determined as needed to cover all government expenditures on the various programs to realize our values and goals.
In order to realize certain values and goals that we hold in common (or compromise to tolerate) in our society—which, for whatever reason, are not best realized through free participation in a market economy—we give our governing bodies the right to levy certain taxes upon us. These taxes consist of six specific types, and each plays its own economic role in distributing the tax burden fairly and efficiently. The specific amounts of each tax are to be determined as needed to cover all government expenditures on the various programs to realize our values and goals.
University education should be FREE!
This idea is based on: https://egora-ilp.org/ideas/730
The job-specific institutions mentioned in the referenced idea could actually ask for money. Those institutions are like training hubs: they just train the students on how to do job X. It's like going to the gym; it's a paid service - but you have access to all training machines and probably to coaches as well.
On the other hand, universities are for those people who just want to learn, want to know, and want to find out how this universe works or what this universe is.
This idea is based on: https://egora-ilp.org/ideas/730
The job-specific institutions mentioned in the referenced idea could actually ask for money. Those institutions are like training hubs: they just train the students on how to do job X. It's like going to the gym; it's a paid service - but you have access to all training machines and probably to coaches as well.
On the other hand, universities are for those people who just want to learn, want to know, and want to find out how this universe works or what this universe is.
Esperanto in Schools and Citizen Assemblies:
We should teach Esperanto in schools as the global language for the human species. Firstly, for the obvious reasons of being an almost universally easy language to learn with only three tenses, changing only a vowel to change a tense. Esperanto has an established culture of humanism, inclusivity and cooperation dating back more than 150 years. It is a gentle, forward thinking notion of around two million people. It did have a tiny renaissance over the last couple of years that seemed to be directly tied to the upturn in Veganism.
We should teach Esperanto in schools as the global language for the human species. Firstly, for the obvious reasons of being an almost universally easy language to learn with only three tenses, changing only a vowel to change a tense. Esperanto has an established culture of humanism, inclusivity and cooperation dating back more than 150 years. It is a gentle, forward thinking notion of around two million people. It did have a tiny renaissance over the last couple of years that seemed to be directly tied to the upturn in Veganism.
In a society that is capable of effectively addressing the needs for security, prosperity, and self-expression of its residents, weapons of mass destruction—such as firearms with a high rate of fire and high capacity magazines—are completely unnecessary for self-defense – instead they only glorify and incentivize violence towards our fellow residents. For this reason such weapons should not be allowed to be retained by ordinary citizens, and reserved only for the highly trained and highly disciplined personnel of law enforcement and territorial defense.
Basic Income (BI); Amount of BI; Funding and administration of BI; Replacement of other programs by BI; Qualifying for the BI; Further argumentation
Section 1.
In our sophisticated society with a complex economy we recognize that, while we must incentivize people to be productive members of our society, the value of the contributions of some members to our society cannot be easily gauged by their activity in the market, for example: parents, artists, innovators, philosophers, and community servants. Nevertheless, these people deserve to be compensated for the value that they contribute.
Section 1.
In our sophisticated society with a complex economy we recognize that, while we must incentivize people to be productive members of our society, the value of the contributions of some members to our society cannot be easily gauged by their activity in the market, for example: parents, artists, innovators, philosophers, and community servants. Nevertheless, these people deserve to be compensated for the value that they contribute.
Environmentally-friendly, sustainable energy
In order to reduce the destructive impact of our society on the environment and to enhance the stability of both our society and the environment, we must make immediate efforts to switch the vast majority of our energy infrastructure (at least civilian) to sources of energy that are not destructive to the environment. In the short term, this means relying more on natural sources of energy, such as: solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal. In the long term, this means developing nuclear fusion technology for a practically unlimited source of energy.
In order to reduce the destructive impact of our society on the environment and to enhance the stability of both our society and the environment, we must make immediate efforts to switch the vast majority of our energy infrastructure (at least civilian) to sources of energy that are not destructive to the environment. In the short term, this means relying more on natural sources of energy, such as: solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal. In the long term, this means developing nuclear fusion technology for a practically unlimited source of energy.
Right to abortion of pregnancy
Abortion of a pregnancy is the right of the pregnancy-carrier––even after the time when the developing organism can reasonably be deemed a person––until the time of birth or delivery. As troubling as this position may be to those who are concerned for the welfare of the unborn baby as a person and want to protect it as a member of our society, we must say that this is not a position we take without difficulty because we also care for the welfare of other persons, including that of an unborn baby, but we find that there are sufficient justifications for holding this position.
Abortion of a pregnancy is the right of the pregnancy-carrier––even after the time when the developing organism can reasonably be deemed a person––until the time of birth or delivery. As troubling as this position may be to those who are concerned for the welfare of the unborn baby as a person and want to protect it as a member of our society, we must say that this is not a position we take without difficulty because we also care for the welfare of other persons, including that of an unborn baby, but we find that there are sufficient justifications for holding this position.
Voting system reform; Fair ballot access; No partisan identification on ballot; No public financing of partisan processes; Elimination of campaign finance restrictions
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, range/score, ranked-choice, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by incentivizing the voters to vote strategically rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Section 1.
Voting is not a simple nor self-evident process. In fact, there are various voting systems (plurality, approval, range/score, ranked-choice, Condorcet, etc.), and they can produce very different results. Some systems can even deteriorate the dynamics of democracy within the voting population by incentivizing the voters to vote strategically rather than authentically, which in turn enables certain interest groups to artificially divide the public and exploit that for their own advantage.
Nature of reality; Human capacity for understanding reality; Mechanics of reality; Ethics; Rights; Trust in politics
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
A New Form of Government with Four Branches: Lottocratic, Royal, Judicial, and Commissional.
Lottocratic Branch
-24 single-issue legislatures, each consisting of 300 randomly chosen citizens who serve one-year terms.
This would operate much like a jury (fairly paid), in which all decision-makers are exposed to thorough presentations of evidence and reasoning from all sides on legislation that arises through Egora. A congressional committee would arrange the legislature to hear from experts, community members, and other stakeholders when deliberating on a bill. During a term, jobs must be held for the lottocrats by employers who may hire temporary workers in the interim.
Lottocratic Branch
-24 single-issue legislatures, each consisting of 300 randomly chosen citizens who serve one-year terms.
This would operate much like a jury (fairly paid), in which all decision-makers are exposed to thorough presentations of evidence and reasoning from all sides on legislation that arises through Egora. A congressional committee would arrange the legislature to hear from experts, community members, and other stakeholders when deliberating on a bill. During a term, jobs must be held for the lottocrats by employers who may hire temporary workers in the interim.
Fairness & Economics; Government & Fairness; Government & Economics
Section 1.
The market system is the only method for a society to relate the value of goods that make life possible, such as food, to goods that make life enjoyable, such as art, in a way that is fair to the preferences of everyone. Thus, the market system should be the basis of any economy.
Section 2.
The government should not play any role in influencing the behavior of market participants by favoring anyone through subsidies, price controls, barriers to entry, or taxes, except those that are necessary for strategic interests of national defense, establishing minimum standards of consumer safety, and accounting for externalities.
Section 1.
The market system is the only method for a society to relate the value of goods that make life possible, such as food, to goods that make life enjoyable, such as art, in a way that is fair to the preferences of everyone. Thus, the market system should be the basis of any economy.
Section 2.
The government should not play any role in influencing the behavior of market participants by favoring anyone through subsidies, price controls, barriers to entry, or taxes, except those that are necessary for strategic interests of national defense, establishing minimum standards of consumer safety, and accounting for externalities.
Prostitution should be completely legal but financially disincentivized; Dealing with kidnappers and sex-slave traffickers
Section 1.
Very few people [1] who are prostitutes actually want to be prostitutes. Most people do not do it because they love this kind of work but because they are driven to it by financial deprivation or are coerced into it by kidnappers and sex-slave traffickers. The solution to this problem in not punishing prostitutes, nor punishing clients, nor punishing legitimate auxiliary enterprises (madams, pimps, bodyguards, etc.), but rather helping people get out of difficult situations so they do not have to make extremely unpleasant sacrifices.
Section 1.
Very few people [1] who are prostitutes actually want to be prostitutes. Most people do not do it because they love this kind of work but because they are driven to it by financial deprivation or are coerced into it by kidnappers and sex-slave traffickers. The solution to this problem in not punishing prostitutes, nor punishing clients, nor punishing legitimate auxiliary enterprises (madams, pimps, bodyguards, etc.), but rather helping people get out of difficult situations so they do not have to make extremely unpleasant sacrifices.
Genital mutilation––especially male and female circumcision for cultural, traditional, religious, or ritual reasons––of persons under the age of 18––i.e. children and adolescents––should be illegal.
The only exceptions to this rule should be only for medical reasons specific to each individual and on a completely voluntary basis.
The only exceptions to this rule should be only for medical reasons specific to each individual and on a completely voluntary basis.
Funding of higher education; Administration of higher education
Section 1.
While basic education is that which is minimally necessary for a person to be a moderately functioning citizen and worker in our complex society, we recognize that higher education yields even greater benefits, both to the person and to their society. First, it makes one a well-rounded and more understanding citizen, capable of imagining and designing a better future for all of us. Second, it makes one a much more productive worker, capable of delivering much more value to themself and to others.
Section 1.
While basic education is that which is minimally necessary for a person to be a moderately functioning citizen and worker in our complex society, we recognize that higher education yields even greater benefits, both to the person and to their society. First, it makes one a well-rounded and more understanding citizen, capable of imagining and designing a better future for all of us. Second, it makes one a much more productive worker, capable of delivering much more value to themself and to others.
The education system should cater for the diverse needs & talents of learners. It's primary function must be to develop students' capacity to think, discover and 'problem-solve'. There should be a variety of schools, with different specialties, at each level. Opportunities must be provided for children to engage in activities related to their individual interests. Early childhood education programs should promote hands-on learning, as well as emotional intelligence and social skills because these contribute to the development of healthy, well-balanced adults who can make useful contributions to society.
Right to abortion of pregnancy
Abortion of a pregnancy is the right of the pregnancy-carrier––even after the time when the developing organism can reasonably be deemed a person––until the time of birth or delivery. As troubling as this position may be to those who are concerned for the welfare of the unborn baby as a person and want to protect it as a member of our society, we must say that this is not a position we take without difficulty because we also care for the welfare of other persons, including that of an unborn baby, but we find that there are sufficient justifications for holding this position.
Abortion of a pregnancy is the right of the pregnancy-carrier––even after the time when the developing organism can reasonably be deemed a person––until the time of birth or delivery. As troubling as this position may be to those who are concerned for the welfare of the unborn baby as a person and want to protect it as a member of our society, we must say that this is not a position we take without difficulty because we also care for the welfare of other persons, including that of an unborn baby, but we find that there are sufficient justifications for holding this position.
Funding of higher education; Administration of higher education
Section 1.
While a basic education is that which is minimally necessary for a person to be a moderately functioning citizen and worker in a complex society, we recognize that a higher education yields even greater benefits, both to the person and to their society. First, it makes one a well-rounded and more understanding citizen, capable of imagining and designing a better future for all. Second, it makes one a much more productive worker, capable of delivering more value to themself and to others.
Section 1.
While a basic education is that which is minimally necessary for a person to be a moderately functioning citizen and worker in a complex society, we recognize that a higher education yields even greater benefits, both to the person and to their society. First, it makes one a well-rounded and more understanding citizen, capable of imagining and designing a better future for all. Second, it makes one a much more productive worker, capable of delivering more value to themself and to others.
Eliminate “Daylight Savings Time”
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is an absurd molestation of our natural bodily rhythm and it disrespects our connection to the natural world. It is irrelevant what the arguments are in favor of DST because the concept is flawed at the core - noon is noon and no one should have the right to manipulate this for anyone else. Granted, the concept of timezones does skew noon for most locations, but it is an extremely important compromise for the interconnectedness of our world, and it is tolerably stable and typically unnoticeable.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is an absurd molestation of our natural bodily rhythm and it disrespects our connection to the natural world. It is irrelevant what the arguments are in favor of DST because the concept is flawed at the core - noon is noon and no one should have the right to manipulate this for anyone else. Granted, the concept of timezones does skew noon for most locations, but it is an extremely important compromise for the interconnectedness of our world, and it is tolerably stable and typically unnoticeable.
"I think we have to treat criminals more as victims of their circumstances. It doesn't make sense to harm or handicap them further. They need a well-guarded, natural location, an island where they either learn to establish order and farm or they eat one another."
I love this idea, I agree it's far better to allow down-syndrome to eat each other on "Scum island" rather than harm or handicap them further. Much, much better. ;-)
But.
Isn't humanity about compassion and, sometimes, coercion? Why do we bar young children from eating each other then?
We will always be bound to exert some coercion, one way or another.
I love this idea, I agree it's far better to allow down-syndrome to eat each other on "Scum island" rather than harm or handicap them further. Much, much better. ;-)
But.
Isn't humanity about compassion and, sometimes, coercion? Why do we bar young children from eating each other then?
We will always be bound to exert some coercion, one way or another.
Nature of reality; Our capacity for understanding reality; Mechanics of reality; Ethics; Rights; Trust in politics
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (a.k.a. consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to the realm of experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like two sides of the same coin.
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (a.k.a. consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to the realm of experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like two sides of the same coin.
The most fundamental component of reducing overall violence and suffering in the world is to ensure freedom from captivity for all animals (including humans). To achieve this goal, no one should be allowed to hold captive any other animal, especially to breed them or to harm them at a latter time.
Please watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pO1eOWJtEY
Please see:
https://www.anonymousforthevoiceless.org/kill-counter
Please watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pO1eOWJtEY
Please see:
https://www.anonymousforthevoiceless.org/kill-counter
On political principles and the politicians that I am missing:
Politics should not be about insisting on a specific method above others. The focus should be on pursuing social well-being. The method should be whatever, at the moment, seems more likely to achieve social well-being.
Politics must be a way of achieving the goal, not an end in itself. Politics should not be a pursuit of power or selfish benefit. Politics should not be a way to solidify beliefs. Politics shouldn't need to be marketed. Politics isn't a commodity to be exchanged on the market.
Politics should not be about insisting on a specific method above others. The focus should be on pursuing social well-being. The method should be whatever, at the moment, seems more likely to achieve social well-being.
Politics must be a way of achieving the goal, not an end in itself. Politics should not be a pursuit of power or selfish benefit. Politics should not be a way to solidify beliefs. Politics shouldn't need to be marketed. Politics isn't a commodity to be exchanged on the market.
The Gender Pay Gap is Not Due to Sex Discrimination: Oppose the Paycheck Fairness Act
Lois Digges
Feminist activists claim that, compared to men, women make 77 cents on the dollar. If data is controlled for occupation, industry, hours, experience, age, education, and marital status, a wage gap remains, but at only 5% less than men (as calculated by Glass Door) or as little as 2% (as calculated by Payscale). Is this a gap wide enough for national legislation to address?
O'Neill, “an economist who has probably studied wage gaps as much as anyone alive” (Hymowitz), examined data from 5,600 wage-earners and found that the wage gap disappears if only childless women are considered.
Lois Digges
Feminist activists claim that, compared to men, women make 77 cents on the dollar. If data is controlled for occupation, industry, hours, experience, age, education, and marital status, a wage gap remains, but at only 5% less than men (as calculated by Glass Door) or as little as 2% (as calculated by Payscale). Is this a gap wide enough for national legislation to address?
O'Neill, “an economist who has probably studied wage gaps as much as anyone alive” (Hymowitz), examined data from 5,600 wage-earners and found that the wage gap disappears if only childless women are considered.
Nature of reality; Our capacity for understanding reality; Mechanics of reality; Ethics; Rights; Trust in politics
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is ‘most real’ because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
Monetary Policy; Budget Deficit; Government Borrowing
Section 1.
The amount of money (hard cash, a.k.a. M-0) provided by a government to an economy shall be an amount that is fixed to the size of the population. Should the size of the population significantly increase or decrease, the amount of money will be adjusted through a popular referendum. In case of an increase of the money supply, the additional money will be distributed through equal disbursements to the population (citizens and permanent residents).
Section 1.
The amount of money (hard cash, a.k.a. M-0) provided by a government to an economy shall be an amount that is fixed to the size of the population. Should the size of the population significantly increase or decrease, the amount of money will be adjusted through a popular referendum. In case of an increase of the money supply, the additional money will be distributed through equal disbursements to the population (citizens and permanent residents).
On Ideal Society
If one wants to idealize society, the focus is on the goals, not the methods. The relevant questions are in line with the following.
What characterizes an ideal society?
How would one tell an ideal society from another that isn't ideal?
There are infinite possible answers.
I propose the following ingredients (properties) for an ideal society:
- Perceived individual benefit of "social contract". Everyone perceives life as better as part of such a society than alone. No one
sees the cost of belonging as outweighing the benefits.
- Pareto efficiency.
If one wants to idealize society, the focus is on the goals, not the methods. The relevant questions are in line with the following.
What characterizes an ideal society?
How would one tell an ideal society from another that isn't ideal?
There are infinite possible answers.
I propose the following ingredients (properties) for an ideal society:
- Perceived individual benefit of "social contract". Everyone perceives life as better as part of such a society than alone. No one
sees the cost of belonging as outweighing the benefits.
- Pareto efficiency.
We Need Less School, Not More.
Colonial America lacked compulsory government schooling laws, yet it possessed 2 factors that are seldom discovered in modern society: personal independence and personal isolation.
Back then, men were self-employed craftsmen, farmers, or small businessmen who lived in rural communities where every family had their own acreage of land. These people did not depend on the central government for resources, and they had plenty of time for quiet thought, reflection, and true community. The children who were raised in these times had the best education possible, that of experience.
Colonial America lacked compulsory government schooling laws, yet it possessed 2 factors that are seldom discovered in modern society: personal independence and personal isolation.
Back then, men were self-employed craftsmen, farmers, or small businessmen who lived in rural communities where every family had their own acreage of land. These people did not depend on the central government for resources, and they had plenty of time for quiet thought, reflection, and true community. The children who were raised in these times had the best education possible, that of experience.
I propose that the Declaration of Independence be written into Constitutional Law. If there were changes that I might suggest to improve the document, allow me to present them here.
1.) All men and women are created equal.
Therefore, everyone is equal, and any right given to -- or rule taken from -- the people, must apply to every person equally. That includes private citizens, individuals WITHIN corporations, politicians, generals, the elite, the police, judges, Black folks, White folks, et al.
1.) All men and women are created equal.
Therefore, everyone is equal, and any right given to -- or rule taken from -- the people, must apply to every person equally. That includes private citizens, individuals WITHIN corporations, politicians, generals, the elite, the police, judges, Black folks, White folks, et al.
Planet Earth and Land Ownership; Freedom of Migration and Practical Restrictions; Local Autonomy; Territorial Reallocation; Decolonization of the World; The Wild
Section 1.
Planet Earth belongs to all of its inhabitants equally. The only natural sense of land ownership beyond that is owning only the land that you are currently using, which is the land on which you are currently standing or sitting.
However, for the sake of increasing productivity and raising our collective quality of life, certain factions, such as hominids, can enter into limited and superficial agreements of land ownership, such as for farming or building dwellings.
Section 1.
Planet Earth belongs to all of its inhabitants equally. The only natural sense of land ownership beyond that is owning only the land that you are currently using, which is the land on which you are currently standing or sitting.
However, for the sake of increasing productivity and raising our collective quality of life, certain factions, such as hominids, can enter into limited and superficial agreements of land ownership, such as for farming or building dwellings.
Gun Control and the Right to Bear Arms
Lois Digges Jurewicz
Ownership of guns and similarly dangerous arms should be illegal except in the following cases:
1) Membership in a well-regulated state militia (as ensured in the US Constitution).
2) Membership in a branch of the U.S. military.
3) Membership in legitimate and accountable law enforcement or security.
4) License to hunt (as ensured in some state constitutions or statutory laws).
5) Ownership of a firearm before this law has gone into effect.
In addition,
1) The federal government shall offer to buy back firearms.
Lois Digges Jurewicz
Ownership of guns and similarly dangerous arms should be illegal except in the following cases:
1) Membership in a well-regulated state militia (as ensured in the US Constitution).
2) Membership in a branch of the U.S. military.
3) Membership in legitimate and accountable law enforcement or security.
4) License to hunt (as ensured in some state constitutions or statutory laws).
5) Ownership of a firearm before this law has gone into effect.
In addition,
1) The federal government shall offer to buy back firearms.
Nature of Reality; Human capacity for understanding reality; Mechanics of reality; Ethics; Rights; Trust in politics
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is “most real” because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and/or can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
Section 1.
Reality is a fundamentally mysterious duality between the realm of [subjective] experience (aka consciousness) and the realm of physics (time, space, matter, and energy). It seems that we will never learn which is “most real” because the realm of experience appears to be generated by the realm of physics while the realm of physics is dependent on and/or can be reduced to experience. The two are inextricably interdependent on one another, like “two sides of the same coin”.
The Federal Reserve System of central banking in USA is a scam to covertly tax, indebt, and control the American people. We must eliminate the Federal Reserve System and replace it with a money supply that is under the control of the people and not subject to manipulation.
Please watch
"Century of Enslavement - The History of The Federal Reserve"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5IyUFqUN88
And
"The Creature from Jekyll Island"
https://www.youtube.
Please watch
"Century of Enslavement - The History of The Federal Reserve"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5IyUFqUN88
And
"The Creature from Jekyll Island"
https://www.youtube.
Recognize Subsistence Rights
Many traditional societies still practice gathering and hunting as a way to supplement their diets. It can be the case that government and corporate control of land can interfere with these practices. It also be the case that "food deserts" and corporate dominance of food production and distribution create food insecurity for many people-- rural and urban. It is the case that many public lands-- including parks, redevelopment zones, and acreage adjacent to right of ways-- could be utilized for community gardens, fruit and nut trees, and berries and other perennial edible plants.
Many traditional societies still practice gathering and hunting as a way to supplement their diets. It can be the case that government and corporate control of land can interfere with these practices. It also be the case that "food deserts" and corporate dominance of food production and distribution create food insecurity for many people-- rural and urban. It is the case that many public lands-- including parks, redevelopment zones, and acreage adjacent to right of ways-- could be utilized for community gardens, fruit and nut trees, and berries and other perennial edible plants.
US Constitution
George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and James Madison wrote the document that formed the model for the Constitution of the United States.
When judges hear cases or Congress debates legislative bills they seek advice from the original constitutional text, amendments, enacted laws, court cases, and so forth; this is basically common law.
George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and James Madison wrote the document that formed the model for the Constitution of the United States.
When judges hear cases or Congress debates legislative bills they seek advice from the original constitutional text, amendments, enacted laws, court cases, and so forth; this is basically common law.