This is a tough diary for me to write. I believe there is a diamond in here, but I could sure use some help getting it out of the rough.
I am writing this diary because I believe there is a concept, a touchstone that is almost never mentioned and is barely known to the vast majority of Americans. This touchstone could and should become the starting point for ALL of our political conversations.
If that happens I believe it would revolutionize politics in America and would enable us to more quickly and thoroughly right every wrong than will ever happen otherwise.
I know, that’s quite a claim. But hear me out and help me out. Let’s see if we’ve got something here.
What is this unmentioned, simple concept of such power?
It is this - "The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People".
Huh? Really?
Yes - think about it. When we argue about who's better or what's better, we generally skitter and clash at the surface, not seeing the deeper, more meaningful points or connections.
We usually argue from a perspective that isn't well communicated by us or well understood by the people with whom we're arguing. And even more importantly, I would submit that many of us don't really understand the basis of our own perspective. We have strong feelings but find it difficult to articulate why we feel that way.
So first ask yourself this question.
Do I want society as a whole to work towards the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People?
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that most people at the DailyKos do fundamentally want that kind of society. But I'm going to go further out on the limb (that's where the fruit is right?!!) by saying that many people on the DailyKos do NOT apply that concept consistently to their own beliefs, that in fact some number of beliefs dearly held, would not be well aligned with such a guide.
Many of us find it amazing when Republicans care more about unborn life than they do once that life is out of the womb. But we too have inconsistent beliefs. So challenge yourself and look for those beliefs you hold that favor one group over another whether it be a political party, a religious group, or most especially a country.
If in fact you do NOT want society as a whole to work towards the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People, then let's talk! Tell us why you don't want that. Tell us what does guide you. That will be a fascinating discussion from which we will all learn.
My life experience tells me that Democrats will do quite a lot better on any test that would identify the degree to which such a touchstone guides that person in all areas of his or her life, whether or not the person is conscious of the guide.
Many Republicans, in my experience, simply have not thought as deeply about why they hold the beliefs they do. As a result, their beliefs tend to be more short-sighted and self-serving, often at the expense of the Greater Good. But again, I want to reiterate that we fall into the same trap, if somewhat less often.
So in addition to having a kick-ass discussion here (I hope!), I propose that ultimately we take what we learn here and start having THIS conversation with EVERYONE we know, but ESPECIALLY our Republican friends and family.
This is the holiday season - it's the best opportunity of the year to have these conversations.
But here's the thing - you CANNOT, you BETTER NOT, use this concept as a way to make yourself feel morally superior to those who disagree or who simply haven't thought through this. That would be a terrible and destructive thing to do. Please don't do it. Instead, OWN that it works for you (if it does).
If you like this touchstone and you want to introduce it to others, try the following:
Start by saying:
There's a touchstone I use when evaluating political decisions. It is this "How do we accomplish the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People?".
This question is based on my desire to live in a Society that is consciously geared to work for the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People."
Then suggest that you discuss that topic for a while before trying to address a specific policy or idea.
Should society, should you and I work for the greatest good of the greatest number of people?
Should our government work for the greatest good of the greatest number of people?
Would you prefer to work for a company or organization that consciously addresses this touchstone?
If it is not society as a whole or you, or me, or our government, then WHO exactly will work to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people?
Do you think it will be corporations or banks? If so, where is the design point that leads to it?
Here you might get some vague but deeply felt (even patriotic) defense of capitalism and free markets. As an aside - you might want to mention that Adam Smith, the "father of free markets" meant that a market should be free from abuse by monied and propertied interests NOT free from regulation.
So then you can ask:
So you think our capitalist system achieves the greatest good? Does that mean you think it is actually an intentional design point of the capitalist system?
If you think achieving the greater good IS a design point of the capitalist system - can you help me understand WHERE it is or how exactly an "unfettered" (unregulated) capitalist achieves the greatest good for the greatest number?
If your friend or relative acknowledge that some regulation is required, good for you both! They're right! Regulation IS what helps us to move towards greater good.
Now you're into productive territory! You're discussing HOW to regulate the right way - to ensure the greatest good while encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity!
And if our Republican friends and family ultimately say "No I'm not interested in the greater good." Then you can have a very interesting discussion there too. It may be that the person is just being contrarian. If you suspect so, consider weaving another person into the conversation - the person's mother perhaps? And you can ask a few more questions such as:
Why have police then?
Why have fire departments?
Why have schools?
Why have government or laws at all?
Why shouldn't I try to maximize my profit at your expense like Wall Street does?
Let the conversation begin!