I’ve been at this longer than you, Umair.
In 1986, in my attempt to make a better world, I joined a political party, hoping that somehow my presence would get the party to behave more logically and responsibly. By 1992, I realized I was wasting my time — and quit. But somehow I got a deep understanding of the dysfunction of the political party. Between this experience and some reading, I came to realize that western democracy was very fragile. If we don’t change, western democracy will collapse on itself. I don’t think Mr. Trump and Covid 19 have society walking the plank yet, but we are getting closer. I called this crash long before you, Umair.
AND in those “end times” of my political involvement, I somehow invented another system of democratic governance.
In 1997, I started putting my concept on paper. That was 23 years ago!
First version in 2000
Second version in 2004
Third version in 2008
Fourth version in 2017
Fifth version, hopefully launched in a few weeks.
I probably have $50,000 of my own money (editors, websites, marketing) in this project and many, many, many hours. Maybe I should have focused on a more profitable career.
I have never been paid for my writing. I do not have a loyal Medium following who will pass some of their $50 annual fee to my pocket. I have a lower middle class income, trying to support a four-person family. Last Friday, my employer sent me home, to be recalled at a future time.
Why I did start writing in 1997? Why do I continue with what seems a pointless project?
Here’s why. Back in 1997, I was listening to some acknowledged experts democracy. You know the kind: former politicians, journalists, Ph.D.’s in political science. These experts know something is wrong with democracy, yet cannot come to the right disease. If they can’t find the disease, they cannot find the remedy. Yet they kept talking, pretending that they know something. That was in 1997, and nothing has changed since then!
THE DISEASE IS THE POLITICAL PARTY. I could go into a long diatribe, but let me be brief. Political parties are not composed of individuals wanting only the best for their society. Rather political players are more concerned about enhancing their status, influence, and power within the party. To do that, they need to prove they can win elections! While there is only so much room at the top, there’s a whole whack of overly ambitious people standing on the ridgelines. They are waiting for a chance to rise higher — and holding back others who want to pass them.
With this dynamic in place, how can Umair and his followers bend the will of those who aspire for public office? How can Umair’s utopia of Eudamonics ever be built?
Umair, you are no different than those “experts” who inspired me to start writing in 1997.
It is time for a kinder, wiser democracy. And the people will have to build it for themselves.
