Is a phrase from the Declaration of Independence. Historically, there has been a vision of America as a nation of individuals; who through the rule of law endeavor to govern themselves with as little contact with their government as possible. In New Guinea, tribesmen who met as strangers once had to recite all their acquittance's to every person they met for the first time. Until they found some common relation; or even relationship that would mean they didn't have to fight one another. No matter what you say as to tribal honor as a ennobling characteristic; who wouldn't want to be at war with ever potential car on the highway. Nor, having to interrogate ever stranger you meet. Thus, we can say that we as a people share some assumptions as to what would constitute a more perfect union. Understand however that this is a test; faulty assumptions built over false infrastructure; has like the Russian now know, an entropic effect. There is no wish fulfillment in the measure of Global Power. But ideas and ideals account for a great deal. They define, how you will be defined; either for or against. Personally, I'd rather have my government be closer to a friend than a father. But, in order for that to be the case; society would have to be practically self regulating. Free of disease, want, fear, or natural disaster. Having said that, governments that operate in a vacuum out of the sight or ears' of the people, have a tendency to lose contact. For instance, my state passed a law that made it illegal to pass an officer on the shoulder of the highway without slowing to 25 or switching lanes away from the cruiser. Now, when as a citizen would you have learned of this change in law? When your being pulled over. Obviously, nothing will ever be perfect. And what looks like the end to some; seems like a passing fad to others. So, for those who think the world is coming to an end, as long as your reading this; it hasn't happened yet. For those who are left, luckily enough the future will happen whether we want it to or not. We can only try to do what our ancestors have done before; attempt to steer it with our values and beliefs. Hopefully to a better place than in was before. It is the job of conservatives to see what has gone before and make sure we never forget where we have been. It is the job of liberals to point out where we need to go; and make us get there. Both sides are needed; both are necessary. I would ask the two to respect each other and the roles that they play; but in sports the team that really respects the other team are called losers. Elections are when we remember our combative experience in things political. For which we can at least respect our move away from violence and intimidation in physical or legal form. Now though, is a time to look ahead. Let us imagine a most Patriotic outcome to history. My single country has one; all other nation states cease to exist; and my future descendants repopulate the globe. Lets imagine it without requiring nuclear annihilation or global catastrophe. Perhaps unlikely, let us then say all other nation states unable to harm your country in any way? Hard without world wide disarmament. Would all other nations unwilling to harm your country suffice? Well, they are two kinds of unwilling. The afraid to and the friendly kind. Now while a government is properly expected to gauge the strength and determination of our enemies; it most also concern itself with the capabilities and opinions' of our friends. Some expect a One World Government, and herald its arrival as a sign of the Apocalypse. Well mankind in "slavery" to any world power is abhorrent, no matter how small in numbers. Some would even point to the futures in science fiction an say, "see a time when we all respect each other as persons regardless of race, sex, or creed." Fine, well and good but wishing does not make it so. In this age, government must also be concerned with the capabilities or not just their own citizen's but even some in other countries. Now, that may sound alarming, but 50,000 of us die on the roads each year and I certainly want to the government to know the condition of my car, the fuel, the roads, the bridges, the tunnels, the other cars, or anyone bleeding along the side of the highway. And help remedy the situation accordingly. Why, because it is too big for individuals to manage; only institutions can never forget. In the end, if the world dies, humanity would not be judged by the last one standing. Even if that one were a nation. We must imagine a time when the words United States are as faded as the Acropolis in Greece. Who trembles for the Holy Roman Empire? or the Empire of Great Britain? In our lifetime the Union of Soviets. The only alternative is the end of history. So what will this time look like, who knows. But, by what criteria would you judge it to be; good? How you answer that question is most telling. I'd say it was good if people still went to movies in theaters even if their virtual. If they could go anywhere they wanted without fear. If they could speak their minds; choose their own lives. If they enjoyed dancing and music and good books. They weren't so crowded that they had to live on top of each other like sardines, but could each have a space of their own. If there were still a natural world to live in. If they were as creative as they possibly could be, or more importantly kind, generous and courageous. If the never lost their quest for knowledge. Then I would say it was better than good. Well, how do we make that happen? From a societal perspective each following the golden rule would certainly help, from the perspective of a country seeking perfect security. Either we must force every nation to our way of think/living. Or they must convert of their own accord to certain fundamental values. Until such time as nation states fade into obscurity. A respect for Human rights, the rule of law, a minimum of environmental safeguards, and whatever is deemed necessary for national security is the current basis of the relationship between the western powers and those wishing to join them. Perhaps, one day all mankind may through the nation state form a symbiotic union with a minimum of fuss. But realistically the only way that that would ever happen would be if the government of one country were virtually indistinguishable from any other (hopefully in a good way). Sharing contact, stories, and ideas will slowly bring this planet together, as will any number of potential global events. Only if the universe is vacant will humanity ever survive long enough to splinter away into separate species, so until then, I recommend we plan to get along. Government must get along with us. Government must learn to be responsive without being overbearing or intrusive. Government must watch our back, not so that they might learn what were planning but to advise/help in case of need. Like a friend. Like a partner. That is my more perfect union.
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