STIMULUS-RESPONSE
Let us take time out and figure out who should receive our votes. As campaigning for the 2024 Presidential race unfolds, and as the media frenzies swarm, it should come as no surprise that the strategy for political parties is “strategic extremism” based on identity politics: we-they, us-them itus. This is nothing more than two wolves destroying a beautiful country from within. As campaigning moves forward, note that there is limited discussion about policies and issues that make a difference; and notice the inflammatory nonsense in a deliberate effort to manipulate, mobilize, and separate voters. Culturally, liberal mainstream media will happily take the bait—it boosts ratings—and makes Trump’s cultural “illiberalism” a big issue. Because morality is relative and voters like it, it is an easy tool with which to MANIPULATE voters, simply stimulus-response that one can uncover in commercials. Every time we are emotionally upset, angry, irritated, impatient, condescending, we are deliberately being set up, and we may not want to acknowledge it at the time. Lies, deception, conspiracies, half-truths, valueless, virtue less, vision less, leaderless, and cowardice are simply a way of life for political campaigns.
American citizens are better than this! We can remain in our seats and watch the show and realize that what is unfolding in front of us is part of a play and that the actors are only emotionally triggering us—manipulating us—and offering messages. This beckons challenge and opportunity to take time out and reflect on key issues in the form of a vision and mission for America; some critical values, virtues, and guiding principles to live; and what policies and programs make sense for the country. We have a great deal to heal and get done in the battle for the soul of the Nation. Our opponents are not our enemies; and we are not “Red States” and “Blue States.” Let us be open to the infinite potential and possibilities and unify our great country. We are all Americans, and we can each choose to transcend and include others. As a starting point for your vision and mission of our “mighty task,” a working draft might look something like this…
VISION
Quality, compassion, common good, and virtue in all we are and all we do.
Strategies
- Evolve with solid core values, virtues, and guiding principles.
- Limited government for citizens.
- Fiscal responsibility; economic stability and equity; and long-term financial security.
- Public safety for all Americans, respect for law and order, and no one is above the law.
- Top ten healthcare system and pandemic preparedness.
- Programs, processes, and coalitions to dismantle systemic racism.
- Controlled business ethical and moral issues.
- Avoid war with strong military and space forces, global allies and networks, and dialogue.
- Professional State Department and alliances coupled with reasoned foreign policy.
- Helping others, caring about others, and common good processes: churches, individuals, groups, institutions, and the government.
- Judges: objective, ethical, uphold the Constitution and guiding principles; and satisfy evolving cultural needs.
- Respect for democracy and decentralized culture, empowered citizens, citizen’s choices, level of culture’s evolution, and science.
- Environmental awareness, control, and self-restraint.
- Strength in diversity and sane immigration laws and regulations.
MISSION
To close with, enable, and facilitate, for individuals and the collective, integral health, presence, wellness, and wellbeing.
There is a great deal to do! Let’s get busy!
