Notes on Revising Modern Democratic Society: .....See the updated version on the PDF and Word Page
Democracy is a now a (‘modern’) system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of a state or other polity, are directly or indirectly decided by “The People.” Supposedly, anyway. Democracy is also known as the best of a bad lot, not least because of confrontational politics, and, the inevitable pressure of money, plus vested interest, all vested in party politics, notwithstanding ‘one citizen one vote’. Thus, Democracy Rots three different ways:
First Rot: ‘Universal Franchise’ is really just a token gesture of voter participation in government. During office, there is always the continuing consideration of re-election, which in turn will influence actions, as well as policies, Bills et al. Then, along with too-often inappropriate choice of leadership, the universal franchise system becomes increasingly remote from everyday reality of life, by being prey to self-interest, scapegoating, and, vested interest, plus, apathy and disconnectedness within the electorate itself, viz, the Second Rot.
As well, the monetary system most associated with Democracy, that of Capitalism, is itself definitely undemocratic, as far as level playing fields, equitable distribution of wealth, and opportunity, are concerned….always, the freedoms to monopolise, exploit, aggregate, are seen as ‘democratic’ opportunities, plus, imposing plutocratic influence on the democratic system as a whole. The Third Rot of any Democracy, therefore, is Capitalism, and, better checks and balances are needed, especially re the exploitative, economically distorting, and, inflationary making, of money just made from money...effective goods and services functions are the stable backbone of a modern economy, not opportunistic money siphoning…. (Re Capitalism in the digital era, suggest: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20763854-the-internet-is-not-the-answer
History of Money https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI3K7L4WyiA)
Thus, ‘Democracy’, as we know it, does not truly represent the people, is not directly decided by the population, as candidates and policies are being decided by vested-interest political parties, and, the first potential for democratic rot is always vested in the prospect of the next election. Voters are encouraged to trust their representatives, to eschew any formal political education regarding government and its functions and responsibilities, and consequently, are even less directly involved. Parliamentary privilege and ‘Secrecy Acts’ also add to this dislocation of citizens’ personal participation and shared responsibility.
Separation of Powers, those of Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, at whatever level in a modern society, is always in peril in a rotting democracy...another serious consideration that must be constantly addressed. Meritocratic appointments should always supplant political appointments within society and government. These following notes are one voter’s attempt to heal, and chasten, to briefly prescribe means of preventing democratic rot, to evolve a more representative democracy. Humans, with their shared mammalian ancestry, are still herd animals, but, with our self-claimed intelligence, co-operative leadership should properly prevail, surely…? This is just an ‘acorn’ file, take from, or, add to, these ideas, ad lib and ad hoc….
Revision of Democracy:
1) Leadership by conscription is preferable to elected leadership that usually favours financial advantage, and/or vested interest. This will limit the wasteful confrontational of party politics. Might Is Right should never prevail in a modern democracy, either, because leadership, of one or more individuals, will then tend to be dictatorial. Plus, democracy, and government, should never be trivialised by becoming a public spectacle, at elections, or any other time. Showcased government is too easily just token government, also.
2) Peoples’ Forums should be formed to debate issues that will be advanced to decision-makers, especially avoiding putting the next election as a priority...modern democracy too often has next election as the main concern, rather than commonsense approach to productive Govt. Govt. priority, then, is Greatest Good for the Greatest Possible Number...with the educated consent, and support of the GPN. Thus minimising antipathy, confrontation, over-reactive dissent…. Plus the GPN decides what forms this ‘good’ should take, as well as social, moral, and ethical consideration.
3) Referenda more frequent, another product of People’s Forums. Lobbying at lawmaker level proscribed, so, lawmakers are just that, without any time-wasting, undue influence, incentivising, bribery, et al… Religion should have no part in Govt, and also be proscribed in education.
4) Disruptive protests banned, and systemic access such as People’s Forum used in lieu. People as part of Govt., involved with Govt., and, supporting widespread potential eligibility, many more have ‘a turn’, avoiding the destabilising and confrontational view of ‘Us v. Them’, especially when political parties and lobbying are involved. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41648995-democracy-hacked
5) No permanent heads of Public Service, rotation and/or conscription also. No lobbying at at parliamentary level. ‘Teamwork’ proscribed, emphasis instead on personal responsibility and initiative.… Always attention paid to the fact that a country without a past., or a revisionist past, jeopardises its own future, as does a country whose inhabitants say ‘my country right or wrong.’ Political reality should align with the real world, including the past and its consequences, and, healthy criticism should always subsist. Stable adults are then required to ensure that education at any level remain the common theme for an enlightened citizenry, thus, individual involvement and identity, within a commmunity, and recognising national identity, ensures stability, but never subjection.
6) Leadership criteria...objective psych profiles required..? Those who desire to lead should never be enabled to do so...especially since modern democratic politics means unlimited non-liability...no politician’s house is ever on the line..! Avoid narcissists, with their potential for obsessive self-interest and paranoia.
7) Emphasis of excellence should be for academic, technical, or sporting standards, rather than the ad lib gaining of wealth and/or power for its own sake. Spurious individuality causing excessive resource waste discouraged and/or heavily taxed, eg, auto industry, IT. Similarly, trivial personal notoriety, made worse in turn, by social media. The Market should be managed in relation to social conditions and priorities, plus living standards. Corporate responsibility should be a (socially transparent) priority. There is no real freedom of choice without adequate comparative education.…?
8) Education, comprehensive and comparative, as a sound national institution, should be more binding than flags, anthems, and sports teams. Civics should be taught in schools, including health and social and civic obligations, along with a high standard of comparative education. Streaming should be imposed so that the high achievers are not disadvantaged. Similarly, trade and technical skills should be respected, and streamed appropriately. Computer and IT use should be kept to a minimum, and, cursive handwriting should be taught, because enough evidence now exists to support this from the point of view of memory and recall. Also, regular school inspections should be for the purpose of maintaining standards, as well a being preparation for an adult working life. Similarly, examinations are a preparation for adult life, and a test of grace, initiative, and ability, under pressure. All pupils co-exist on the same school campus, with sport and other non-academic activities in common. School uniforms make a democratic point...and, a balanced individuality is expressed by achievement in general.
9) Keeping pupils at school until they fail will only manifest in social problems and skill shortages. All education free and compulsory to age 15, minimum, free if advancing, but, penalties with failure. Minority vested interest education also proscribed. Liaison maintained between Public libraries and School Libraries, especially regarding set books and basic curriculum. Public Libraries should reflect history and culture, and not just mindless escapism. Also, Libraries should never be just sheltered workshops in themselves, for inappropriate staff who just seek a sinecure and a refuge from real life, or, degenerate into trendy community centres. Their cultural and informational importance in society, and thus, due respect, must all be restored. All Head Librarians should have at least two university degrees, one being in Librarianship, and a Science librarian is optimal as well.
10) Full employment should be guaranteed, although a non-working income can be chosen, subject to conditions, but, at a cost -of-living standard only, so that those who wish to work should be rewarded appropriately, and, part-time work for all students should be guaranteed.
11) De-emphasise population growth, and, limitless economic growth, rather, emphasise population replacement and/or reduction in lieu, especially avoiding growth being all about markets and profit, instead of sensible and sustainable living. Licence to have children, rather than just to be married, which is failing anyway. Too many children are disadvantaged due to inadequate and unprepared parents..? Adolescence should be down-played, and/or, disregarded as a specialized sucker market, with voting age restored to 21 years.
12) After high school, all students should perform Social Service for 2 years, or Military and Civil Defence Services should be undertaken in lieu, all before Trade Training, and/or Tech/Uni. Mop and bucket in Casualty for adolescent driving offenders… Adulthood also to promote responsibility for, and participation in, volunteer community work on a regular basis. Thus, ongoing emphasis in participating within a community, at whatever skill or ability level possessed by an individual, and/or group.
13) Uni should begin at 21 years, and not be regraded as a kindergarten finishing-school. Tuition at Techs and Unis free, with a pass, BUT, repaid with any failure. (And/or, 3rd year and beyond free…?) Weeding out of the educationally less-committed is important. All degrees and qualifications should include advanced civics, environment, and social responsibility.
14) Media news should not be commercialised, censored, or LCD, and, an independent state-funded branch of the media should always exist. ‘Question everything, without fear or favour’ being an important tenet of true Democracy, and a sign of unfettered (and sensible) journalism
15) More communal approach to resource use, prioritise public transport, and, utilize alternative energy wherever practicable, with the main power grid decentralised. Spurious individuality induced by the private transport market made less dominant, with conurbations, transport networks, etc, built accordingly and sustainably.
16) Access to medical help should be via a Govt. allocation, aka a Social Welfare service, but, heavy penalties/insurance should ensue for those who practice substance abuse, risk-taking, bad health care, et al, and this should include those who offer services and goods that profit from mass ill-health.
17) Teamwork and tipping are to be avoided, one for fostering Us v. Them, the other because a decent wage is not being paid, and soon devolves into bribery, just as private health insurance does. Teamwork will infest Public Service if not proscribed...individual responsibility and accountability, at any level, should be staples of a stable democratic society.
Appendix:
1) Conscription for terms of leadership should be by an oversubscribed ballot, then suitable candidates chosen from these numbers in the Public Forum... proof of adequate general education, including Civics, plus, a specialized skill/profession in a useful field, no criminal record, and, good record of community involvement, or other similar special interest.
2) Voting at 21 years: eg, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/11/opinions/scary-results-from-16-year-olds-voting-first-time-germany-hockenos/index.html
3) Industrial and commercial credit should be restricted to a Loans Market, not a Stock Market, because of the tendency to prioritise shareholders over products, services, safety, salary and wages. Any interest rates at an individual level should be monitored to forestall crippling debt. Money needs to circulate freely within an economy, not be siphoned off by opportunistic or unscrupulous means, which also unbalances the economy, and engenders inflationary and unneeded conspicuous consumption.
4) More standardization in goods and services, parts, etc., avoiding proprietary lock-ins, and the subsequent waste generated by goods that cannot be directly and usefully re-used or recycled. More open-source view of progress, emphasis on quality for market share. Built-in obsolescence should be penalised. Such measures will aid economic health that will keep modern democracy stable, and sustain more money circulating within the economy, to be allotted more usefully, rather than value and resources lost.
5) Scrutiny must be maintained to curb inherent human cunning, greed, and stupidity undermining an optimum democratic and financial/economic status quo. Revolving office in key positions will be efficacious in this respect. Balloting for Government leaders and members also. No good democratic and financial intentions will be sustained by poor leadership, and an apathetic and undereducated electorate.
6) Strengthen the economy, and void unwanted political influence, by sending multi-national companies offshore; even national health will benefit, if fast-food multinationals are thus disenfranchised.
7) Comparative education should now include understanding the Virtual Age, IT, and consequent social and political implications. De-monetising education, at any level, will be more equitable, and more objective.
8) Democracy relies on non-coercive consensual stability to successfully subsist. So, no part of a democracy should be underfunded, unheard, under-educated, under-employed, under-utilised, disenfranchised, and, under-endowed, socially or resource-wise. This means that population numbers should always be congruent with the economy, and, economies of scale. Plus, this population scaling must be part of Homo Sapiens’ future as a species….
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/martin-ford/rise-of-the-robots/
9) The herd instinct that humans share with other mammals, which, with humans anyway, so easily leads to mass-following, mob mentality, gang mentality, mass hysteria, mass scapegoating, et al...better that this shared primal instinct be turned to fostering species-wide co-operation, if homo sapiens is really sapient…? Education, standard of living, satisfactory and relevant work, plus, manageable population numbers, in relation to resources, are the keys to this co-operation, capped by shared and informed involvement in world, national, and social governance.
10)
Pressing contemporary issues
such as climate change, sustainability, public health,
over-population, education, living standards, sensible
application of
public money, et al, will be far better served by
collective
decision-making, enabled by a conscriptive democracy,
free of direct
or indirect political pressures and lobbying, and,
supported by a
socially educated and involved population, rather than
by a
conventional politically managed democracy. The
latter model is failing abjectly, all the while
pandering to, and
freely accommodating, the worst of human nature and
motives. Greed,
stupidity, waste of resources, and, undemocratic
inequity and
inequality, inevitably prevail….
A Dangerous Silliness: “Teamwork” and the “Teamwork” Mentality:
1) Public Service-style bonding, also giving functionaries something to think about while working, apart from just calculating Salary and Entitlements.
2) “Leadership” when there are no leaders, a Shepherd for the Sheep without salary burden, a ready made haven of collective non-accountability and non-responsibility.
3) Public service-style religion, based principally on "Think Not, But Obey", while Feeling Good About Yourself, of course, similar to common psychopaths and their Destinies, actually...whilst ever-accumulating that well-deserved Superannuation.
4) The dedicated institutionalisation of said non-accountability and non-responsibility within the biddable functionary recruit, using quasi-religious principles of brainwashing and bonding, and thus, maintaining a positive Fountainhead of lowest common denominator intelligence and unoriginal thinkers.
5) A means of helping the intellectually mediocre, morally stunted, and easily biddable functionary to more readily succumb to peer pressure and Greater Organizational Ideals, while promoting Team Think and Political Correctness as peak cognitive standards, along with mock-earnest, goose-stepping, pseudo-intellectuality.
6) Identity formation aid and strengthener for non-realised personalities; a licence not to think, and to professionally obfuscate while ensuring systemic Team self-protection and enhancement, thus always favouring cunning over intelligence.
7) Social sweetener and belongingness facilitator for those otherwise socially inept and incapable of significant personal intellectual performance, or initiative.
8) Enabling the ineffectual functionary to abdicate personal responsibility for their conscience and anti-intellectual endeavor, and thus to be infinitely biddable in the services of whatever other ad hoc dubious agendas and vested interests.
9) A means of alienating and excluding better and harder workers, principled potential whistle-blowers, or people who just "don't fit in", all of whom would be consequently disliked or shunned for such unwelcome qualities. Intelligence and originality of mind are especially alien qualities shunned by practicing Teamworkers.
10) Ensures a ready-made pool of bullies, functionaries and brown-noses of potential value to any future totalitarian regime, well schooled in resorting to limitless nuances of the Nuremberg Defence, when expedient.
Work, the “Teamwork” Mentality, and the rest Of Us:
There are those who like to look at what they have done, There are those who like to look at what they have to do, Then, there are those who like to look at what they can avoid doing, by line of least resistance, who like to look on what others have had to do because of this avoidance, and lo, these are mostly called “Teamworkers”, because it takes a good “Team” to heroically strive for little effect, while being always hands off and heroic in stature, avoiding personal accountability and responsibility, yet always staying irreproachably clean.
Spot the suckers in the above list....
Mottos of “The Team”:
A Problem Solved is a Budget Lost; For Team, For EMPIRE!; Obfuscate! Deviate, Eliminate!; Collude! Dissemble! Deflect!; or, Productivity BAD, Re-Organisation GOOD!, and, that Principle Tenet of Teamwork Holy Writ, Procrastination, OK! (Relax, and don’t worry; whatever else happens, WE still get paid, no-one gets fired; when High Heads do roll, Their Entitlements are always sufficient to The Noble Self-Sacrifice Thereof.)
Add your own thoughts, pass on the message, plus, beware of "Teamworkers", Teammembers "Teamplayers", or whatever else they may purport be, no matter what their provenance; including, especially, Public Service, Corporate Sector, plus Politics, of course, and, wherever else a Teamwork-type mentality might, or already has, insinuated itself.
Where are all the impartial, intelligent, objective, and co-operative adults of intelligence and integrity when they are needed?
“Teamwork”, op cit, is actually the most degenerate form of Democracy. Apologies and commiseration to good sportspeople everywhere, for their respectable fair play identity being hijacked by those whose motives and deeds may be anything but sporting.
A checklist re potential leaders: Here is a comprehensive checklist describing key traits, all of which are most undesirable in a leader, adjust accordingly re gender:
1. Projects self-importance beyond position, experience, or what has been duly earned or deserved.
2. Has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he thinks he can achieve.
3. Often talks about his need to lead, to be in charge, or to exercise power.
4. Requires and seeks excessive admiration from others.
5. Has a sense of entitlement, expecting to be treated as someone special or given priority at all times.
6. Is interpersonally exploitative of others for personal gain.
7. Lacks empathy and is unable to recognize the needs or suffering of others.
8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him.
9. Is arrogant and haughty in behavior or attitude.
10. Has a tendency to see his problems as unique or more acute than anyone else’s.
11. Has an exaggerated sense of privilege that allows him to bend rules and break laws.
12. Is hypersensitive to how he is seen or perceived by others.
13. Interacting with this individual leaves you irritated, troubled, worried, upset, or anxious.
14. Tends to overvalue himself and his capabilities in almost all things.
15. Makes a point of devaluing others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy.
16. Has demonstrated little sympathy or empathy for others; nevertheless, expects others to show him endless empathy and support.
17. Is considered to be or acts like a bully.
18. Deep emotions appear to be difficult for him to comprehend. Seems emotionally detached at times when deeply felt emotions are most needed.
19. Has a need to control others and demands total loyalty at all times.
20. Repeatedly has violated boundaries of rules, privacy, secrecy, or social decorum.
21. Only sees his own problems and repeatedly ignores the problems or struggles others may have.
22. Has angry reactions to minor slights—seems to always have an ax to grind.
23. Seems to lack altruistic qualities—everything is done for a selfish purpose; rarely does anything for the good of others.
24. Is very thin-skinned, and any criticism is considered a personal attack.
25. Sees goodness as a weakness.
26. Has a need to habitually inflate personal accomplishments, deeds, or experiences.
27. When criticized, seems insecure and tends to lash out with anger or rage.
28. Acts imperious, not wishing to know what others think, have planned, or are concerned about.
29. Devalues people who work for him without consideration for their feelings, loyalty, or sacrifices.
30. Is disinterested in knowing more about you and others and lacks normal curiosity in others. In essence, he only likes to talk about himself.
31. At times, displays a certain coldness or aloofness that makes you think you really don’t know the true measure of this person.
32. Is inappropriately boastful of accomplishments and does so with frequency.
33. Doesn’t ever seem to feel guilty about anything he has done wrong and is unlikely to apologize or to show remorse.
34. Sees those who disagree with him as “enemies.”
35. Has resorted to cheating, conning, scheming, embezzling, or other criminal activity to achieve success.
36. Is a "wound collector"—constantly looking for and ruminating on social slights and grievances, which he never forgets.
37. Is often rigid, unbending, and insensitive in his thinking and speaking.
38. Tries to over-control what others do or think.
39. Demonstrations of empathy are short-term, superficial, or self-serving.
40. Doesn’t seem to reciprocate the attention, gratitude, or kindness of others.
41. Seems to lack tenderness, passion, or softness; everything is seemingly tension-producing or threatening in his life.
42. Uses insults to establish superiority, dominance, or control.
43. Becomes indignant when others fail to show absolute loyalty or when they publicly disagree with him.
44. One of these words usually applies to him: snobbish, disdainful, arrogant, patronizing.
45. Is unwilling to acknowledge his own mistakes, wrongdoings, bad ideas, or perilous actions.
46. Believes that others are always seeking to exploit or harm him in some way.
47. Sees nothing wrong with lying and coopts others to lie for him— lying for him is a way of life.
48. Holds grudges for a long time and is not forgiving of slights, even after many years.
49. He habitually questions the intentions of others and has shown to be distrustful of: a spouse, intimate relations, family, or workmates.
50. Is quick to anger or has been described as having a “very short fuse.”
51. At times is jealous with little or no justification.
52. Feels a need to be guarded, secretive, devious, and scheming, or thinks others around him are that way.
53. Is reluctant or unwilling to entertain alternative views; readily dismisses them.
54. Sees self as a victim of one or more of these things: life, society, foreigners, minorities, government, family, workers, conspiracies, cabals, etc.
55. Does not hesitate to insult others publicly, to debase them, or to engage in ad hominem attacks.
56. Is incapable of truly relaxing and seems to be constantly guarded, almost always serious, lacking in humor and joy.
57. Constantly looks for signs that others are conspiring or planning something against him.
58. Claims that past failings at work or in relationships have been the fault of others—he is never at fault.
59. Claims to have perfect recall of events and facts when in fact the information is often faulty, exaggerated, or biased.
60. His thoughts, beliefs, and prejudices are rigid and inflexible, and he becomes truculent or combative when challenged.
61. Is needlessly preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty of others.
62. Sees himself as excessively self-important or believes he is infallible—completely lacking humility or self-awareness.
63. There is a generalized anxious feeling of pending doom or that some sort of unspecified harm will befall him.
64. Seems to view the world in general as a place where one needs to be “on guard” at all times and that others are generally out to “get you” or will lie and deceive.
65. Often has an unrelenting, one-track mind about this or that issue and can’t seem to let go.
66. Insists that only he has a clear understanding of the threats that are out there, and in his view there are many.
67. Is overly demanding, pedantic, or arrogant.
68. Is highly inflexible in his thinking and stubbornly refuses at times to recognize facts.
69. Tends to be unromantic, lacking tenderness or empathy in his interpersonal relations.
70. Is distrustful of people who are different because of religion, ethnicity, place of birth, socioeconomic status, or because they are minorities.
71. Is all too often hostile, stubborn, or defensive.
72. Seeks to surround himself with people who only think as he does (other “True Believers” as defined by Eric Hoffer) or who contribute to “groupthink.”
73. Makes it a habit to frighten others or to make others fear for their safety or well-being by vilifying someone or a group of people.
74. Often and systematically overvalues himself at the expense of devaluing others.
75. For him, propaganda and deception are more important and useful than truth.
76. Is not above using or permitting others to use violence to quell dissent.
77. Relishes having an enemy to focus on and blame for when things go wrong.
78. Believes there is always a conspiracy or an individual trying to undermine him.
79. Recognizes, almost instinctively, that hate is useful, as it unites people in a common cause.
80. Truth and facts are whatever he spews out at any given moment without regard for facts, reality, truth,
or actuality. Mendacity is not an occasional occurrence; it is a way of life.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/spycatcher/201805/living-the-paranoid-narcissist