2005-7-1 06:08:00
Part 15
JJ: We'll read it through and offer one or two comments at the most then we'll move on.
4. I commit myself to sending goodwill and the spirit of friendship to all involved in the political process especially those with differing political views.
This is going to be a hard one in the present situation. So basically we're committing ourselves to being nice to each other
(5) Even though the majority may not always support my views I realize that the majority view, when properly informed, rarely will lead us on a dangerous path. I therefore seek to honor the will of the people. When I disagree with the will of the people I will not seek to forcefully control them or change them but will use peaceful means to inform and educate them.
One thing you notice in today's society is that the common man on the street seems to be a lot smarter than the average politician. Many common people like us have more common sense on what should be done than Congress, which is controlled by leaders and people not representing the will of the people.
(6) There are a number of issues that cause division, heated debate and anger. Examples are abortion, gun control, social programs, drug legalization, military activities and others. Most cannot be resolved in the near future through the conversion of the one side to the other. I support the following unifying approach: To support the principle of fairness on controversial issues both sides must be heard even though the other side may be repulsive to me, for free speech and thought is the most important principle and the prime directive of unification and ultimate peace. I therefore commit to the principle of fair play realizing that both sides deserve to be heard and have their representatives in positions of power according to the will of the people.
This illustrates a big problem we currently have. Both sides are trying to squelch the other side so they can't be heard and there can't be fairness in debate. They only want their side to be heard. The commitment in this one is basically the principle of fair play. Let both sides be heard. Let everyone be free to speak. Let both views be put before the public. If we don't like it we can write our congressman and tell him we don't like it.
(7) I believe in integrity and honesty and will seek to be truthful no matter what the opponents do. I seek not to distort or lie for the benefit of my party or for personal gain.
JJ: This is going to be tough for the politicians, isn't it?
(8) I accept that we must be fiscally responsible and will do all in my power to create a balanced budget, except in times of national crisis. I will only support social programs that can be funded or continued without increasing the burden on the taxpayer.
Audience: I see that this could be problematic. Social programs are not the role of government.
JJ: Almost everybody supports a certain amount of social programs. Even many die-hard conservatives are not against Social Security funds. One of the problems we have that both parties recognize is that we're spending ourselves into oblivion and it needs to be controlled responsibly.
Audience: Instead of itemizing why not write the last sentence so it reflects balancing the budget. Remove the word 'social' and leave programs.
JJ: That might be good. The trouble with social programs is that people are very polarized with them and want to spend whatever it takes to keep them going no matter what. Both sides claim to be working on balancing the budget but in deed neither does it.
(9) I agree that the people are taxed enough and seek to keep the budget within the range of current tax revenues and to not raise the percentage of taxes on anyone.
JJ: Approximately 50% of our money goes to taxes and most people feel that's enough. Almost every legislator will say we're taxed enough.
JJ: So let's make them commit to that. They can work with what they've are currently taken and hopefully much less.
Audience: We can't assume that every country has the same taxes we do.
JJ: The citizens and inhabitants of every single nation feel like they don't want any more taxes. They all feel they're taxed enough.
Audience: comment inaudible.
JJ: Yes it is. They really feel like they're taxed enough in France.
Audience: A lot of countries may never have freedom of speech either.
JJ: Eventually we all will. We'll progress toward greater freedom. Some of them will take awhile to achieve.
Audience: I think we will lose some people too sticking with the current taxes because a lot of people think it's way too high and needs to be brought down.
JJ: That doesn't mean it can't go down. It just can't go up.
Audience: It doesn't read that way.
JJ: My intent was that it can't go up but it can go down. We'll may need to change the wording on that if it is misunderstood. We can say 'the current tax or below.
Audience: That raises the point that some people think we aren't taxed enough and it should be raised. (general chatter)
(10) I agree to put the security of my country and the world above the views or actions of my own political party. If others of my party sabotage national security or undermine a just effort toward the elimination of threats I will be just as critical of them as the opposing party.
JJ: Any quick comment on that? The security of the country is more important than a political party.
(11) I accept the fact that there is great waste and inefficiency in government spending and commit myself to eliminate waste and increase efficiency wherever and whenever possible.
JJ: I think everybody will agree with that.
(12) I accept and support the idea that we can save ourselves much grief by learning from the mistakes of history so we do not repeat them. It is therefore of extreme importance that the youth be accurately taught, without censorship, national and world history in a way that is of interest and will be absorbed by them. I will oppose all those who revise history in distorted fashion for political gain.
JJ: This is really important because if we don't learn the lessons of history then we repeat it. What led up to WWII is really important for this generation to read and understand. If we understood it we could prevent it from happening again.
Audience: JJ, the only way that can happen is if you can return the control of education to the parents.
JJ: There are a lot of different opinions on how that can happen but we won't go into that. We want people to agree that it should happen. People should learn history and learn it accurately.
Audience: Some parents don't want their children to know.
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. David Viscott, How to Live with Another Person, 1974
Copyright © 2005 by J J Dewey, All Rights Reserved