We/Us

Mago Bill: A kind of contemplation of 'we' and 'us' as a social value.

            We can agree that "we" is a relationship, can't we? When we agree to relate it may be good to speak of the level at which we wish to relate. At what level might it be good for us to relate? We could speak of the reason for our relationship. How might we go about relating ? Might it be important that we show our concern for our "we?"

            What's in it for you? What's your interest? How is a mutual or reciprocal relationship handled?

            A "we" must consist of people, persons, individuals, right? Have you seen
the start of a "we?" Was there a kind of joining? Doesn't a "we" require some kind of maintenance?

            What do you suspect, believe, or know about the "we" in the "We the people..." document?

            That "we" could refer to us. How do we go about keeping track of our common interests? How do we reciprocate? "We the people" are a social relationship, aren't they?

            Let's say that we are the people in the "We the people" we know about.
What is the nature of our relationship? What is reason for our relationship? What's in it for you?

            "We" implies a unity, a union. We can probably agree that better and worse unions can be detected. How might we form a more perfect union?

            You may have some notions of "we" stirring in your mind now.

            Communication is important. Talk, dialogue, discussion are important. Talk of "us" and "we"  may be so important as to be called vitally important.

            I say that communication of persons is vitally important for the initiation and maintenance of a "we".    

            To have a good nation we have to have a good "we". 




Meditation techniques can be improved.


                                                                                        by Richard
for Mago Bill

 

Little "d" Democrats

Mago Bill: One might say philosophical democrats.

 

            In the distant past there were democrats. There were democrats in the recent past. There are still some democrats. A democrat might be thought of as a person who believes in people and in their ability to learn and do. I know little about what democrats are doing at the moment. I do have a sharp memory of that which some democrats did in my lifetime.  

            Democrats have tended to promote certain doings. Some of  those doings tended to be definitive of their beliefs.

Democrats have promoted:

~ enhancement and protection of democracy among us.

 ~ the study of legislation affecting democracy.

~ vigorous ongoing education about the use and doing of democracy.

~ improved communication among political parties and within them.

~ development of widespread leadership rather than super leaders.

~ enhanced education for participation in governance.

~ cooperative self-governance.

~ willingness to thoughtfully and promptly change a bad law for the better.

~ strong respect for our laws.

~ inclusivity  and diversity in public life.

~ cooperation within and among groups.

~ knowledge of the history of democracy including it's  limitations and advantages.

~ respect for the varieties of democracy around the world.

~ our Constitution and it's Bill of Rights.

~ our national Bill of Rights.

~ loving care of each and every child.

~ respect and honor for the individual, the family, and the neighborhood.

~ more nearly equal opportunity for access to healthcare for each person.

~ strong support for public health.

~ respect for and support of the position of minorities.

~ wide, ongoing educational opportunities for all.

            The above could suggestive of planks for the platform of a present party or candidate.

            What would you add?

            Thank you for reading.

                                                                               

                                                                                                    by Richard

                                                            for you

Self and Group:Toward More Effective Citizenship

Group and self: effective citizenship and self knowledge.

 

                You can learn a lot about yourself  by participating in a group. You can practice observing yourself as you participate. You can learn much by observing other members. In a group you can begin the valuable potentials of a group.

                One of the prime injunctions of wisdom teachings has been "Know thyself." 

                Surely an important part of being includes learning. Learning about the world around us seems an important move toward self knowledge. I believe that learning about groups is an important part of learning about the world around us. 

                Participation in a group is a learning experience. That learning and that experience will be of varying quality. Much of such learning can lead to knowledge of self. Some groups are more interesting  and useful than others. Some groups may be better for you than those which seems to suit your present personality.

                A high level of regular participation by members has been important for a group's effectiveness and longevity.  We may call an effective and long lived group an organization. In such an organization it may b vital that each member know that she(or he)has an important job or place in it. A group being a practicing participatory democracy tends to increase the level of group participation.

                Get a group or organization.   Enjoy it's power and your growth.

To analyze your organization, to know it better, and to participate more effectively in it, you and a friend may take some of the actions suggested below:

~ Find out who has the authority to implement your organizational plans.
~ Know the action plan for for the long range funding of your organization.
~ Find out who is involved in developing your strategic plan.
~ Know your membership trends.
~ Consider the nature of your organization's benefits.
~ Know who is doing the bulk of the work to accomplish the goals of the organization.
~ Know what people do the work. Where are they? Identify them.
~ Make sure you know the engines of your organization.

You might also look for answers to the following questions about your organization and about your self:

~ What questions do you have about your organization and your membership in it?
~ How will you get answers to those questions?
~ What will you do about your questions and answers?
~ What makes it or you operate
~ What motivates you and other members?

                Enjoy your growing power and that of your organization and learn more about you!

                Thank you for reading.


         

 

 

                                                                                            by Richard Sheehan



 

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