Ch. 49 The Way of Equality

"The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it."
- Chief Joseph

As we conclude Part 5: Equality - The Way of Building a Better World, let's reflect on what we've learned.

In a world where "We the People" has become little more than a whispered echo from a forgotten parchment, we are left with a choice...

Continue as passive spectators in our own demise or reclaim the revolutionary promise that birthed a nation. 

The wealthy fear only one thing—not taxes, not regulation, but us—united, purposeful, and awake to our own power. 

As Chief Joseph observed, "The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it." 

Yet today, that mother is being slowly poisoned while her children fight over who deserves her gifts. It seems that we are oblivious to the fact that our collective survival depends not on competition, but on something far more radical: genuine democracy. A genuine democracy, practiced not just at the ballot box, but in our workplaces, our communities, and our daily lives.

The foundation of a thriving future for humanity and all living beings, rests upon securing equality and universal democratic participation. These rights aren't merely to be hoped for... they are essential for our collective survival and flourishing.

This transformation begins within each of us through personal awareness, that ripples outward to reshape our shared cultural values and beliefs. 

Only by embracing these fundamental principles can we create the better world we aspire to build.

Ch. 41 - We the People

We all know that the Promise of America has something to do with, “life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness."

But we must first we recognize that "We the People" currently have very little say in how we are governed, or in the choices that are made on our behalf.

Although we are led to believe that our voices are impactful and truly matter, the reality is that wealthy elites and special interest groups have much greater influence than the average citizen.

“When the preferences of economic elites and the stand of organized interest groups are controlled for the preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero statistically non-significant impact on public Policy” – Princeton University Study, 2014.

In Ch. 41, we discussed in detail how the Powell Memo and Friedman Doctrine of Shareholder Supremacy pushed us into a neoliberal tailspin, elevating power and profits over human and environmental well-being. 

But we also rightly explore our own culpability in our downfall. First through our blind trust in institutions and representatives, and then through our reliance and submission to the neo-liberal economic system.

In short, we have abdicated our responsibility as citizens, and resigned ourselves to the role of passive spectators rather than powerful players.

We must reclaim, not just our rights, but our responsibility.

Active, informed democracy will always be the solution to an authoritarian capture of the government.

Ch. 42 - A More Perfect Union

Throughout this book, we have discussed a variety of solutions, but they all have one thing in common — democracy.

From a cooperatively owned, democratically run Economy - to a cooperatively owned, democratically operated, decentralized renewable Energy grid. 

Democracy acts as the common thread throughout, because large scale transformation requires cooperative action, based on common values and a shared purpose.

Multiple studies and real world projects show that, given the choice of whether to work for the benefit of society and future generations, or to act only in their own self-interest, the majority of people will do the right thing. 

Take ordinary citizens from all age groups and walks of life. Give these citizens pertinent, accurate and expert information. Then ask the citizens to vote. Assuredly, they can be counted on to collectively make the right choice.

Democracy and cooperation combined with accurate information, is the way that we achieve that “more perfect union.” Not just in government, but at work, in our communities and in our households.

Ch. 43 Establishing Justice

Justice, in its truest form, means ensuring equal treatment under law for all people, regardless of their differences. Yet in practice, this ideal often falls short, particularly when wealth enters the equation.

The wealthy can purchase their freedom and other "blessings of liberty," while the majority find these "rights" increasingly out of reach.

Our institutions have demonstrated their inability to administer fair and impartial justice and protection. No one is coming to save us. The question becomes: when do we decide enough is enough, and how do we create change?

History offers an answer...

It takes just 3.5% of the population to create lasting social transformation. (Robson, 2019) When this relatively small percentage of the population acts in concert, demanding a specific change, that change nearly always happens.

To be clear. This doesn't just mean 3.5% of the population protesting in the streets. This means people organizing, building grassroots coalitions and new collaborative systems. 

But this kind of collective action requires a shift in thinking. 

The understanding that Alignment is much more powerful than Agreement

Alignment (shared goals) > Agreement (shared opinions)

When we approach our goals from this perspective, different beliefs and perspectives aren't obstacles, but assets, bringing diverse capabilities and approaches to our shared goals. (Kimura, 2003)

This shift demands:

• Moving from "I'm right" to "This benefits the majority"
• Separating our opinions from our identities
• Remaining flexible as strategies evolve
• Prioritizing collective progress over individual victories

When we can embrace Alignment over Agreement, we open possibilities for genuine collaboration. Different viewpoints become strengths rather than divisions. The potential for collective achievement far exceeds what any individual or like-minded group could accomplish alone.

Ch. 44 Insure Domestic Tranquility

Today, the concept of domestic tranquility no longer reflects its original context of preventing interstate conflicts. It has become the focal point of an existential struggle between two competing visions of American society: one that works for everyone, and one that preserves existing power structures and inequality.

The wealthiest 1%, the oligarchs, understand that their position of privilege depends not just on their wealth, but on maintaining a system of inequality.

Their greatest fear isn't higher taxes or regulation. They truly fear and dread only one thing. The thing that actually has the ability to challenge their narrative of control; We the People.

They fear a united, purposeful democratic movement to build a world that works for everyone. Consider for a moment, that what they really fear is...

True Domestic Tranquility. Which would certainly manifest as a society where basic human needs are met and dignity is universal.

Including:

• A living wage that allows workers to support their families without requiring multiple jobs or falling into debt.
• Universal access to quality healthcare, removing the fear of bankruptcy from illness.
• Educational opportunities that aren't limited by zip code or family wealth.
• Housing that's affordable without consuming more than a third of income.
• Equal rights for all, no matter our differences or preferences.

Most importantly, authentic Domestic Tranquility would include genuine democratic representation, where political influence isn't dictated by wealth.

But this kind of Domestic Tranquility requires something of us. It requires us to focus our attention, energy and resources on the process of Transformation, rather than Resistance. 

Resistance causes persistence, and traditional protests while symbolically powerful, ultimately operate within the system they seek to change.

In a sense, they inadvertently reinforce the existing power structure by acknowledging its authority to grant or deny the demanded changes. This is why even massive demonstrations often result in minimal structural change.

The path to genuine Domestic Tranquility requires more than protests, it demands the creation of alternative structures and systems that operate outside the existing framework of power.

This doesn't mean abandoning the legal and peaceful nature of resistance, but rather redirecting energy toward building new, parallel infrastructure and networks that can eventually replace the old. It requires the building of lasting structures for change rather than temporary expressions of outrage and dissent.

This is deep-rooted Transformation.

Ch. 45 Provide for the Common Defense

When most people think of this concept in the Constitution, they likely think of protecting citizens from foreign invasion or conquest. Today, we spend more on military defense than the next nine countries combined, yet some of the biggest threats to the survival of humanity come not from foreign armies, but from environmental degradation and domestic gun violence.

• Climate change is without a doubt the most serious existential threat to humanity's continued survival.
• Gun violence and bullets have become the #1 cause of death for young Americans.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that those most impacted by these daily assaults on humanity are our young people, and they are fed up. But they are also experiencing a lot of anxiety and even despair. They feel like they are not being taken seriously and not being heard. 

As Joan Baez said, "action is the antidote to despair." We must do everything in our power to help educate, organize and support these young folks in taking the kind of action that will actually make a difference. 

Ch. 46 Promote the General Welfare

The phrase "general Welfare" was deliberately chosen... not just the welfare of the privileged 1%, but the welfare of the people as a whole.

Yet throughout our history, particularly in recent decades, we have seen a deliberate disconnect between this constitutional promise and the policies enacted by our leadership. 

In Ch. 46 we examine three critical pillars of general welfare...

1. Education
2. Fair wages
3. Healthcare

Although Education is the foundation of opportunity in this country, educational opportunity has become increasingly stratified along economic lines. With quality education accessible only to those who can afford to live in wealthy districts or pay for private schooling.

For children in underserved communities, inadequate education becomes part of a self-perpetuating cycle of generational poverty. Limited educational opportunities lead to limited economic opportunities, which in turn limit the educational prospects of the next generation.

Fair wages represent the economics of dignity.

Research consistently shows that a thriving wage (approximately $77,000 annually) does more than simply provide basic necessities. It creates a foundation for overall well-being, increasing productivity, reducing stress-related health issues, and strengthening family stability.

Does it need to be said? Widespread Poverty is diametrically opposed to General Welfare.

Healthcare for all should be a right, not a privilege in this country. 

America's healthcare system may be the most egregious example of our government's failure to promote the general welfare. 

The United States stands alone among developed nations in its failure to provide universal healthcare coverage. Americans pay substantially more for healthcare than citizens of any other developed nation, yet our outcomes lag behind countries that provide taxpayer-funded healthcare. 

Inarguably, education, fair wages, and healthcare are the very pillars of welfare for the general populace. 

Reclaiming the promise of the general Welfare requires more than the occasional vote and prayers for incremental policy adjustments, it requires an engaged citizenry that is willing to take responsibility for seeing that this welfare is provided.

We must create a society that prioritizes human well-being and all life on Earth over short-term profits. It's time to reject mere survival as sufficient and instead build a legacy that ensures all life thrives for generations to come.

Ch. 47 Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our Posterity

Americans today undeniably enjoy certain freedoms. We can express opinions without government censorship, participate in democratic processes, and generally access basic necessities. But we must recognize that the blessings of liberty extend beyond mere survival.

In contemporary America, two critical failures threaten our constitutional promise:

• Economic Liberty Has Been Undermined 
• Environmental Betrayal

Our Economic system has increasingly prioritized profit maximization over human well-being.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, middle-class incomes have declined significantly since 2007, with the average middle-class household earning $17,867 less annually than before the 2008 financial crisis. This stagnation creates economic insecurity that fundamentally limits freedom.

Liberty depends on access to clean air, fresh water, and a sustainable Environment. 

Yet our current economic models have accelerated environmental degradation at an alarming rate, compromising these essential resources. Climate change, pollution, and ecosystem destruction aren't merely environmental concerns, they represent direct threats to liberty and even life itself.

Securing liberty for ourselves and our posterity requires a fundamental reconsideration of our economic and environmental policies:

1. We must develop collaborative economic models that measure success by human well-being rather than merely by profit and growth metrics.
2. Environmental protection and the reversal of climate change must be recognized not as an optional luxury or a nice idea, but as essential infrastructure for life and liberty itself.
3. We need to rebuild and repurpose our civic institutions to prioritize long-term collective needs over immediate interests.
4. Political divisions must be subordinate to the shared goal of intergenerational justice and well-being.

In short, we must embrace cooperation and connection over competition and isolation. 

Ch. 48 Ordain and Establish

To ordain means to order or decree.

But it also carries the weight of predestination. Something predetermined, or inevitable. 

When the framers used this word, they were setting forth not just a government structure but a vision. A promise of what America could and should be. 

These promises have already been ordained. The blessings of liberty, justice, tranquility, security, and welfare are our birthright as Americans

But to "establish" requires action. 

The Constitution does not establish these ideals on its own, it provides the framework through which we, the people, must secure them. The framers knew this reality. Words on parchment, no matter how eloquently crafted, require the continuous commitment of citizens to bring them to life.

It is, was, and will always be up to We the People to "Secure the Blessings of Liberty."

To establish what has been ordained, we must work to change our culture, one conversation at a time.

Culture is the sum of our collective beliefs, values, and behaviors. 

• Old beliefs that no longer serve our highest ideals must be questioned. 
• New values aligned with our constitutional promises must be adopted. 
• Most importantly, our behavior must change to reflect these evolved understandings.

The preamble does not say "The government shall..." or "The president will..." It begins with "We the People." The power to ordain and establish rests with us. The framers knew that a republic can only endure when its citizens actively participate in making real the promises ordained in its founding.

Conclusion

The path forward is clear, though not easy. 

True change doesn't come from protest alone but from building new systems outside existing power structures. It takes just 3.5% of us, working together with shared goals, to create lasting transformation. 

Our Constitution begins with "We the People" for a reason. The power has always been ours. 

The promises of liberty, justice, and equality have already been ordained, but it's up to us to establish them through our actions. 

As we face threats from climate change, gun violence, and economic inequality, we must remember that alignment around common goals is more powerful than agreement on every detail. 

By shifting our focus from resistance to transformation, from competition to cooperation, we can create that "more perfect union" where everyone thrives, not just survives. 

The time for passive citizenship is over. The blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity depend on what we do today, one conversation, one community, one cooperative action at a time.

It's time to get to work.