Posted by vince de benedeto on January 16, 2008 at 16:12:24:
In Reply to: Re: Democracy and Freedom of Speech posted by Laurie on January 16, 2008 at 07:18:59:
Hello, Laurie,
From our 'People For a Cooperative Society' (PCS) section "The Basic Roadmap":
Q. How will the transition to a Cooperative society actually occur?
A. Are you aware that Article V of the United States Constitution provides the means for a peaceful, legal change of government? In the United States, Article V would be the actual legal instrument by which we would effect the change to a Cooperative Society. The means might be different in other countries, but we would always seek the peaceful, democratic method.
The best way to embody the complete set of social changes in the United States would be in the form of a brand-new constitution; this document would retain, and build on, the strengths of our nation, while correcting the weaknesses we have been discussing.
Here is the specific 5-step process:
1. We will initiate a national (if not international) discussion of the idea of a Cooperative Society.
2. Eventually, if and when increasing numbers of people are persuaded in favor of this idea, we will naturally find an increasing number of people running for political office who advocate the idea. We will vote those people into office!
3. At this time, we can begin, or continue, writing a new United States (or global) constitution, to specify the structures and framework of the new society, and how everything would work.
This is where, for example, the new Cooperative Industrial Framework, the heart of the new cooperative economy, would be spelled out.
4. Once we have a sufficient number of advocates in office in our federal and state legislatures, the idea will transition to a legislative form; in other words, the United States Congress will effect the desired changes, in concert with state legislatures, in accord with the voting provisions of Article V. The new constitution would be completed by now, and it would be voted on. We presume this vote would result in its adoption.
5. We would then begin the exciting task of reorganizing our economy and institutions, in accord with the new founding document! Exciting!
Once the reorganization is complete, the human race will have achieved our crowning achievement as a species! We can begin to enjoy the benefits of a world as we've never seen before!
Again, Laurie, if you're seriously interested in these questions, in creating a dramatically better world, please take time to examine the PCS website. It's quite extensive and covers many topics. It also has its own extensive forum area.
Warmly,
vince de benedeto
PCS