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7.0.0 Politics - OverviewVersion 1.2 December 2013                                                       (Previous Version) Science and history tell us a lot about how people and societies work. We know that it is easier to motivate the masses with fear than with challenges; that high food and energy prices, and excessive corruption, lead to riots that can overturn governments; that loose credit leads to financial crises; that excessive resource consumption leads societies to collapse; that absolute power corrupts; and that ignorance and apathy also foster corruption. There are many “known knowns” in the political sphere. Experts can provide reliable guidelines to address numerous issues. Unfortunately, many, if not most, politicians are pitifully unaware of many of the “known knowns” in politics. We accept that life is complex. Many events are beyond human control – earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Many events have such complex human origins that they are unpredictable – daily changes in stock values, the popularity of a song or video, the impact of a law change. We are aware of these uncertainties. Experts can increase our probability of success by examining statistics and discerning trends. These “known unknowns” are the stuff of life in politics. Of course as individuals and societies we don’t know what we don't know. A wider knowledge of these global beliefs and values will help to minimize our individual ignorance as both politicians and citizens. Concerned and informed citizens must identify, propose and pressure politicians into adopting effective solutions to our global problems (see 0.1.7 Critical Issues). On global and national levels the “unknown unknowns” are the least of our concerns. The critical issues we are aware of have known solutions which address the inevitable uncertainties. As nations, groups and individuals, we have lacked the will to do what we know we can and should. It is essential in modern democracies to bring all people on the journey, via improved education. ------------------------- The introduction has a short summary of our conclusions regarding politics (see 0.3.7). The slightly longer overview below covers the same conclusions in more detail. Part 7 Politics: Conclusions                 (long version 1.2 December 2013)     We use our analysis of philosophy, science, history religion and culture, and our personal values, to develop guidelines for our political values and political action. ●  We need politics to deal with each other without fighting. ●  Mixed economies – regulated capitalism with safety nets – increase prosperity. ●  Democracy – elected governments, the rule of law, free expression – increase fulfillment. ●  Area government – local, state, and national governments – have the right to use force, under legal controls consistent with human rights, and must apply the law universally. ●  World government, through the United Nations and its agencies must be supported and made more democratic – equitable, transparent, accountable, meritocracies. ●  Everyone is responsible for our global environment, at risk from over population, pollution and climate change, especially area governments, with their coercive powers, and the ultimate area government, the United Nations. ●  We need to support, defend and extend non-government organizations, as a counterbalance to big government and big corporations. ●  We need to promote, through education to children and adults, further understanding of these global beliefs and values we adopt in this Reasonable Global Way. more
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