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The appearance of genuine brotherhood signifies that a social order has arrived in which all men delight in bearing one another’s burdens; they actually desire to practice the golden rule. But such an ideal society cannot be realized when either the weak or the wicked lie in wait to take unfair and unholy advantage of those who are chiefly actuated by devotion to the service of truth, beauty, and goodness. In such a situation only one course is practical: The “golden rulers” may establish a progressive society in which they live according to their ideals while maintaining an adequate defense against their benighted fellows who might seek either to exploit their pacific predilections or to destroy their advancing civilization.

Idealism can never survive if the idealists in each generation permit themselves to be exterminated by the baser orders of humanity. A spiritually defensive reaction of the majority to save themselves, as far as possible, is necessary to keep from suffering the consequences of the acts of a headstrong, wicked, and rebellious minority. In high civilizations the people begin to foster a new form of social disgust – disgust for both idleness and unearned wealth. Everyone contributes enough for their keep and more, with the exception of the elderly who have reached the age of retirement and the disabled. Even they find worthwhile pursuits for their time. The pursuit of excellence is the goal of all citizens in an ideal society.

Democracy, while an ideal, is a product of civilization, not of evolution. Go slowly! select carefully! for the dangers of democracy are:

1. Glorification of mediocrity.
2. Choice of base and ignorant rulers.
3. Failure to recognize the basic facts of social evolution.
4. Danger of universal suffrage in the hands of uneducated and indolent majorities.
5. Slavery to public opinion; the majority is not always right.

And yet, here is the great test of idealism: Can an advanced society maintain that military preparedness which renders it secure from all attack by its war-loving neighbors without yielding to the temptation to employ this military strength in offensive operations against other peoples for purposes of selfish gain or national aggrandizement? National survival demands preparedness, and religious idealism alone can prevent the prostitution of preparedness into aggression. Only love, brotherhood, can prevent the strong from oppressing the weak.

There are ten steps, or stages, to the evolution of a practical and efficient form of representative government, and these are:

1. Freedom of the person. Slavery, serfdom, and all forms of human bondage must disappear.
2. Freedom of the mind. Unless a free people are educated — taught to think intelligently and plan wisely — freedom usually does more harm than good.
3. The reign of law. Liberty can be enjoyed only when the will and whims of human rulers are replaced by legislative enactments in accordance with accepted fundamental law.
4. Freedom of speech. Representative government is unthinkable without freedom of all forms of expression for human aspirations and opinions.
5. Security of property. No government can long endure if it fails to provide for the right to enjoy personal property in some form. Man craves the right to use, control, bestow, sell, lease, and bequeath his personal property.
6. The right of petition. Representative government assumes the right of citizens to be heard. The privilege of petition is inherent in free citizenship.
7. The right to rule. It is not enough to be heard; the power of petition must progress to the actual management of the government.
8. Universal suffrage. Representative government presupposes an intelligent, efficient, and universal electorate. The character of such a government will ever be determined by the character and caliber of those who compose it. As civilization progresses, suffrage, while remaining universal for both sexes, will be effectively modified, regrouped, and otherwise differentiated.
9. Control of public servants. No civil government will be serviceable and effective unless the citizenry possess and use wise techniques of guiding and controlling officeholders and public servants.
10. Intelligent and trained representation. The survival of democracy is dependent on successful representative government; and that is conditioned upon the practice of electing to public offices only those individuals who are technically trained, intellectually competent, socially loyal, and morally fit. Only by such provisions can government of the people, by the people, and for the people be preserved.

The ideal state functions under the impulse of three mighty and co-ordinated drives:

1. Love loyalty derived from the realization of human brotherhood.
2. Intelligent patriotism based on wise ideals.
3. Cosmic insight interpreted in terms of planetary facts, needs, and goals.

Excerpts from the philosophy of The Urantia Book on the subject of self-governance.

GOD IS WAITING
by Will T. Zwart

April, 1863. The year the Civil War reached its height. The bloodiest conflict ever fought in American history even up to today was ravaging the nation, and though the North had more men, munitions, and supplies, they were losing. Badly. 
 
The Confederates had struck first at Fort Sumter and just kept right on going. The Union itself, though much larger, was split in two by the Mississippi River, which, thanks to the city of Vicksburg, was controlled by the South. Ulysses S. Grant had made five separate attempts to take the southern stronghold, but all had ended in failure.

Meanwhile, General Robert E. Lee was fast-approaching northern territory, with plans to sweep in and beat the Union forces so badly that President Lincoln would be forced to sue for peace. With momentum and strategy on the southern general’s side, it looked like he was more than capable of accomplishing his goals. The Confederate States of America would win, the nation would be forever divided, and hundreds of thousands of slaves would remain in chains. 
 
Then, something happened. It didn’t happen on the battlefield, or anywhere near the front lines. It wasn’t a heroic charge, a brilliant strategy, or an act of brave defiance. Rather, it was an act of submission and a declaration of defeat. It was Proclamation #97, and it could have been written today. Continue reading...

WHAT IS DEI?
Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
By Juliana Lopez
 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become key indicators to identify which organizations are considered employers of choice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become vital indicators that both employees and potential candidates use to identify the most progressive, supportive, and innovative companies. Developing a DEI strategy is a must for businesses across all industries to keep track of their efforts and uncover any blocks diverse employees might be facing.

If you’re ready to develop a DEI strategy for your business, here’s what you should know about diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as four steps to make your business’s culture more inclusive.

What is DEI?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are often mentioned in conjunction with each other as part of social reform in the workplace; however, there are two ways to define DEI — each term on its own and as a holistic concept.

The eXtension Foundation Impact Collaborative defines these terms as follows:

Combined, DEI involves creating a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances. Employers typically achieve DEI goals by creating a DEI strategy to develop best practices and track their progress. Continue reading...

Have any of you listened to the Congressional hearings concerning UAP's? The bipartisan interest in this subject goes way deeper than a desire to get answers about many sightings reported by credible witnesses over a period of DECADES. We want to know what has been flying around in the skies at night and who is responsible. More than that, it has come to the government's attention that taxpayers have been paying for all of the research and development, and it has all been done without government oversight. We are about to see how AOC and Matt Gaetz can tear apart the military industrial complex like two dogs on a single bone. Pay attention people. Congress is receiving affidavits from whistleblowers (over 750 to date) piecing together evidence from employees of several different corporations who have worked outside of U.S. government oversight or the knowledge of Presidents, Congress, or our military leaders – to create technology far beyond what we thought we had – and all at taxpayer expense – and all of this was accomplished by overcharging for items purchased through our "black" top-secret budget. What does a stealth bomber REALLY cost to manufacture? One more ray of light shining on the corrupt system!