Imagining the Future, Our Way

Possibilities we hope for and plan for need to be defined. I will begin this process here, not end it. That is for the rest of us to do. Who how and when is up to the rest of us.

1.       The first possibility I yearn for most is world peace. This is the environment I picture to best nurture our hopes and dreams; it is very difficult to dream impossible dreams if we are struggling to fight other nations and survive the violence and death.

2.       With peace we have time and freedom to explore other pressing needs to solve. Primary among these needs is freedom of individuals to excel to their highest capability. The individual wins as does society at large.

3.       Unfettered access to education appropriate to the student’s ability and interest. This is a basic resource to fuel the person’s journey to excellence. It is also a basic investment in our nation's potential.

4.       Economic system that rewards initiative yet protects us all from excesses of capitalism or socialism; maintain a healthy basis between the two social ideologies.

5.       Justice, equality, and freedom for all. This is what we believe and for which we fought and died to obtain. Let it be our beacon forward but make it true and real. Remove all vestiges of false justice, equality, and freedom that remains in our social systems.

6.       Provide a social safety net for all; find a valuable role for those so supported by the net. Gain from the diversity of thought and talent from these individuals.

7.       Provide freedom of religion for individuals but maintain separation of religious institutions and those of the state. Healthy co-existence is one thing; influence and control is another matter best avoided.

8.       Allow and celebrate the confluence of mind, body, and spirit. Whole persons living authentically will create the best outcomes to be enjoyed by all. Society and the world village gain strength and peace from this.

Focus on each of the above will create the need for supporting resources – research, staffing, study and training, housing, transportation, technology and so much more. All are part of the whole. We need to allow each piece its own logic for being and gain appropriate support for it. Education systems, healthcare systems, public health and safety systems are examples of needed pieces needing support.

Identifying where all these efforts are best managed will be a critical issue. Universities are one key partner. So are private think tanks, and government agencies with proper oversight. The trick is to avoid ideological warfare while making decisions.

I realize what I have outlined here is utopian to some readers. I believe, however, that most readers will support the logic of the presentation. Feedback and comments will tell that tale. Let us see what happens.

November 11, 2021

 

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