The first and most important step

We know that taking the first step is often the hardest. Not because the step itself has inherent difficulties but because we are reluctant to change. We are reluctant to head in a new direction. We are more comfortable doing the same old thing.

What does it take to improve our nation? The first step is to admit that we live in a mediocre nation. We are no longer the super power, that is way ahead in the standard of living above other nations. We need to decide convincingly that we are no longer going to accept the way things are. We need to decide that we are willing to experiment with important fundamental aspects of the way we team up together, known as government. We need to decide that we are willing to take one step back in order to take two steps forward. Not all experiments are successful the first time, but the information gathered is the goal, rather then the result of the experiment.

I know it may seem obvious and trivial what I've said here, but it is hardest and most important step. Without it we are condemned to be like the others, with it, we can excel and be a super nation once again. Lets put our fears aside of changing the constitution, or drastic changes to our election system. Lets be strong and

1. face the dangers together
2. trust each other
3. strive to not just listen but to understand what others are saying
4. if we don't understand then be willing to experiment so that we know for sure
5. and ultimately to do what is best for our children and future children of this nation.
   

America corrupt

A common trait you will find in history with successful societies are strong leaders. In America we vote in our leaders. A system that has become corrupt over the years. A ran for state representative so I have first hand experience how the system works. The system is corrupt because candidates prostitute themselves to the highest bidder.

Elections are most often won by the candidate that spends the most. If a candidate wants to win an election he must appeal to political action committees (PACs). For example if I want a lot of money from the gun lobby than I must be an extremist on gun issues.

I suggest a better system. A system that has similarities with our jury system. It would work differently for different elections, but here are some details for a presidential election.

1. Candidates bid money to be in the election.
2. The top 500 are selected.
3. The candidates are randomly divided into groups of 4.
   
4. Juries are created for each group. About 128 for this case.
   
5. The juries select the top two candidates from each group and those candidates advance to the next round.
   
6. The Jury process is repeated. Half the number of candidates exist for the subsequent round. Jump to step 4, until there are only 2 or 4 candidates left.
   

Advantages:

1. Pool of candidates is larger. More likely to find an excellent candidate.
   
2. Money plays less of a role in the process.
3. Voters are up close and personal with the candidates. A better way of deciding who is the best leader, versus hearing stuff on the T.V. that was bought from being a prostitute.
   
4. Political parties play less of a role in the process.
5. Voters can discuss the candidates amongst themselves and try to reach consensus.

For the final four or two candidates I suggest we go back to the regular system where the candidates are elected from the mass populous.

Towards a more productive society

Ever wonder what productive societies have over less productive societies, besides money and power? The simple question is what makes a society more productive than others? Some people think that rich countries are rich because of the natural resources they inheritantly have. While true to some extent it doesn't explain a country like Japan, with few natural resources but a very wealthy country.

There are many factors that go into a productive country but the one I want to point out as most important and perhaps easiest to change is culture and tradition. I was born in Colombia South America. Part of the culture there is if you get stolen from then you are an idiot for allowing it. If you steal successfully then it is something to brag about. Contrast that to Japan. Japanese tradition stresses respect for society and the established order and prizes group goals above individual interests. [1] You are brought up as a child to work for the team. Everything you do is for the team. The Japan education system alots time for moral teaching. Children spend time cleaning the school. [2]

With this in mind I hope societies such as ours can spend more time in school teaching morals, team oriented thinking, and less me me me.