Friday, November 30, 2012

WORLD UNITY AS A GOAL




THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

A world without borders would require a number of modifications to a number of commonplace aspects of society.  Many of these would be improvements.  All would require input from, and decisions by, experts in the respecdtive disciplines involved in each such aspect.  I offer some thoughts, and respectfully submit some suggestions, concerning a few of these.  However, since I am a layman concerning most of the actual subjects involved; and in that I am not certain as to when, how, and in what sequence, these changes might take place; they are merely intended to constitute random generalizations and predictions.





Taxation

A worldwide system of taxation would need to be formulated.  In my opinion, this should be comprised of a uniform schedule of rates, applied to the universal economy, and voiced in the universal currency, that I spoke of in earlier posts (august 23rd to 30th).  It should, hopefully, be a more simple and direct system; absent of the hodge-podge that the American system, for one, has come to typify in recent years. 



Communications and the Media

A single worldwide postal system would come to be established.  Rates would be based upon distance, and expressed in the aforesaid universal currency.  No longer would quality and/or speed of service vary from country to country; instead, a uniform level of quality and performance could and should prevail worldwide.

In a number of places, postal service has come to be privatized.  It seems that a worldwide application of this concept, subject to governmental guidance and supervision, might be adopted.  Private "overnight" delivery services would continue to operate, on a worldwide basis, with fees based upon distance and/or difficulty of delivery, rather than upon countries of origin or destination.  Furthermore, the complications and expenses of customs and other cross-border formalities would no longer exist.

Radio and television stations could be permitted to operateand broadcast worldwide (or as locally as each one should wish).  Initially, their transmissions would be in original native languages.  However, later, they might include simultaneous broadcast in the new universal language as well.  These stations would no longer be voices of, controlled by, or compelled to broadcast material submitted or approved by, national governments--for there would no longer be any such national governments.  And, of course, the aforementioned world governing body should never be permitted to in any way involve itself in, or influence, the content of any broadcasts (except when clearly temporarily necessary for public safety or welfare--such as in the event of an emergency or catastrophe).



Ecology

As has been stressed in recent postings, serious worldwide steps would finally be undertaken to "clean up" our environment, and to prevent the ecological disasters that are presently on the way, due to the current reliance upon "sovereignty" on the part of certain nations as bases for refusal to do what is so clearly necessary.  Furthermore, there would no longer be any "poor nations" needing to sacrifice ecological and conservationist concepts for the sake of needed business activity and/or revenue.



Resources

The world's resources would now be perceived and dealt with on a global basis.  They would be available to all, subject to worldwide regulation; and, of course, private ownership, as appropriate.  Nations could no longer hoard them, withhold them, or make them available to recipients within different nations at varying favorable and unfavorable prices or terms.  This has become particularly prevalent in today's world regarding petroleum and other such energy-critical resources.  In a world without borders, there would no longer be a need for countries having petroleum-producing capability to band together for their common welfare, seeking to defend themselves against perceived enemy nations, by withholding, or charging higher prices for, their petroleum products. 

Agriculture, as well other aspects of food production, would continue to be a private pursuit (as it is presently in most parts of the world).  However, the needs of the world could be considered in a global context, and any shortcomings in production and/or distribution made up for via government, or government-sponsored, support or activity.  No more would there be famine in one country, while an overabundance in another causes the government of that latter nation to pay farmers to destroy some of their crop in order to support prices there.

In short, with a global orientation, hunger of any sort, or in any place, can and will be made to have become a thing of the past worldwide.

Rivers, lakes, and other navigable waterways would no longer be under the control of one or two nations--but, rather, accessible to all, and utilized sensibly for the benefit of all. 

Where irrigation were necessary--or its opposite, flood control--they too could be approached and available on a worldwide basis, with no national borders to restrict programs of establishment and implementation. 

Hunting and fishing, as a business endeavor as well as recreational pastime, could be licensed and permitted on a worldwide basis.  This would always be subject to global ecological and conservationist guidelines; which would need to be determined, established, and modified as necessary, by experts in these fields.

There would no longer be political border lines beyond which one could not range, nor waters which were claimed to be the exclusive domain of a particular nation, and therefore closed to all except natives of that country (or companies to whom licenses had been sold by the national governments thereof).



Housing and Development

Housing standards should likewise be considered and established on a worldwide basis.  Worldwide codes, having variation predicated upon climate and other considerations related to physical and global location, would be established by engineers, architects, and safety experts, regarding housing, buildings, construction, utilities, sanitation, and other such subjects; and enforced worldwide as necessary.

Obviously, development of ideal living and working environments will take time.  But the commencement of such efforts on a worldwide basis will begin to effectuate an eventual end to abuses and deficiencies regarding such matters--which were born of, and are today sustained by, local leaderships and local inadequacies.

The administration of cities could also be undertaken according to universal principles, directed toward the elimination of unhealthy and unsafe conditions anywhere and everywhere.  This would include the resettlement of people now trapped in the worst places, to newer, more advantageous, locations.

Adequate and proper housing for persons with special needs--including the aged, infirm, physically disabled, and mentally challenged--could also be developed and provided for all who require it.  Poverty and homelessness should be made to be a thing of the past.  Steps should be taken as soon as possible to relieve and eliminate both to such extent as should be humanly possible.  Once more, the absence of vast expenditures upon arms and armies would hopefully constitute an opportunity for significant steps to be taken toward such goals.



Education

Worldwide education seems to reuire particular attention.  Appropriate determination and planning for meeting the world's needs should be undertaken, so as to eventually provide for a sufficient quantity of people possessing adequate skills, in all requisite vocational fields, wherever they should be needed.

Programs to provide sufficient and proper education to all the world's children should be a must.  So too should there be worldwide advanced educational opportunities.  This could be coupled with mandatory post-graduate service in the graduates' respective callings.  In short, the object should be to eventually leave no corner of the world in darkness or privation due to ignorance or lack of resources or personnel.

As accessory to education, there should also be established a worldwide system of libraries, and/or other such sources of knowledge and information, comparable to that which presently exists in the more developed regions.  Present and future electronic advances should make this a feasible ambition.  As a universal language began to be accepted and used, such facilities could also include sections containing books and other sources of information in that format as well.



Employment and Labor Conditions

A worldwide system of employment opportunities should be available to all qualified persons from anywhere on earth.  This would be a true blessing--for it would constitute the maximum utilization of the world's educational facilities, manpower, talent, and capability, for the benefit of the entire world. 

There should be a worldwide standardized code of labor and employment regulations, so that employers and employees throughout the world could expect the same requirements, conditions, wages, and benefits.  Although I foresee and advocate a system of free enterprise, wages would come to be more or less uniform for particular jobs, at particular levels of skill and experience--whrereby by reason of the universal economy and currency as is herein advocated, wages would come to be more or less uniformly set in said universal currency.  This would serve to dispose of the reasons for, and thereby put an end to, today's "outsourcing," as well as the widespread occurrence of "illegal" immigration, by people seeking employment opportunities and higher wages in places beyond their national borders.  Pursuant to such a state of affairs as are herein foreseen, it seems that variations in wages or pay scale would depend only upon level of capability, experience, location of place of service, number of hours to be worked, and/or risks involved in the particular type or place of service applicable to that job.

Labor unions would and should continue to exist.  In fact, unions of particular sorts might join forces worldwide, forming single giant "mega-unions" for their trade.  In that wages as well as labor conditions would have thus become much the same across the globe, unions' parameters and demands would probably likewise become similar worldwide.



Medical Standards and Facilities

Worldwide conferences attended by appropriate physicians and other health care professionals should lead to universal medical and health standards, and a universal health code.  A worldwide system of adequate hospitals and other medical facilities should be another goal, and an eventual accomplishmehnt.  Medical, hospital, and other forms of necessary physical care should in time be made to be available to all human beings wherever they may be.  No longer should people in one place have a life expectancy beyond eighty years--while somewhere else, a person is  considered fortunate if he survives past forty.

Input by worldwide medical and health experts could result in the establishment of universal programs for immunization and disease control, as well as a worldwide organ donor and transplant system.

Minimum food and nutritional standards for all human beings should also be a must.  It seems that unimpeded universal efforts can and should conquer all instances of famine, starvation, and illnesses related to inadequate nutrition, wherever they should occur.















Thursday, November 29, 2012

WORLD UNITY AS A GOAL




I have been writing this with an obvious anticipated goal:  to implant a seed in the minds of intelligent and well-meaning people everywhere, that will hopefully form roots and grow, and one day flower forth as a world that reflects the oneness of mankind.  It would be a world wherein there will no longer exist any national borders separating people into needless and dangerous groupings.  It would be a world wherein people will no longer suffer imprisonment--consciously, if not physically--within distinct patches of territory called "nations," and distinct assemblages which I refer to herein as "factions."

I firmly believe, and attempt to demonstrate, that the most fundamental needs and desires of all human beings are similar, when not identical.  These needs and desires wear different costumes in different places; but, when dissected and analyzed down to their most primary fundamentals, I think we must all agree that they always contain, and consist of expressions of, the same basic elements--which include:
a.  physical, mental, and emotional comfort, safety and well-being--for ourselves; our relatives, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and associates; the members of the groups to which we feel a sense of belonging; the human race; and the world in general;
b.  freedom from harm, from fear, and from deprivation of any of our primary needs, rights, and desires;
c.  an opportunity for our individual selves, and those for whom we care, to live meaningful, fulfilling, and happy lives--in peace, in freedom, and in accordance with our own individual consciences, convictions, and aspirations.

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This new world, as herein envisioned, will nevertheless require a governing entity.  However, as I've stated in the past, I do not believe that people should be strictly "governed," or ruled over; rather, the world needs to be directed or guided by logical and objective standards, principles, and procedures--with the assistance of the most logical, objective, intelligent and capable persons and processes, who and which will assist in fostering and maintaining conditions that would produce fulfillment of these aforesaid needs and desires of mankind.

It is really but a simple, and oftentimes obvious, process to determine what conditions are necessary to produce comfort, safety, well-being, and opportunity for all of us.  The trouble--once more--is that man happens to be split up and separated into factions, each with its own self-interest and agenda.  This serves to prevent the implimentation and application of a single set of universal principles and operations directed toward the accomplishment of the maximum benefit achievable for each of us, and all of us.

As I have stated previously, the individuals who would determine these principles, and implement their application, ought not be chosen by reason of their "popularity," or personal charisma--or worse, having come into power by reason of their familial or social relationships or connections--or even worse yet, by snatching power via force, fear, or violence.  We have seen in the past--almost without exception--the mistakes, misdeeds, and outright evils that have been so frequently perpetrated at the behest of some of our "leaders" as they have been so chosen--or permitted by us to assume control over us--from the beginning of history, until the present time.

Instead, the individuals who comprise our government need to be persons who can logically and objectively assess the needs and requirements of the world and its people; identify resources available, or needing to be produced or acquired, in order to fulfill these needs and requirements; and formulate systems, as well as parameters, for the actual fulfillment of such needs and requirements, to such extent as this should be possible and practical.

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In retrospect, it becomes obvious that many of the endeavors undertaken to date by various of our present politically oriented governing persons and entities--mostly on an individual, piecemeal, and self-interested basis by each of them--would have been accomplished more economically, effectively, and appropriately, were they perceived, organized, and executed from a worldwide standpoint, by experts in the respective fields involved, and/or pursuant to systems and parameters determined by such experts.

It seems, in fact, to be a logical certainty that, at every moment, there exists a self-evident "best" means (i.e., most efficient and advantageous, while at the same time tempered by justice and beneficence) for dealing with every situation and condition that should exist or arise, regarding our world and our society.  This would require a certain seeming relinquishment of "control," and perhaps a consequent apparent "leap of faith," on the part of many people.  Most of us usually need to feel that we are "in control" regarding the directions and destinations of our respective lives, and those of our loved ones.  We believe that, by entrusting these prerogatives to elected officials, and to the minions consequently appointed by them (often their friends or colleagues), we have thus retained such control.  But in fact, by surrendering the administration of our lives to such usually inexpert "popular" leaders, we have actually given up more control over our existences and well-beings than we dare to realize.

It is herein suggested that we put our faith and our fates into the hands of people having the greatest quantity of knowledge, experience, capability, talent, and success, in the respective subjects involved.  These would have to be professional experts in their particular fields--having no personal or political agendas.  Methods and systems would admittedly need to be devised to determine, absent any and all subjective elements, the means of identifying these "experts," as well as means to ensure continuous loyal and honest performance by them of their functions.  Safeguards would need to be devised and put into place in order to insure the current and continued absence of personal, financial, or other improper or inappropriate motivations on the part of any or all of them, as well as the impossibility of private benefit or profit to any of them (or to any other person or entity of their choosing).  A very sufficient arrangement of financial and/or other compensation during said persons' periods of so performing would also need to be effectuated, in order to ensure honest and faithful compliance with the duties of their posts.

Of course, these "experts" must be individuals in possession of only the highest degree of qualification and competence in and for their respective roles in office.  Regression to "political" processes, or bureaucratic dallying, must be dilligently avoided and prevented in the course of determining who shall be requested to so serve the world and mankind.  Moreover, additional safeguards, including a system of checks and balances, will need to be in place, to make certain that there shall be no opportunity for degeneration into a form of world tyranny.

Personal rights and freedoms must always be regarded as sacred and critical objectives, when government policies and actions are being formulated and effectuated,  Although the application of logic to objective conditions and/or criteria may indifferently dictate particular policies, restrictions, or courses of action, the basic rights and freedoms of humankind must always be also factored into the equation.  Thus, pure, "blind," decisions, or excessive bureaucratic mandates, heedless of the personal circumstances and welfare of all or some of mankind, should never be the sole basis for the directions in which our governing body would proceed.

In addition, there must be an ultimate extraordinary opportunity for the people of the world to "change their minds," and reject what will have been established and accomplished.  Such an opportunity to "opt out" should require an expression of desire for such change on the part of a predetermined substantial percentage of all of us.  When and if this should occur, then, pursuant to procedures arrived at and agreed upon during the early period of "world government," one or more alternatives might be proposed, considered, and chosen.

Could such a massive alteration to the way the world is presently organized and operated take place in a single sweep?  I don't think so--but it can eventually be accomplished--if sufficient numbers are permitted to become aware of these suggestions; and if sufficient time and talent are expended upon the development of that which is so sorely and obviously needed by us all.

The human race is ready for such changes.  Union and consolidation began a relatively short time after the "Big Bang;" and it has been going on and on ever since.  An account of some evidences of this from our past is respectfully offered in my postings of March 13th through March 30th.  And this process continues to proceed forward, slowly and silently taking place all around us every day.  As it occurs, we nevertheless continue to protest and insist that such things as I foresee and recommend can and will never happen.  And, ironically, at the same time, we are ourselves simultaneously participating in the fulfillment thereof, during the daily routines of our very lives.  And, as we continue to move closer and closer together, the need for efficient and effective guidance and leadership, on a global level, by the most capable among us, and directed toward the well-being of all of us--instead of that of the governor, and/or of the faction that he governs--becomes more clearly apparent and more vitally important.

But, real and inevitable as this process and these changes may be, likewise real and inevitable is the danger that the human race may not survive long enough for this eventuality to become accomplished in its slow and gradual, natural fashion.  Or perhaps it will--but under circumstances wherein only a few survivors will be left to (probably gratefully) join into such a unified and sensibly governed body, within a world that had undergone one or more grave, self-inflicted, disasters.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

As we all know, various forms of scientific knowledge, and the forces and instrumentalities created thereby, can be used constructively or destructively.  It is also obvious to all of us that rivalry and conflict, such as regularly occurs among nation-states, hampers the development of scientific advances, and/or causes them to be developed for hostile and destructive purposes.  Furthermore, where scientific and technological activities are carried on competitively, and therefore often under pressure, undetected incompetence, as well as error caused by excessive haste, can lead to unpredictable rresults that could be disastrous.  Additionally, two states carrying on the same programs in competition with one another must constitute a measure of wasteful duplication in manpower, material, and resources.

Like everything else spoken about by me here, the scientific community also--and perhaps
especially--needs to be united in a global fashion, so as to be enabled to direct its efforts and pursuits toward the benefit of mankind, rather than toward competitive activities on behalf of respective nation-states, for potential use against one another.  Such activities ought be approached and conducted calmly and sensibly, on behalf of, and for the benefit of, all of humanity--rather than in the interest of one nation, in order to give it an advantage over other nations, with whom it may be in conflict--or worse, at war.  Scientific research and endeavor, and their resultant achievements, thus carried on and arrived at in an atmosphere of calm effort to discover answers and improvements--and not in an effort to "beat the other guy"--can and will produce more and greater achievements, and consequent reward to humanity.

It is thus self-evident that, if carried on for common beneficial purposes, and not in efforts to threaten and destroy a potential or actual enemy, our scientific community can provide us with a future that will be an era of sufficiency and comfort--rather than a grotesque nightmare of danger and destruction.

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THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS

Instead of the various individual nations continuing to squabble among themselves about things like proving their respective claims to national superiority, and/or their right to impose their domination upon people of other nations, reason and common sense dictate that everyone would be far better off if we all joined together to address and deal with the real problems and needs that confront all of mankind.  Many of the former military forces, who would be no longer required to menace and do battle with one another, could then be constructively employed to face and defeat many of these genuine enemies that threaten all of us.

Conferences should be organized, and attended by the world's leading experts in the particular fields involved, to consider and assess the needs, dangers, emergencies, and disasters that routinely affect our world; and to determine the nature, quantity, and disposition of such resources as we presently possess and/or need to develop in order to effectively deal with these problems.

Hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes regularly occur in various parts of the world, often causing many deaths and widespread destruction.  A devastating earthquake occurred in Italy in 1908, causing the loss of a hundred thousand lives.  Cyclones and floods in Bangladesh and Pakistan in 1970 killed half a million people.  On December 7, 1988, an earthquake struck Armenia, leaving fifty five thousand dead.  And, during that same year, a hurricane having winds of as much as 218 miles per hour struck Jamaica, leaving half a million people homeless.  Bangladesh was again devastated by a cyclone and tidal wave in 1991, bringing death to 120,000 more.  And a 1990 earthquake in Iran annihilated at least forty thousand human beings.

Numerous similar tragedies have occurred over the years, before the events referred to above, in between, and thereafter, in virtually every corner of our world, often at a cost of tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of lives lost.  Most recently, the North American continent as well as the Carribbean have felt Mother Nature's fury during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.  This was followed by a horrendous earthquake in Pakistan on October 8, 2005.  On December 26, 2004, a deadly tsunami struck a number of places in South and Southeast Asia, claiming approximately 200,000 lives.  And it is certain that these tragic episodes will continue into the future ad infinitum
                   
A global approach to such disasters is necessary.  People must be permitted, and even encouraged, to leave places that are shown by past history to be particularly and repeatedly prone to such tragedies.  The absence of national boundaries will serve to permit and facilitate such movement.  But further, and more importantly, personnel and resources must always be at the ready to deal with such happenings. 

When disasters such as the aforementioned occur, rapid and massive amounts of assistance, to such extent as should be required, must be available to be called into action immediately.  This means that such personnel and resources as might at any time be thus required should be at all times in place somewhere, and ready for utilization where needed.  In that such things might happen anywhere in the world, such placement must be in multiple locations, in numbers and types that are governed only by the likelihood of particular emergencies in particular locations or regions.  Further required are the elements of such post-occurrence assistance and resources as should be necessary to render sufficient aid to the victims of the episode in question, and for security, repairs, and restoration at its situs.

As stated above, conferences need to be held concerning such subjects, attended by experts in the various fields connected with such activities, to determine the nature, extent, and placement of such personnel and resources; and plans formulated as well for their effective application in the event of such various possibilities.  These plans should include prompt and substantial rescue efforts, medical assistance, such transportation as should be required, advice and counseling for the victims, necessary monetary and material assistance, adequate interim housing, help with insurance and other such problems, and prompt steps to restore the damaged places to such extent as restoration should be reasonable and appropriate.

If on a single given day--such as took place on June 6, 1944--we can launch tens of thousands of troops, with requisite ordnance and equipment, to do battle with tens of thousands of troops from the other side, we should be able to promptly dispatch the personnel and supplies necessary to promptly deal with any emergency or disaster which might anywhere occur.

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




ECOLOGY (cont.)

Undsafe Water

Unsafe drinking water is a subject related to unclean air.  More than a billion humans on this earth are still forced to regularly consume unsafe drinking water; while the wastes of over two billion people are disposed of in an untrteated state, back into the water and other natural resource systems of human beings.

Many urban centers in the developing world lack adequate facilities for disposal of toxic industrial wastes--pouring them as well into the ground, streams, and coastal shores--where they pollute domestic water supplies, and proceed to sicken and kill neighboring populations.

Like air pollution, these activities also need to be dealt with around the world via the development, by experts, of systems and procedures for the abatement and correction of such conditions on a global basis.  Then, these recommendations should be acted upon, necessary resources and changes put into place, and strict enforcement become the worldwide order of the day

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Abuse of Our Natural Resources

Another factor contributing to our present shameful ecological situation is brought about by plain and simple ignorance and thoughtlessness on the part of many who should know better.  This includes the squandering and abuse of our lands, and the products thereof, on a wholesale basis.

Land resources are blatantly mistreated in many places, with little or no regard for the conseqences.  For example, within certain national territorial boundaries, according to a recent survey by Time Magazine, "slash and burn" is carried on to such a reckless extent that the world loses as much as fifty two acres of forest every minute.  Add to this the toll wreaked upon much of the remainder of our woodlands by overharvesting, and we behold a sorry prospect indeed.

The building industry--which is said to account for a substantial percentage of the materials entering our global economy each year--needs to be controlled and regulated, so as to reflect a degree of concern for society's environment and ecosystems.  Moreover, the use of secondary materials needs to be encouraged in many industries--and perhaps mandated in some--so as to provide leftovers, and consequent hope, for future generations.

Only a single universal governing and guiding entity--above and beyond the constraints imposed by competition between the industrial standing among various nations--can succeed in effectuating such arrangements.

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Abuse of Our Seas

Another problem which has resulted from unwise, uncaring, and reckless ecological management is today's sorry state of our oceans and other bodies of water.  Pollution and overfishing have caused extinction to at least twenty percent of our freshwater species; as well as dramatic decreases in catches, during recent years, within thirteen of the world's fifteen major marine fishing regions.

Each coastal nation claims exclusive rights to an area adjacent to its shores, extending outward to an arbitrarily declared distance.  Then, pursuant to the same theory of national sovereignty as repeated by me before, that section of the world's seas is frequently overexploited and despoiled by the fishermen of that nation.  Add to this the harm rendered by oil spills, pollution which originates on land and runs into the water, and other ecological violations, and our waters are presently in an understandably sorry state. 

In this instance as well, a single worldwide guiding body needs to formulate and impose appropriate rules and controls for each of the aforesaid concerns, which will arrest, and hopefully reverse, the harm that has been visited upon our rivers, lakes, and seas to the present day.

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Monday, November 26, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




ECOLOGY

Another subject deserving serious concern on everyone's part is the sorry condition of the physical world from a natural, or ecological, standpoint.  Symptoms of the sick state that we have inflicted upon our atmosphere and our natural environment in general include shrinking forests, thinning soils, falling aquifers, collapsing fisheries, expanding deserts, and--probably most ominous of all--rising global temperatures.

Environmental risks and the results of unwise and damaging activities do not stop at the border of the nation that is permitting them to happen.  They cause peril to neighboring regions as well--and often to the world as a whole.

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Global Warming

Among the dangers that threaten our world, global warming seems to stand out as deserving of the most current and pronounced concern.  Numerous knowledgeable people warn us that there does exist a real danger of future calamity, unless steps are undertaken now to cease, or at least substantially reduce, the activities that are wreaking havoc upon the fragile ozone layer surrounding our earth.

The damage done and dangers created by global warming in particular respect no national boundaries.  Thus, the measures necessary to hopefully remedy this looming disaster must similarly be taken by all, on a united and universal basis. 

Presently, many individual nations resort to a claimed right of "sovereignty" as authority to employ only such lukewarm measures, regarding the burning of fossil fuels and other actions that contribute to the atmospheric "mess" that surrounds our globe, as that (wealthy) nation cares to--because it is beholden to noone; or that (poor or recently industrializing) nation dares to--for fear of losing crucial commercial capability and activity.

National sovereignty is an inappropriate and improper justification for offending nations to set their own more or less ineffective standards and timetables for their grudging adoption of corrective steps.  A worldwide approach, with worldwide enforceable regulation, would be the only way to produce meaningful reductions of these activities that are presently contributing to our eventual doom.

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Air Pollution

As ever-increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide accumulate in the air we breathe, more and more of our people suffer and die from pollution-related lung disease.  It is estimated that, in China alone, perhaps a million deaths occur each year as a result of the polluted atmosphere that hangs over many parts of that country.  And in the United States, the number of deaths resulting annuallyfrom this cause has been estimated at sixty thousand.

Among the causes of this worldwide menace to life and health is the burning of fossil fuels in industrial centers, as well as the rampant clearing of vegetation to make room for new endeavors, such as agriculture, grazing, and housing, in areas that should probably be left in a natural state.

Widespread encouragement and developoment of alternative forms of energy, such as solar, wind, and water power, on a worldwide basis, would likely save many lives, and produce a healthier atmosphere for all.  Of course, this is not likely to happen as our present condition of division into nation-states continues to prompt wealthy nations to rely upon notions of sovereignty to justify their lack of cooperation in these directions; and developing nations to claim a need to do the same in order to move forward into the ranks of the wealthy nations (whereupon "sovereignty" can be utilized to support continued offensive activity).  Only worldwide government can formulate and impose enforceable worldwide restrictions and programs, developed by experts, aimed at preventing further damage; and, hopefully, commencing restoration of our environment to a more healthful state.

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THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




SOCIAL CONDITIONS (cont.)

The Elderly

Another aspect of the life expectancy issue is that which is referred to of late as the "aging of the world's population."  Recent years have witnessed not only worldwide escalations in the number of elderly, but an increase as well, in much of the developed world, of the proportion of older people to younger.  It is estimated that by 2025, our planet will contain almost 1.2 billion people aged sixty and above.

Along with this, it is further noteworthy that a larger and larger proportion of these elderly are predicted to consist of people--particularly women--who will be over eighty years of age.  This will impose additional demands upon our health care systems, as well as the financia;l resources for providing such care.

There will be, among other things, a serious need for a greater quantity of, and broader variety of care within, hospitals, long-term care facilities, communities, and within our homes themselves.  The common goal should be enabling the elderly to stay healthy longer; and to remain at home, or near home, for more years of their lives.

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The Handicapped

The disabled and handicapped among us comprise another category of persons who deserve more attention than they currently receive in many parts of the world.  It is estimated that the human race currently includes over half a billion people who suffer from some form of disability.  Admittedly, and fortunately, many of these are relatively mild, and thus require little or no official help.  But this still leaves a substantial remaining number of persons who are genuinely in need of one or more forms of assistance or care.  And sadly, today, in the less developed places, programs directed toward such of the unfortunate among us are meager at best; and in the least developed regions, they are nonexistent altogether. 

Worldwide programs aimed at prevention and rehabilitation are necessary.  Resources and facilities for carrying out such programs should be established worldwide.  People studying for careers in fields related to these, as well as pertaining to many other such problems, could be required to perform internships as part of their programs of study.  I have long believed that the concept in general of requiring students who will in the future earn their livelihoods (in some cases rather lucrative livelihoods) by dealing with certain kinds of persons or problems, to "pay it forward" in the form of volunteerism or internship within their fields would often be helpful.  For it would serve to provide exposure and experience to these future practitioners.  Furthermore, it would furnish personnel and assistance, at reduced cost, rendered by people who were most truly interested and involved in the subject of their undertakings.

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All of these things can--and should--be accomplished.  But it seems that many can only become possible when the financial distractions connected with the maintenance of arms and armies by our present numerous national governments throughout the world become a thing of the past.  And this would be a good thing.  For it appears to be far better for man to deploy and expand his resources for higher purposes such as the suggestions uttered by me during the last several days--than to expend billions upon efforts to kill one another--in disputes having origin in the outdated phenomena of national identity and factional hostility.

My primary purpose is to persuade people to abandon our persistent "dark age" modes of thought.  This is happening anyway.  But we must hurry--in order to "beat the clock," within a world which, sad to say, presently constitutes a "time bomb"--lest some horrible tragedybefall us porior to world unity becoming accomplished in the natural course of events over the long term.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




D.  SOCIAL CONDITIONS (cont.)

Women and Children

Children are the particularly vital elements of this proposed brave new world--for they are the innocent victims of today's foolishness; and the potential heirs as well of the improvements herein sought.  They are in fact our only hope for tomorrow. And they will hopefully eventually take part in, and thank us for, the progress that is anticipated herein. 

Rates of child mortality need to be drastically reduced--especially in certain parts of our world.  Surveys show that the incidence of infant and child mortality in a place decreases as the average number of years of education had by the mothers in that locale increases.  Thus, appropriate education being made available to all on a worldwide basis--especially to women--will serve to save many young lives, in addition to providing as well a better lifestyle for the parents who receive it.  This education should include information pertaining to health, child care, and family planning.  It should also include lessons in family and household financial planning and activities.  Further, it must educate women to perceive themselves as equals, in places where this is not presently the case.  It is my conviction that women have actually always been the motivators behind, as well as the vanguards of, civilizational development.  Thus, I believe that increased education and equality for women will likely do more than numerically increase the vigor of the movement and transformations that are the subject hereof.  Moreover, I believe that it will result in a number of giant steps forward for all of mankind.

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Employment

Employment and income security are additional critical components of advanced civilized societies. Therefore, these must be likewise provided for, universally, in the worldwide society envisioned herein.  Everyone is entitled to gainful employment--including the handicapped who can perform same.

In a borderless world having a universal economy, wages would be basically within the same range for all employees of a particular type and level worldwide.  Although there would be a universal minimum wage, employers would otherwise be free to determine and offer such wages as they saw fit to particular job applicants.  However, under the influence of a single worldwide economy, this range of compensation would likely turn out to have become much more uniform than at present.  In this connection, equal pay for men and women is so fundamental a concept as to hardly deserve mention.  Thus, there should never be any variation in rates of pay based upon the gender of the employee. 

Notwithstanding what I have said thus far, there would of course always be variations within a particular job title based upon experience, competence, job site location, number of hours, etc.; but the present situation, whereby people in place "A" can be hired for a mere fraction of the wages paid to the people in place "B" for the same services--being, of course, the basis for what has come to be called "outsourcing"--will be over.

Labor unions ought continue to be formed and function.  However, they too would likely become worldwide organizations, seeking what would be more or less similar wages, benefits, and working conditions everywhere.

A worldwide network of (voluntary) employment placement service, coupled with worldwide safety nets of unemployment insurance and retraining programs, would need to be established.  (Parenthectically, in the atmosphere proposed herein, it might be necessary to establish a system of maximum distances from one's present domicile that an unemployed person would be obligated to seek and/or accept a new job, in order to avoid forfeiting continued unemployment benefits.)

Child labor and other forms of expoloitation would also have to be defined and controlled worldwide.  The foremost consideration regarding child labor would be the deucation of a;ll children to a certain minimum level.  A family that truly requires one or more of its children to work instead of attending school in order to survive is clearly entitled to some form of public assistance in order to avoid this.  (Of course, family planning would also assist in this regard.)  

Other forms of human exploitation--including slavery and forced prostitution--would need to be declared illegal, and thus forbidden and prevented all over the world.

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Life Expectancy

More widespread education, together with improvements in healthcare, woule moreover serve to do more than decrease infant and child ,mortality; they will also cause life expectancy to increase in many places, and to eventually reach more or less equally higher levels worldwide.

Although excessive population growth was cited a short time ago as an undesirable thing, the remedy for that issue must be found in appropriate educational and family planning measures.  Notwithstanding, I bring up the subject of life expectancy here because it reflects the great ineqalityin living conditions as well as quality of life among people in different parts of the world.  For example, today, life expectancy in Japan and Hong Kong is 82.9 years; in the United States it is 78.2 years; while in Zambia it is but 42.4 years; and in Swaziland and Mozambique, only 39.6 and 39.2 years respectively.

This is shameful evidence of the fact that, at a time wherein humanity is capable of sending people to the moon, and spacecraft to Mars and beyond, conditions here on earth have been permitted to remain so unfavorable in some places as to result in life expectancy being less than half that which it is in other places.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




D.  SOCIAL CONDITIONS (cont.)

Poverty

Another condition which of late has begun to take on its own character as an individual and indepe ndent problem, to be confronted and defeated in and of itself, is that condition known worldwide as plain and simple "poverty."  Poverty has always been associated with, among other things, hunger, illiteracy, poor health, and crime.  It usually prevails more predominantly in places having pronounced i8nstances of uneven distribution of wealth.

While private property, free enterprise, and private entrepreneurship are endorsed and encouraged by me, there ought be some means established whereby the gap between rich and poor will be somewhat naturally narrowed.  Programs such as land reform and better access to education for the poor have been suggested in the past as possibilities.  They are referred to as "pro-poor growth strategies";  and both seem to be "win-win" policies.

The former would have to be a program shaped by experts.  Above all, it should never entail simple appropriation of privately owned real estate without just compensation therefor.  On the other hand, the elimination of national borders together with the elimination of national governments might serve to make a certain amount of government-owned land available for distribution pursuant to such an enterprise.  And I am certain that many other ideas pertaining to such concepts could and would be conceived and implemented.

Similarly, the availability of education to all on a universal basis would hopefully banish ignorance, and enable many more people to create better lives for themselves.  Of course, financial assistance to students, and/or their families, would also be required to be in place, for the period, and to the extent, that said student is unable to work because of school attendance.  (Repayment can, of course, be later anticipated, via resort to something like the present concept of government "student loans";  and/or by means of repayment via volunteer work on the part of such new graduates.)

At any rate, and under any circumstances, poverty deserves to be viewed as an actual separate evil, that needs to be isolated and stamped out, for the good of not only the recipients of such assistance, but for the ultimate benefit as well to all of society as a whole.

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Population and Resources

An ever-expanding population, being a problem which happens to be particularly prevalent in less developed countries, spells trouble for all of society.  Six billion people is a dangerously large number for our earth to sustain in its present condition.  Moreover, it is sadly noteworthy that at least one billions of these humans are ill, malnourished, or both.  This ongoing population "explosion" is further complicated by the prevailing exodus of many younger people from rural to urban areas within their countries.  It has led to increases in urban populations that outstrip the immensity of our overall numerical population growth in general.  And, particularly in the less advanced parts of the world, the result has been the development of "megacities," which often include "shanty slums," rife with poverty, crime, and disease.

This can be partly attributed to the fact that, in today's world, people are trapped within their boundaries--boundaries that often define a small poor nation-state, having little in the way of resources or opportunities that would enable such pathetic souls to rise above their present condition.  Instead, they can only flit about, seeking succor for their actually unsolvable problems.  Help is perceived as hopefully to be found in the capital, or some other large city, within their country.  Unfortunately, many of these people, originally hoping to find a chance to build a better life, discover that conditions there are no better, and perhaps far worse, than in the places from which they emigrated.  But lacking the means or motivation to return, they stay on, adding to the overcrowded confusion, and becoming participants in, and part of, the mischief and squalor.

In this regard, a single worldwide government would need, and be able to fashion, plans whereby urban distribution would be better balanced, present urban slums removed or corrected, and future places like this prevented from coming into existence in the first place.  Safe, secure, and healthy new places for residence could be built, by private developers and/or government, in order to offer quality housing for those who need it, where they want it.

A major cause of famine in particular places has often been overpopulation within those places--as well as uneven and unfavorable distributions of persons and resources in various parts of the world.  From the tragic food shortages that struck India at the turn of the twentieth century, claiming more than a million lives; through the disasters that accompanied China's "Great Leap Forward" in the 1950s, during which over thirty million perished; to Ethiopa's loss of aver a million people to starvation in 1984 and 1985; the cause has each time been identified as being an excess amount of
people within a particular nation-state or locale. 

As stated above, our overall world pop;ulation has increased from two and half billion to well over six billion since the middle of the twentieth century.  With these increases have naturally come increases in demand for just about everything that we eat and use.  Demand for grain has nearly tripled; desire for seafood has increased fourfold; water use has tripled; and we now consume three times the quantity of beef that we used to.  Meanwhile, the growth of our grain harvest has slowed; the land areas which produce many of these products have decreased; and our itrrigation sources have at the same time exhibited little or no growth.  As a result, many people are forced to live their lives attempting to feed themselves and their countrymen, within places defined by national boundaries, that are far from favorable for doing so; and thus experiencing regular frustration, and occasional disaster.  At the same time, in other places beyond these borders--on the other side of the world, or perhaps just a short distance away--areas of land that could yield a solution sit uncultivated and unused.

There are some parts of our world where growing conditions are so unfavorable, or farming and production methods so backward--or both--that shortfalls regularly occur.  It's time to put an end to these tragedies once and for all.  It's time for all of the world to share in all of the advances that have been accomplished to date.  It's time for agriculture and food production to be approached from a worldwide perspective; and for today's methods to be made available to all.  It's time to enable people who have been compelled by national boundaries, for years, and even centuries, to confine their activities to a certain limited unfavorable locale, to be given an opportunity to move on to more favorable places within their world. 

                                                                        * * * * *

In connection with all of this, our runaway population growth needs to be viewed and managed on a global basis..  People in unfavorable or unproductive places should be able to legally move on to more advantageous locations--as an improved lifestyle probable increased prosperity, and greater educational availability, would likely simultaneously serve to reduce the rate of population growth among these very people as well.  Programs and assistance could and should be put into place for such people, in order to control such movement to a certain extent; as well as to render logistic and financial assistance to those who need and desire to so relocate, so that this can be accomplished in an orderly and efficient fashion.

In a world without borders, people from anywhere could seek opportunity everywhere.  On first hearing this, the average listener's vestigial emotions concerning tribe and territory may become aroused and offended.  One might initially envision hordes of hungry disadvantaged people descending upon us in our comfortable places, seeking to snatch and devour our plentitude.  But this is not likely to happen--just as it does not occur today.  In fact, it probably could not possibly happen, if all is well planned and prop;erly coordinated.  People possessing so little as to be unable to feed themselves will not board a plane for Nerw York or London, in order to invade shops and homes in their quest for a share of the wealth that is there.  Moreover, invasion is invasion, and crime is crime, wherever and whenever it occurs.  In that the universality suggested herein does not apply to property or possessions, such acts, even if they could occur, would constitute crime, and be dealt with as such. 

 On the other hand, the complaint commonly expressed in twenty first century America concerns "undocumented aliens" crossing our borders and thus gaining entry into our country in order to take jobs that would otherwise go to our citizens.  In the first place, this current problem is usually confined to individuals who seek work that the average citizen of our country will not wish to do.  For example, the average citizen of the United States would likely remain unemployed before he will join the groups of "day laborers" who congregate in certain streets of many of our cities, at certain early morning hours, hoping to be employed for the day--at a substandard wage--in effort to accumulate a sum of money, of which a major portion will usually be "remitted" to family in his native country.

But if there be a unified world, with a single economy, a single currency, and a single set of laws and standards, it seems logical to expect that wages in place "A" will be no different, or higher, than in place "B."  And so (although he would be able to do so), a resident at place "A" would be unlikely to leave home and family and trek to place "B" in search of employment.

Of course, we must acknowledge the other danger which proponents of borders and their enforcement regularly, and properly, refer to:  the fact that some of these invaders are coming here to participate in illegal drug trade.  However, as has been stated a few paragraphs ago, crime is crime, wherever it occurs.  Thus drug traffickers are criminals; and they must be prevented and apprehended--whether they get from place "A" to place "B" by swimming a river, climbing a fence, or flying in First Class on TWA.

                                                                * * * * *

Famiky planning is another concept that is obviously desparately in need of implementation.  It would likely be a natural consequence of the more widespread educational and economic opportunities that would prevail in the unified world that is urged herein.

Family planning needs to be encouraged and promoted worldwide, via education concerning such subjects, and emphatic recommendations relating thereto.  This is a subject that should not--and moreover could not--be realistically imposed upon any peoples or cultures.  But it is hoped and anticipated that more widespread and increased education, coupled with happier and healthier lives, will induce many to further improve their respective lots via the production of less,and consequently better cared for, offspring.  Moreover, other motivations and programs pertaining to family planning might be fostered, encouraged, and rewarded, via methods that are, again, left to our experts to devise and promulgate.  On the other hand, such motivations and prpograms must never offend or tamper with people's personal cultures, consciences, or religious faiths.  However, I do believe that this, as well as just about anything else, is basically capable of accomplishment, via resort to proper approach and formulation, ever mindful of individuals' rights and liberties.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




D.  SOCIAL CONDITIONS (cont.)

Health

Health concerns and health care comprise a subject of great importance to all of us.  Every human being is entitled to an opportunity to lead a happy and healthy life; and to adequate, appropriate, and affordable medical services, for maintenance of good health, as well as treatment and care for illness, injury, and disability.  It would be the duty of a worldwide government to assess the health and medical needs of all people, and to effectuate plans for the provision of sufficient and appropriate facilities and personnel to properly meet those needs.  Regarding the costs connectewd therewith, there would likely need to be established a form of worldwide health insurance, which would be financed by all wage earners, according to income level, and supplemented by employer and government funding.  Nutrition, sanitation, and immunization needs should also be determined and provided for on a worldwide basis.

A particularly important health issue pertains to drinking water.  A recent World Health Organization survey of eighty nine countries determined that less than three-quarters of their urban populations, and only forty two percent of their rural residents, had access to safe drinking water.  This absence of a basic human entitlement--probably compounded in some places by the fact that people on this side of the line are not permitted to obtain water on that side of the line--ought be remedied as soon as possible.

In addition to these steps, research must be continued and expanded in efforts to finally conquer nightmares such as cancer, heart disease, and AIDS.  Furthermore, and even more disgraceful, is the present continued existence of numerous ailments for which prevention and treatment are readily available; yet from which too many people--including ten million children under five years of age--die each year.  These include a multitude of infectious maladies, diarrhea-related ailments, acute respiratory infections, and malaria.  To my thinking, permitting people to continue perishing from sickness for which prevention and/or treatment readily exist is tantamount to countenancing murder.

Once more, I would venture that the absence of the huge costs connected with military spending in every country would suffice to cover much of the added medical expense that these suggestions would occasion.

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Hunger

In recent times, the world's food production has risen significantly; and even more widespread production is readily achievable.  And yet, ironically, millions upon millions of men, women, and children continue to be underfed and undernourished.  In fact, a considerable percentage of them are actually starving to death.

Famines and drought still strike all too frequently, taking their toll--particularly among the young, elderly, and infirm.  Famines have been with us since Biblical times, and doubtless long before.  But in this day and age, with all the resources and technology that are available to us, it is a shameful disgrace to permit a single human being to go hungry.

Food shortages can be attributed to to a number of causes--for all of which a remedy is either presently within our grasp, or easily capable of attainment.  When famines strike today, they are usually viewed as "national" problems, and limited amounts of aid are tendered via governments and organizations within other countries.

A further factor behind several recent episodes of deadly hunger has been the occurrence of warfare in certain places.  There, people are unable to pursue their regular agricultural and other productive occupations.  And so, the entire population within that locale goes hungry.  Furthermore, food aid mercifully sent from outside often does not reach its intended beneficiaries, because it is snatched up and consumed upon its appearance by the combatants whose paths it happens to cross.  Or should it be not thus needed by the belligerents who happen upon it, it is confiscated nonetheless, lest the "enemy" might need and obtain it.  In either case, the suffering innocent citizenry for whom it was intended never receive it.

In a borderless world, food production, food supply, and food distribution can be viewed and dealt with on a worldwide basis.  Scarcity here can be offset by abundance there.  There would still be farmers and farm organizations, who would produce crops for profit.  But none should receive subsidies in return for refraining from growing a certain type or quantity of crop--if it is needed somewhere;  or worse, as recompense for destroying all or part of their harvest.

Farm prices and food prices would in addition be basically uniform throughout the world.  The only differences in final cost to the consumer might be related to expenses regarding transportation and/or storage.  And perhaps this too might be corrected via a form of government assistance for the purpose of "averaging out" of prices in order to maintain uniform levels and availability.

What the world basically needs is a single worldwide regulatory agency, consisting of a body of experts, whose principles would be based upon the well-being of the world as a whole--rather than economic or other benefit to a particular nation and/or its people--whose determinations would result in enforceable  law.  The consequent rewards may consist of our being saved from a tragedy of mass hunger that might one day come to destroya great many of us.

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THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




D.  SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Human rights and social conditions are not purely domestic affairs.  They are worldwide affairs, of concern to all of jus, wherever we may be.  The human race deserves a world that enables people to be happy, healthy, productive, and fulfilled.  In this regard, we would need to install a world governing, or guiding, body that shall be apolitical in nature.  As described earlier, it should be composed of experts in whatever fields there should be that would require such expertise.  As such, it would pursue but a single goal:  the provision of service and benefit to all of mankind.

The goal of government is not to legitimize a particular political establishment or power arrangement.  It is not the active pursuit of dominance over, and/or the provision of protection from, other governments and their peoples--which other governments are simultaneously functioning in accordance with these same ill-suited motives.  Instead, the goal of government should be to promote the health, welfare, security, freedom, and protection of all; and to insure as well an atmosphere of peace, assistance, and encouragement to all.

It is the duty of government to furnish the services that will result in an appropriate quality of life for everyone.  If everyone worked together, under the guidance of a governing body composed of experts, toward the accomplishment of these things--instead of numerous governing bodies, composed of politicians and worse, wastefully in conflict with one another in the interest of personal, political, and national agendas--much could and would be achieved.  It is time to put common sense ahead of emotion; and practicality ahead of selfish self-interest.  Without the burden of feuding national governments, and their self-defeating egocentric policies, mankind can fashion a world that would be effective, efficient, and beneficial to everyone.

The human race requires and deserves a worldwide network of schools, medical facilities, and roads, to name but a few of the numerous present deficiencies that stand out in our world.  Among other things, we require worldwide children's services, educational institutions, health facilities, and assistance to the elderly and handicapped.  Under the guidance of experts--instead of politicians seeking reelection--agriculturaL and industrial production can actually be increased worldwide, illiteracy and disease truly overcome, and living standards elebvated.  Freedom, human rights, and improvement of the human condition--which are the entitlement of everyone--can reaslistically be achieved.  In such an atmosphere, poverty, hunger, disease, and infant mortality xcan and would be reduced and overcome everywhere.

Public policies need to be put into place that will secure universal economic stability, expanded educational opportunities, reduced unemployment, and greater income equality.  This is within our capability right now.  Systems need to be devised and implemented that would put an end to drought and famine.  In places wheere this should prove impracticable or impossible, a world without borders would afford resident victims the freedo0m to move on to places that are not so affected.  This too is a fundamental human entitlement.

Solcial volunteerism should always be encouraged, and perhaps at times required.  In a prior posting, I refer to the possibility of making it mandatoryfor the recipients of medical and other such prospectively lucrative degrees to serve mankind in some needful part of our world for a period of time.  Moreover, I have spoken of the advantage of teaching people in needful places to meet their own needs, as preferred to the mere furnishing of aid or assistance to them.  Thus, an intense system of social volunteerism, and possibly even a "social draft," aimed at endowing the local residents with the skills they require is probably the most favorable way to approach this goal.

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THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




C.  OUR ECONOMY (cont.)

Corresponding with, and complementing what I've said about a universal economy, our world would require the establishment of a system of uniform currency.  As I've stated in the past, the present existence of numerous currencies, having relative values that are constantly changing with regard to one another, is a source of problems and confusion.  It creates profits for money traders--but their activities accomplish little or nothing in the way of benefit to the rest of the world. 

A uniform worldwide currency system makes sense, and is necessary as part and parcel of a worldwide economy.  A unified world with a single currency would put an end to economic and monetary policies being pursued by national governments for political purposes.  It would avoid the occurrence of inflation due to monetary instability within a particular nation.  And it would put an end to the phenomenon whereby inflow or outflow of foreign capital comprises a cause of inflation or deflationof the value of that nation's currency.

A single currency would sound the death knell for the concept of "seigniorage," whereby unfair privileges (including self-serving inflationary policies) are options belonging to the dominant nation having the day's primary currency.  It is needed in order to end the present situation whereby fluctuations in currency values of different nations serve to cause and create variations in the ratio of imports to exports between them.  It is necessary as a means of ending the sudden changes in the value of one's investments abroad that can occur on account of a modification of currency value within the nation wherein such investments happen to be. 

We need a unified world having a single universal currency so as to put an end to the concept of "deficit nations" (being the term used to denote countries that live beypond their means) and "surplus nations" (meaning those that do not).  There will only be individual debtors and creditors, within a worldwide field.  The only fair and logical way to repay a debt is to pay it back to the creditor in the same form and value as that in which it was borrowed or created.  No longer will a deficit nation be enabled to impose disadvantages upon its innocent citizens via "adjustments" of currency valuation as regards that of other nations, as a means of diminishing the effect of its situation as a debtor to other nations.

In view of the foregoing, it should appear obvious that the logical answer to all of this unfair and hurtful confusion can only be found in the establishment of a single worldwide currency.  It would have the same value everywhere; and be thus devoid of potential for serving as a medium for economic tinkering, nor as a basis for economic problems, anywhere and everywhere.

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Monday, November 5, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




C.  OUR ECONOMY

In prior postings, I described my perceptions of the disadvantages and harms wrought by the continued existence of a hodge-podgeof economies and currencies in a world of numerous nation-states; as well as the benefits that could be derived from the establishment of a universal economy and currency.  I venture to herein describe my conception of what an international economic system ought to entail and contain.

The second half of the twentieth century constituted a period of vast economic growth and expansion; and such growth and expansion continued on into the first years of the twenty first.  These phenomena have taken place within an increasingly borderless playing field, which we today regularly refer to as a "global marketplace."  (Unfortunately, ravenous appetites coupled with lax regulation have led to contraction and calamity during the years following--whereby a substantial quantity of sensibility and cooperation over a period of time will be required to eventually achieve recovery.)

Notwithstanding, as trade barriers have cumbled, tariffs decreased, and costs of transportation and travel reduced to lower and lower levels, a single unified economy has consequently begun to make its presence felt worldwide.  To a certain extent, our economic world has evolved to a point where it resembles a single country, wherein the most developed sections provide services, while the developing areas engage in manufacturing, and the least developed sectors continue to be primarily involved in agriculture.  In such an economic environment, the individual nation-state has become increasingly incapable of regulating and managing financial goings-on--and has, in fact, become more or less irrelevant as a component of the economic equation.  As has been asserted by me in the past, economic zones are emerging, replacing national economic entities.  Such zones may fall within the borders of a single nation; lie partly within portions of two or more nations; and/or overlie the boundaries of two or more countries entirely.  Investments and economic operations are increasingly carried on in a global context; and the multi-national corporation, as well as foreign direct investment, have become common elements within the global economic picture.

The European Union has sought to strip away such internal barriers to economic activity as should remain within the European continent.  This might be compared to earlier efforts undertaken by nation-states to remove internal barriers within their respective borders that had been inherited from feudalism; as well as the shedding of such barriers by the several states that united to comprise the United States of America.  This progression now continues further along on an international basis, resulting in a widespread and continuous array of economic relationships and activities, that require assistance, control, and regulation from an international standpoint.

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First and foremost, our internationalized world economy requires the worldwide harmony and secure political foundation which only a single global government would provide.  In a stable political, legal, and economic atmosphere, regulations governing worldwide economic activity could be freely and fairly promulgated for the benefit of all.  Such regulations should encourage and promote private ownership, free enterprise, individual entrepreneurship, and a free and competitive marketplace everywhere.  Financial resources and activities would thus be encouraged to be distributed and carried on worldwide.  A global central bank would need to be in place, to function as national central banks do presently.  Also necessary would be an effective worldwide legal system, to enforce contracts, process bankruptcies, and perform any and all other such necessary functions, in a fair and equitable fashion.

An international currency would be the basis of a uniform system of wages and prices.  This would obviate the need to "outsource" functions of region "A" to personnel in region "B" halfway across the world.  It would furthermore put an end to the ambitions of thousands of "illegals" to scale fences or swim across rivers in order to pursue the lure of vastly improved wages on the other side of a border.

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While I advocate a logically planned economy, I do not endorse an economy that is itself planned.  That is to say, I perceive and testify to the need for an economy that is arranged in accordance with sensible and logical principles and priorities--but I believe that the international economic system that ought be thus derived should be permitted to function and operate freely, and without the shackles of an overall economic plan.  During the post-World War II years, resources and capital in the U.S.S.R. were owned by the state, with economic and industrial activity planned and dictated by public authorities.  During these same years, American resources and capital were privately powned, and their implementation determined via private entrepreneurship.  The eventual results of both styles are readily apparent.  Free enterprise and entrepreneurship seem to have clearly proven themselves as superior to nationwide planning, as attempted, for example, by the U.S.S.R. every five years, durting this period of our history.  And it is rather certain that in the years ahead, this will continue to hold true.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with resort to mild innovations, such as "tapping the ,minds" of mankind's most brilliant economic professionals concerning arrangements and details for our worldwide economic and monetary systems.  Or perhaps, borrowing from the West German Federal Republic's "codetermination" policy, programs whereby employees are given seats on the Board of Directors of their corporate employers would succeed worldwide in bringing labor and capital more harmoniously together.  Another possibility might involve open investment by the government of public funds in private endeavors--particularly "start-ups"; in return, of course, for a proportional share of the profits.  Once more, these are merely suggestions by a layman; I am certain there are many more qualified professionals who have better and/or additional proposals.

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A recent World Bank study has determined that free trade, and a free flow of economic activity, worldwide, operates to raise everyone's standard of living.  Toward the end of the twentieth century, the poorest twenty percent of humanity were engaged in only one percent of world trade.  This has been said to be primarily attributable to the trade barriers that the more established nations erect and maintain as an impediment to the potentially competitive exported products of developing nations.  Such conditions foster and preserve poverty and suffering over large areas of the world, and consequently upon great numbers of people.

In a borderless world, the international economic system would be such as to constitute a final termination of competition on an economic level between and among nations.  It would obviate the need for the formation by a group of nations of "special interest" groups (such as O.P.E.C. today).  The entire world would be one's source of raw materials, a place within which to establish one or more production facilities, and a place to market the resultant goods and services.  There would be no protective tariffs.  Instead, a worldwide free market would prevail.  The terms "current account" or "balance of trade" (referring to a nation's imports versus its exports), as well as "capital account" (referring to a comparison of foreigners' purchases of a nation's assets against its own citizens' purchases of foreign assets) would no longer be relevant--because there would no longer be such a thing as a "foreigner" or a "foreign country."

A single unified worldwide economy would avert the aforementioned need for the "outsourcing" of jobs to the other side of the globe due to the vast differences in wages in that place--which differences are usually a function of other economic and social factors that have developed within, and on account of, the borders that enclose and separate the people of that place.  Instead, only world conditions would affect and determine the world's economic situation at any and all given moments.

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In a unified world, there would be no larger and smaller nations, no more advanced and less advanced nations, no wealthier and less wealthy nations.  This is a logical and propoer state of affairs because, among other things, it would put an end to nation "A" straining or depleting its resources--usually at the expense of its citizens' rights and comforts--in order to "keep up with" or "catch up to" nation "B."  Instead, the world would be a single playing field, containing some wealth here, and some poverty there (which latter condition would likely come to be addressed and corrected); certain resources here, and certain other resources there--which would thus be freely available throughout the global marketplace.

It is logical and proper because, under our present system, a number of "nations As" are too small, or too weak, or too poor, to do what is necessary for their own welfare, and/or that of their respective populations.  They are thus vulnerable to domination by corrupt and unscrupulous leaders, who rise to power there by reason of this very weakness, and proceed to lead their nation-states down paths toward additional poverty and problems.  They are unable to effectively stop the few enterprising criminals, who thus succeed in things such as the production and export of drugs, human slavery, and other evils, because of this very weakness that exists within their governments, or by reason of the very corruption that permits such criminals to thereby ply their trades.

It is logical and proper because it would put an end to wealthy "nation B" maintaining barbed wire fences and armed guards in order to keep energetic and industrious people born in "nation A" from improving their lot and their families' well-being via honest labor (that many of "nation B's" citizens frequently elect not to undertake themselves in the first place).

It is logical and proper because, over the years, some nations have become so large and/or wealthy that they have become objects of jealousy and hatred on account of their success, and preyed upon by predators from some of the smaller, weaker, poorer nations.  These predators include some of today's terrorists, who perceive nations such as the United States as being overweight, decadent, and evil.

We need the logic and propriety of a unified world, and a single worldwide economy, because this will make it a thing of the past for a nation's economic condition, and consequently its society, to suffer because of its reliance upon the price of the one or two commodities or products that it produces--as has in the past befallen places like Liberia (rubber), Chile (nitrates--later copper), and many other smaller or less developed nations.

A unified world would no longer require the confiscation or nationalization by an angry or desparate government of the assets belonging to market-dominant foreign investors.  A unified world having a single economy would no longer witness nations protecting the prices of crops raised by their farmers, via subsidies paid to those who didn't raise as much, or who destroyed some of their harvests--while people not very far away might continue to starve.  In a unified world, there would no longer be the opportunity, nor need, for wealthier nations to advance sums of money and materials--often war materials--to one or another of the smaller weaker nations, in order to keep them "on their side" or "in their favor," and/or to maintain military facilities within their borders.

In a divided world as we know it today, there often arises a natural desire on the part of the people within the wealthy nations to keep it all for themselves  This is greedy and immoral--but it cannot be helped, because people living on the other side of the border are perceived as "strangers" and "different."  However, iro nicallyh, the citizens of these wealthy nations frequently wind up parting with their treasure anyway, via costly taxation to finance costly wars, and other more poignant losses as well.  Consider, for example the recent and current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which have so far cost the United States and its allies many billions of dollars and at least seven thousand lives as I write this.

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Friday, November 2, 2012

THE NEED FOR A LOGICALLY PLANNED WORLD




B.  OUR LEGAL SYSTEMS

Similar ro yesterday's paragraphs concerning government and law, improvements seem to be required concerning our various legal systems as well.  To begin with, I must repeat and stress that what I say here is not imagined as, nor an attempt to be, a prescription.  It is, rather, but a call to action, and an offer of suggestions.  Concerning the within subject, for example, although I am trained in the Law, I would leave it to scholars and jurists more knowledgeable and experienced in such matters to improve on said suggestions, and to perhaps one day create as well a logical and beneficial Constitution for the world.

I would further suggest that such an assembly examine all statutes currently in effect in all corners of the globe; and blend the best of them into a body of laws that would be likewise logical and beneficial for all of mankind--and therefore imposed equally upon everyone.

Of course, such determinations and enactments must never abridge the freedom or equality of any person or group.  All must be afforded equality under the law.  And all must enjoy freedom regarding speech, assembly, organization, religion, and travel--limited only by the necessity to prevent anyone from doing harm to the persons, property, or freedoms, of himself or others.

Freedom of speech should be extended as well to written publications, radio, television, the Internet, and all other such media as should now exist or come along in the future--subject, again, to the same limitations as regards harm to oneself or others.

Everyone should be immune from abridgments of liberty and freedom, such as any and all forms of slavery, governmental appropriation (without due need and proper compensation), unjust coercion, and objectively unreasonable censorship.  Moreover, there should be no compulsory membership in, or prohibition of participation in, any political or religious organization or ideology--unless such organization or ideology be clearly and objectively harmful to its practitioners or others.  Arbitrary searches or seizures of any sort ought never be carried on--except as necessary for the safety of persons or property (as has unfortunately become somewhat frequently necessary today, as a defense against terrorism).

And this freedom and equality must be afforded to everyone, regardless of gender, race, religious affiliation, or geographic locatoion.

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A universal criminal code would need to be enacted, so as to create a uniform global system of criminal justice, and worldwide maintenance of law and order.  Manpower and equipment should be available as needed on a worldwide basis in order to effectively accomplish this.

Today in many places there is a lack of those resources which are necessary to prevent criminal activity.  Drugs are often smuggled out of small, poor countries that are ill-equipped to control such traffic.  Some nation-states actually rely on said activities as a source of revenue.  The governmental entity anticipated herein would be sufficiently endowed, from a worldwide standpoint, to effectively prevent such activities at their sources.

Such a criminal code would need to be drawn up by an international panel of jurists having expertise in such branches of law as are related thereto.  Crime itself musty be viewed and dealt with as a worldwide problem, needing control and eradication on a worldwide basis.  The idea of something being forbidden and punished here, while freely practiced somewhere else, is illogical and foolish.

As described earlier, there would no longer be any need for armies or other military.  However, there would still need to be a strong quasi-military presence everywhere, having as its function the preventuion and suppression of criminal activity, the protection of all people, and the preservation of the general peace.

People arrested for crimes would always be entitled to just and proper treatment, representation by counsel, and an opportunity to prove their innocence.  Of course, the burden would always be upon the prosecution to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.  One wonders whether the present jury system in place in many countries, including the United States, is truly the most dependable answer.  Moreover, the complex confusing system of evidentiary rules, coupled with the "chess game" scenarios that take place in the courtroom during criminal proceedings, have probably permitted many a guilty criminal to go free, and many an innocent person to go to jail--or worse, to his death.

It seems within the realm of possibility that these same or similar judicial experts as were referred to above can create a system whereby the innocence or guilt of criminal defendants can be more accurately ascertained.  And perhaps (venturing further into the future--and sounding today like science-fiction), computer programs might one day be devised which would reliably analyze all of the facts and details of a case; and constitute a safer way to determine guilt or innocence than the current, at times emotional, ritual of impressing a judge and/or jury.

In addition, upon conviction for a crime, a defendant should be sentenced appropriately.  I personally do not believe in the logic of capital punishment, mainly because it cannot be retracted following a determination that it was improperly carried out; and also because a life sentence with no possibility of parole probably constitutes a stronger deterrent than going to sleep upon receipt of a lethal injection--following ten or more years of appeals and other such wrangling.  I further believe that the present system of fines, imprisonment, house arrest, and parole, that are today used in the United States and many other parts of the world should be improved upon, so as to actually rehabilitate the criminal who desires to be rehabilitated--and to motivate the criminal to desire rehabilitation.

On the other hand, worldwide improvements in social conditions, as well as some of the other changes advocated herein, might serve to breed less contempt and hatred on the part of disadvantaged people toward law and order; and thus result in a reduction of criminal activity everywhere.

Having practiced law for quite a few years, I have furthermore come to conclude that the current system of adjudication, both civil as well as criminal, which is followed in a large portion of our world, wherein judges and juries, with their usually unintentional, inborn or acquired, moods and biases, is a throwback to medieval times is less than ideal.  I wholeheartedly believe that logic, maximum efficiency, and justice will lie in the adoption of a worldwide uniform system of mediation and arbitration.  This would accomplish, among other things:
a.  the end of an arrangement wherein matters are perceived, legislated, and dealt with in a variety of different fashions, depending upon the particular locale where it happens to occur;
b.  the end of a system wherein controversies are played out and resolved in the "chess game" atmosphere of a courtroom, ruled over by the monarch-like personage of one or more judges;
c.  the "black or white" results that frequently emanate from the pursuit of one's legal remedies;
d.  the frequent inability to air or have considered certain factors, circumstances, or evidence, that might have significant impact upon the outcome of the proceedings, due to the strictures of rules devised decades, and even centuries, ago; and
e.  the disabling requirement to strictly follow a rule of law based upon a decision reached in a case perhaps many years ago, and/or perhaps far away, whose application may no longer be timely or appropriate, but whose tenor can continue to rule over jurists who hesitate to disturb the "status quo" of "stare decisis."

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