What is it that enables less than 1 percent of the population to control, dominate, and exploit the rest of us? Some will say it’s ignorance and fear, other will say it’s laziness and irresponsibility. There is probably just enough truth in all of that to enable the 1 percent to justify their actions. The fundamental question remains: Are the people capable of self-government?
I think we are, so now it comes down to deciding the best strategies for enabling the necessary massive power shift.
A recent article by George Lakey provides some food for thought. It tells the inspiring story about How Swedes and Norwegians broke the power of the ‘1 percent’
Here’s the bottom line:
Although Norwegians may not tell you about this the first time you meet them, the fact remains that their society’s high level of freedom and broadly-shared prosperity began when workers and farmers, along with middle class allies, waged a nonviolent struggle that empowered the people to govern for the common good.
Now read the rest of the story: How Swedes and Norwegians broke the power of the ‘1 percent’.
It may not be desirable or even possible for us to apply the precise tactics of 20th century Scandinavia, but the basic approach remains valid: non-violence, social solidarity, and organization in pursuit of the common good.
We’re supposed to be governed by a constitution written by men who know what equality is as opposed to men who believe an illumined elite should run the planet. Equality would be no controlled conflict over progressive taxation and a public currency issued equally to the producers of the public. Then, through the process of free market forces, the means of production would end up being owned by the people who use it to produce things. In other words, if you’re not there every day contributing to the production in some way, you’re not going to get paid, and you’ll have to sell what assets you have to cover the cost of your own maintenance. Everyone would be taking care of themselves – no parasites.