platform 1
Here is the beginning of our national political platform. I am not sure if this will hold my interest long enough to write them all out and know that things discussed are not in order of importance. I should also remind everyone that these ideas were formed around a table with good friends and beer, they may just be pretentious and idle conversation but whatever it is my blog.
1. HUMAN RIGHTS
Our party holds that all persons have innate value regardless of their citizenship. We long to be a nation known for helping those in need and being the advocate of those who have none. Now of course no one is going to be against this value. It is basically like a politician saying, "I am pro children". Come on. I dare anyone to say out loud that they are anti kids and run for some popular vote. So the fact that we are pro human and serving those who are in need does not by itself have any bite. However this item was discussed in light of the fact that our current government states that it is against genocide but tends to merely give lip service. We desire to be a country that moves towards these situations with use of force when needed to help protect those who are being slaughtered. It is understood that by reaching out towards those in need of food, clothing, housing, etc these actions will over time build tremendous goodwill in a world that is moving rapidly towards greater and greater interdependence. A significant amount of time and money, especially during times of peace, will be put forth by our armed forces to reach out to the above peoples.
Also, and this is my idea not the group as a whole, we would consider having a mandatory year of service for all US citizens. This does not mean that it would be within the military but could be spent in a variety of ways.
Okay that is enough of this for now. At times I think that dreaming about what I wish our country or even our churches could be about might do some good but most of the time I am far less hopeful. Here is to hoping.
1. HUMAN RIGHTS
Our party holds that all persons have innate value regardless of their citizenship. We long to be a nation known for helping those in need and being the advocate of those who have none. Now of course no one is going to be against this value. It is basically like a politician saying, "I am pro children". Come on. I dare anyone to say out loud that they are anti kids and run for some popular vote. So the fact that we are pro human and serving those who are in need does not by itself have any bite. However this item was discussed in light of the fact that our current government states that it is against genocide but tends to merely give lip service. We desire to be a country that moves towards these situations with use of force when needed to help protect those who are being slaughtered. It is understood that by reaching out towards those in need of food, clothing, housing, etc these actions will over time build tremendous goodwill in a world that is moving rapidly towards greater and greater interdependence. A significant amount of time and money, especially during times of peace, will be put forth by our armed forces to reach out to the above peoples.
Also, and this is my idea not the group as a whole, we would consider having a mandatory year of service for all US citizens. This does not mean that it would be within the military but could be spent in a variety of ways.
Okay that is enough of this for now. At times I think that dreaming about what I wish our country or even our churches could be about might do some good but most of the time I am far less hopeful. Here is to hoping.
posted by Jon at
11:48 PM
4 Comments:
can you please elaborate on your "mandatory year of service for all US citizens" platform? thank you.
Well ms barga, this is what I am thinking. I think we should look at other countries that do this sort of thing, like France (goodness, did he say that!) and model a system after them. This would likely be a mandatory year after high school and could be served out in the military or in national or international aid organizations. This would hopefully move our population towards a greater sense of ownership in our society and a more thoughtful worldview based on their experience.
Thanks for humoring my ramblings with your question.
or like australia or germany (i think they both require a post-high school year of service as well).
so how are you going to do it? obviously not every family can afford sending a child away for a year for unpaid service. are you raising taxes?
i wouldn't say this is humoring you, jon. this is for real stuff. and especially since you have matt's ear (isn't everyone talking about how he's mr. utmost-successful in law school right now? at some point, i'm sure, he'll be approached to accept a bid for el presidente), your ideas are SIGNIFICANT.
here's to more...
I think you are correct Mary. What an educated friend you are. (do not read with sarcasm) I am thinking that taxes will have to cover at least part of this program but obviously more research is needed. Still I think the idea a good one and could lead to greater involvement in our country and the world for a life time. Maybe I am being idealistic but then again isn't that how all good things begin?
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