Sunday, October 31, 2010

Voting for an Ideal World

Elections in the United States present a regular opportunity for citizens to influence government policy. Following are some recommendations for how we can vote to improve the chances for creating an ideal world, or at least one that will not end in our lifetimes.

Choose candidates who (in no particular order):
  • Accept the conclusions of the majority of scientists about how Nature works and what the likely consequences of our actions will be
  • Have read and understand the Constitution, which defines what they can and cannot do
  • Value all people and creatures, living and yet to live, and are committed to not reducing their numbers
  • Understand basic mathematics, especially relating to exponential growth
  • Understand basic geography (physical and cultural)
  • Are honest, and constantly questioning their beliefs in order to stay that way
  • Understand and accept the need for the preservation of a common set of resources (“commons”) that is freely available to everyone alive and yet to be born so that they can meet at least their basic needs for survival
Vote for ballot measures that:
  • Will not diminish the commons
  • Will not result in loss of human life or health
  • Will not increase the chances of any species going extinct (including ours)
  • Will not put excessive power in the hands of a small number of people
  • Will either increase or not diminish basic freedoms (speech, association, mobility, access to accurate information)

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