What moral philosophies do candidates for high office hold?

[prof]

Have you ever reflected on what government types believe before they get elected and are able to sell their influence? Let's examine some of the major ideologies

There are those in Congress - and in parliaments - who (while still a candidate running for the office) want to enhance the quality of people's lives [the ethical types.] Then there are people in Congress who want to conserve the benefits of the moneyed elite (while helping themselves in the process.) Some of them are included in that elite.

Those in the first group are okay with caring and sharing. The other group is composed of selfish types whose mantra is: "We don't want to make people into dependents" by which they mean, in effect: " Let's trim down the safety net that government provides. It's okay if the poor get poorer as long as the rich get richer." They have that attitude that Marie Antoinette had: 'Let them eat cake!' They believe they are superior to others (who aren't as fortunate as they.) And, they are willing to give people negative regard [disrespect.]

From an ethical point of view, dependency is to be avoided if possible. Ethics, as elucidated by M. C. Katz, in his free essays available on the web, teaches Minimize suffering; and Maximize well-being (quality of life) for all. This follows from the basic principle that every individual is of uncountable value, and is therefore to be shown respect ...positive regard. See, for example, this booklet by Dr. Katz:
http://www.myqol.com/wadeharvey/A%20UNI ... ETHICS.pdf

The individuals and groups who bestow positive regard toward others as a matter of principle tend to be in the Democratic Party.

In contrast, those who work to conserve the past when there was a great gap between classes along with difficult upward mobility - or to transform the present and future into that state of affairs - tend to be the Republicans.

Both types, however, are to be found in both major political parties in the United States.

The Democratic Party is the refuge for the civil rights activists, the human rights advocates, the greens, the populists, consensus-builders, futurists, believers in progress. The Republicans, members of the party of "no", are the conservatives, royalists, libertarian types. Conservatives believe: "Don't rock the boat while I'm comfortable." "Let's keep things the way they are (or were.)"

Now that we know their philosophies and core beliefs, ethically-sensitive folks may ask:
What can be done in a positive direction?

Here are some websites to check out:

http://thepeacealliance.org/

Sign their petition and sign up for their Acition Alerts HERE:
http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action ... =PA&tag=PA

http://www.moveon.org Participate in grass-roots projects; get involved; meet up and connect with people who care. It's democracy in action.

For self-improvement in a good direction, take this webinar:
http://www.amindforsuccess.com

Here is a description of an interesting concept that you may want to further by instigating something similar http://www.crunchbase.com/company/ohsowe

Can you suggest other constructive movements for progress? Ideas?

[prof]

Conservatives would say: "We're not opposed to change "!

"We are for change as long as businesses make profit as a result of the change; because that is one way for the rich to get richer."


I add this because I want to be fair to the Conservative position.


What say you on this topic. Can you agree with this analysis?


Some make their money by going after money - the "Wall Street" crowd. They create no real wealth, they merely game the system, shuffle papers, etc. Others, like Jef Bezos, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, make money by creating value and thereby serving others.

Which sort do you want to be?

[prof]

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This interview by David Letterman of Hugh Evans is 'must-viewing.' Do check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-4kYJCw3-o

Do you have any comments? On how to alleviate extreme poverty? Or on how to screen candidates for office BEFORE they get in? The idea of the screen is to attempt to learn what they REALLY believe, deep in their heart, to see if they share your values.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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........................Politicians for any democratic office, including higher offices, reflect the moral philosophies of their constituents.





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[Skip]

on how to screen candidates for office BEFORE they get in? The idea of the screen is to attempt to learn what they REALLY believe, deep in their heart, to see if they share your values.

Couldn't we just hook them* up to a lie-detector, on live TV, and have them recite their policies?
After all, it's not what they say they're for that's wrong, but what they really mean to do. You don't need to know all their values and desires - only those pertaining to the platform on which they're seeking office.

*the candidates, not the tattooed boys

On how to alleviate extreme poverty:
Establish representative government; let every eligible citizen vote (but just one vote each) and take money out of government. Without serious election reform, nothing else can be changed ... unless people begin to ignore money and organize their own off-grid economy. (That's a good idea anyway, to prepare for the collapse.)

[prof]

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Politicians for any democratic office, including higher offices, reflect the moral philosophies of their constituents.
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How can you say that, Bill ! The majority of the people in this country want background checks for applicants to buy a gun ...including a majority of the membership of the NR (the lobbying arm of the bullet and munitions-makers industry.) Yet the politicians do not pass such legislation. Could it be that the NRA is very efficient in the art of lobbying? Could it be that we have the best Congress money can buy?

[prof]

... take money out of government. Without serious election reform, nothing else can be changed ... unless people begin to ignore money and organize ...

I agree, Skip.

This issue should get our priority.

A couple of states have set a precedent; we ought to learn from their example, and do it in the other states of the USA.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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The ah,...the tattooed boys are part of the Army Reserve Force Students, participating in a Thai Army exercise which is intended to eventually increase the moral philosophy of the said Army.

*FTFY

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[Skip]

Anyway, they're pretty.

[Bill Wiltrack]

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Pretty moral is what you meant to say...um, in a philosophical way...ya mean...








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[Skip]

And here I thought we were merely indulging in way too much eye-candy... Thanks for elucidating what I meant.