An excerpt from "The Future: Peace Pays - Exploring The Canadian Identity"
In this essay and elsewhere I have mentioned and made reference to something
I call Software. In some cases I have called it Cultural Software, Social Software
and Human Software, and sometimes Lifestyle Technologies. These ideas are
all related, and in some cases are inter-changeable. The term Software can refer
to any or all of these.
I think of this ‘Software’ as the systems, methodologies, practices, traditions,
ideas, organizational methods, thinking styles and methods we employ: Lifestyle
Technologies. All that Humans do is governed by Values, Traditions, Ideas,
Methods, and so forth. These are each and altogether Software. As with
Computer Technology, these Softwares often come in packages and we know
who invented, designed and implemented them. We know when and how.
It can be something as basic as the way we move goods, people, and services
from place to place. One example of this would be our roads, highways and
freeway systems. These require road surfaces with hidden infrastructure for
power, drainage, et cetera. Then we have signage, traffic laws and regulations,
licensing for vehicles and drivers. Add to this traditions and styles of driving.
Many details go into these transportation systems, including the design,
manufacture and regulation of these interlocking systems. These systems have
proven to be largely and increasingly complex, effective, efficient, safe,
productive, economical; some more so than others.
By thinking about these or other systems as Software and as Software
“packages” we can better evaluate and improve our culture, society, government,
judicial systems, law enforcement, industry and commerce, Human Relations,
communications, family life, education, and even our personal Core Beliefs.
The source of this form of thinking in our modern era can be traced back to the
invention of “practical existentialism” or Phenomenology. This methodology was
created by Edmund Husserl in the early Twentieth Century. Husserl’s
“philosophy” has quietly and profoundly affected all of Humanity from the most
elevated scholars to the lowest of labourers in field, forest or factory. This
analytical method is a central functional component in The Universal Culture, a
term and phenomenon which I have explored elsewhere in my essays.
As Canada is situated at the heart and axis of The Universal Culture, and
consequently in a position to affect and influence the world, it is vital that we
make good choices, and that we write [make] and distribute good Software. For
we will be sharing it with people everywhere and it will be put to the intense test
of Human life on Planet Earth.
Our “Software” is our strongest asset in Canada. We incorporate it into
everything and in every imaginable situation. Canadian Software nurtures
peace, economic strength and stability, social and political stability, democratic
values and practices, Justice and Equality, the dissolution of violent differences
and the reconciliation of enemies. It works at home and abroad. And it does
much more and can do far far more still. All we have to do is use our methods to
the utmost and the world will be safer, friendlier, cleaner, more prosperous and
productive, more creative and rational, more in every way.
Our artists and thinkers and cultural practitioners of all types from lawyers to
judges to politicians to bureaucrats to law enforcement personnel and many
others embody this remarkable Canadian Culture. It’s in our bus drivers,
teachers, athletes, waiters and pretty much everyone. And it has proven to be a
powerful force for peaceful change in the world. The increased export of our
culture in all of its forms will continue to reshape The Earth into a place that is
more friendly for Human (and other) habitation. This initiative can help a
desperate and hurting world to find help (self help), hope, and healing.
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Peace-based Economy
An excerpt from "The Future: Peace Pays Exploring The Canadian Identity".
Peace is not sign of weakness, just as violence is not a sign of strength. Peace
requires strength, self-restraint, discipline, and a pursuit of genuine self-interest.
Canada has successfully achieved a peaceful, free and Just Society where
Compassion is a governing principle.
A simple decision to strategically and intentionally move towards a Peace-based
Economy would be a strong statement to the world and an assertion of our Core
Values. The energetic pursuit of a select group of economic bases could bring
rapid economic growth while providing the means for sharing our Methods,
Values and Culture through the mechanisms of a new futuristic economy that
excludes the need for bloodshed from the pursuit of large-scale economic gain.
We can prove that Peace Pays more than war.
Canada is a world leader in a number of critical areas: education; alternative
energy technologies and research; environmental and ecological solutions;
scientific research and applications that are peaceful; diplomacy and
jurisprudence; legislative responsibility; high-tech communications and media;
policing and law enforcement; the Arts and entertainment; agriculture;
management and administration; Human Relations. Policies could be easily
introduced that are Global in magnitude that support and reward the
development and worldwide distribution of these things that characterize us as a
People and unify us as a Nation.
Peace is not sign of weakness, just as violence is not a sign of strength. Peace
requires strength, self-restraint, discipline, and a pursuit of genuine self-interest.
Canada has successfully achieved a peaceful, free and Just Society where
Compassion is a governing principle.
A simple decision to strategically and intentionally move towards a Peace-based
Economy would be a strong statement to the world and an assertion of our Core
Values. The energetic pursuit of a select group of economic bases could bring
rapid economic growth while providing the means for sharing our Methods,
Values and Culture through the mechanisms of a new futuristic economy that
excludes the need for bloodshed from the pursuit of large-scale economic gain.
We can prove that Peace Pays more than war.
Canada is a world leader in a number of critical areas: education; alternative
energy technologies and research; environmental and ecological solutions;
scientific research and applications that are peaceful; diplomacy and
jurisprudence; legislative responsibility; high-tech communications and media;
policing and law enforcement; the Arts and entertainment; agriculture;
management and administration; Human Relations. Policies could be easily
introduced that are Global in magnitude that support and reward the
development and worldwide distribution of these things that characterize us as a
People and unify us as a Nation.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
- An Open Letter to Canadian Firefighters -
Heroes and Examples to Fight the Global Fire
Firefighters have done more than help people in times of need and trouble. They have done more than rescue us and help to raise money and awareness for critical social issues. Firefighters are more than heroes and examples in Canadian society. Firefighters have also helped to shape culture. Their values, methods and actions have impacted Canadian culture in many important ways, resulting in the most amazing society in human history. It’s not just the artists and politicians and journalists and inventors who have helped to shape the Canadian Identity. Firefighters have also helped to shape the Canadian perspective of peaceful, helpful support and intervention in a crisis, or in times of calm and celebration. They are perhaps the best example of all that is good about this amazing country.
The fire stations and personnel at a high level of constant readiness, the gear, the red trucks, the hoses and rescue tools, the life saving equipment and uniforms [and calendars!] all contribute a point-of-view that shows us how to live modestly in peace and security. [This is Human Software of the best kind.] Firefighters are also educators and leaders and critical members of society. We could not imagine a society without firefighters at this point. And Canadian firefighters have also helped people elsewhere, on every continent in every part of the world.
Can we imagine a society that is shaped and modeled after the selfless and brave generosity and respectful kindness that our firefighters deliver to all Canadian communities all day long every day? I have imagined exactly this possibility and I have spelled it out in the third of a three essay set entitled Building The Canadian Dream. This third essay, The Future: Peace Pays [Exploring The Canadian Identity], uses firefighters as examples and as a metaphor for who we are, what we do, and what we COULD do as a nation to help a world in turmoil that is filled with conflict and chaos and suffering. Canadian firefighters prove every day that we can do much with little and have amazing results.
These three essays represent the Past, Present and Future respectively. The first two set the stage for the argument for firefighter-like behaviour on the part of Canadians in the Global community. I urge you to read these essays, as many other Canadians have done in the course of the last eighteen months since the first one was published [including politicians, judges, scholars in many fields, educators, journalists, children and parents, et cetera]. Also see the Canadian Children’s Rights Update which accompanies the essays and describes some of the many consequences that have resulted during that time. The Senate Human Rights Committee has produced a report [available on the Government of Canada website] which supports and advances my Argument in behalf of Canadian children and for the survival and security of Canada in the 21st Century. Equal Rights for children must be the first step towards our future and our destiny. Senator Andreychuk, Chair of that committee was the first public official of many to read the second essay, Our Most Precious Treasures: The Rights Of Children, and she embraced it with passion and commitment, making my agenda Canada’s agenda. No one loves children more than firefighters, and children love them right back.
Canadian firefighters can help their Nation in yet another way. They can individually and collectively read Building The Canadian Dream and they can support the Canadian Children’s Rights Initiative. Our nation and the world are in jeopardy and firefighters can make a huge difference in the outcome. We can make Canada secure and together help the world to discover and implement our unique culture which has already impacted the world to a level far beyond our numbers. The world needs our help and firefighters can and should be on the front lines in battling The Great Fire that threatens to consume us and the Earth. They are brave, smart, prepared, resourceful, influential and willing to help all and anyone. Now they can help the whole world and assist in the rescuing of countless people who suffer and perish daily.
As firefighters you will understand when I say to you, as I have to all kinds of Canadians that we are faced with a Crisis of global proportions and this is an Emergency. We must act quickly and together or we and our children could face the ugly consequences many nations face, with war and hunger and disease, environmental disaster and chaos. Canada is the world’s last great hope in a time of extreme Crisis and firefighters should be leading the way towards safety. Our governments are slow to respond to the true emergency so we must look to those who do understand. This certainly includes Canadians of all kinds, but firefighters are the key to our future in many ways.
Many of the social ills we face are the direct result of children being excluded from Equal Rights and the Senate Human Rights Committee, Ombudsman of Ontario and many others agree. We need your strong kindness to help make this happen quickly. Please tell everyone about this Initiative and help me help children. In turn they will help us to address the Crisis.
Can you help? The Alarm is ringing and no one is responding! Firefighters are essential to our survival as individuals and as a nation. We need your help!
These essays are available for download, reading and printing on the homepage of my website and on my blog [below].
Peace
John Williams - Director – Canadian Children’s Rights Initiative
519-822-4387
“Don’t keep the peace…pass it on.”
“Life is a team sport.”
www.blindmansees.com
www.thecanadiandream.blogspot.com
Support Equal Rights for children in Canada!
Firefighters have done more than help people in times of need and trouble. They have done more than rescue us and help to raise money and awareness for critical social issues. Firefighters are more than heroes and examples in Canadian society. Firefighters have also helped to shape culture. Their values, methods and actions have impacted Canadian culture in many important ways, resulting in the most amazing society in human history. It’s not just the artists and politicians and journalists and inventors who have helped to shape the Canadian Identity. Firefighters have also helped to shape the Canadian perspective of peaceful, helpful support and intervention in a crisis, or in times of calm and celebration. They are perhaps the best example of all that is good about this amazing country.
The fire stations and personnel at a high level of constant readiness, the gear, the red trucks, the hoses and rescue tools, the life saving equipment and uniforms [and calendars!] all contribute a point-of-view that shows us how to live modestly in peace and security. [This is Human Software of the best kind.] Firefighters are also educators and leaders and critical members of society. We could not imagine a society without firefighters at this point. And Canadian firefighters have also helped people elsewhere, on every continent in every part of the world.
Can we imagine a society that is shaped and modeled after the selfless and brave generosity and respectful kindness that our firefighters deliver to all Canadian communities all day long every day? I have imagined exactly this possibility and I have spelled it out in the third of a three essay set entitled Building The Canadian Dream. This third essay, The Future: Peace Pays [Exploring The Canadian Identity], uses firefighters as examples and as a metaphor for who we are, what we do, and what we COULD do as a nation to help a world in turmoil that is filled with conflict and chaos and suffering. Canadian firefighters prove every day that we can do much with little and have amazing results.
These three essays represent the Past, Present and Future respectively. The first two set the stage for the argument for firefighter-like behaviour on the part of Canadians in the Global community. I urge you to read these essays, as many other Canadians have done in the course of the last eighteen months since the first one was published [including politicians, judges, scholars in many fields, educators, journalists, children and parents, et cetera]. Also see the Canadian Children’s Rights Update which accompanies the essays and describes some of the many consequences that have resulted during that time. The Senate Human Rights Committee has produced a report [available on the Government of Canada website] which supports and advances my Argument in behalf of Canadian children and for the survival and security of Canada in the 21st Century. Equal Rights for children must be the first step towards our future and our destiny. Senator Andreychuk, Chair of that committee was the first public official of many to read the second essay, Our Most Precious Treasures: The Rights Of Children, and she embraced it with passion and commitment, making my agenda Canada’s agenda. No one loves children more than firefighters, and children love them right back.
Canadian firefighters can help their Nation in yet another way. They can individually and collectively read Building The Canadian Dream and they can support the Canadian Children’s Rights Initiative. Our nation and the world are in jeopardy and firefighters can make a huge difference in the outcome. We can make Canada secure and together help the world to discover and implement our unique culture which has already impacted the world to a level far beyond our numbers. The world needs our help and firefighters can and should be on the front lines in battling The Great Fire that threatens to consume us and the Earth. They are brave, smart, prepared, resourceful, influential and willing to help all and anyone. Now they can help the whole world and assist in the rescuing of countless people who suffer and perish daily.
As firefighters you will understand when I say to you, as I have to all kinds of Canadians that we are faced with a Crisis of global proportions and this is an Emergency. We must act quickly and together or we and our children could face the ugly consequences many nations face, with war and hunger and disease, environmental disaster and chaos. Canada is the world’s last great hope in a time of extreme Crisis and firefighters should be leading the way towards safety. Our governments are slow to respond to the true emergency so we must look to those who do understand. This certainly includes Canadians of all kinds, but firefighters are the key to our future in many ways.
Many of the social ills we face are the direct result of children being excluded from Equal Rights and the Senate Human Rights Committee, Ombudsman of Ontario and many others agree. We need your strong kindness to help make this happen quickly. Please tell everyone about this Initiative and help me help children. In turn they will help us to address the Crisis.
Can you help? The Alarm is ringing and no one is responding! Firefighters are essential to our survival as individuals and as a nation. We need your help!
These essays are available for download, reading and printing on the homepage of my website and on my blog [below].
Peace
John Williams - Director – Canadian Children’s Rights Initiative
519-822-4387
“Don’t keep the peace…pass it on.”
“Life is a team sport.”
www.blindmansees.com
www.thecanadiandream.blogspot.com
Support Equal Rights for children in Canada!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Global Warming
Richard Attenborough. David Suzuki. Al Gore. Tim Flannery. A vast army of scientists and observers all agree that the condition of The Earth and trends in climate change suggest that humanity is on a short and steady course towards self-destruction.
There is widespread agreement at this point. But there is no appropriate and effective strategic plan in place to stop the rapid destruction and erosion of the life giving environment on our planet.
Attenborough said, “Humanity has become a force of nature. What happens next really is up to us.” [The Truth About Global Warming. CBC-TV, January 1, 2007]
We need the right Plan. We need it now. We must implement it swiftly in Canada and provide example and leadership for all of the countries and peoples of the world, from which our people are derived.
Guelph can lead the way in finding solutions and implementing them. Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has The Plan for environmental healing in Canada. I want to work with him to implement it in a Liberal Government, just as I worked for him in his bid to become the Leader of The Liberal Party of Canada. His plan gives us hope. It needs to be implemented immediately.
There is widespread agreement at this point. But there is no appropriate and effective strategic plan in place to stop the rapid destruction and erosion of the life giving environment on our planet.
Attenborough said, “Humanity has become a force of nature. What happens next really is up to us.” [The Truth About Global Warming. CBC-TV, January 1, 2007]
We need the right Plan. We need it now. We must implement it swiftly in Canada and provide example and leadership for all of the countries and peoples of the world, from which our people are derived.
Guelph can lead the way in finding solutions and implementing them. Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has The Plan for environmental healing in Canada. I want to work with him to implement it in a Liberal Government, just as I worked for him in his bid to become the Leader of The Liberal Party of Canada. His plan gives us hope. It needs to be implemented immediately.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Democratic Values: The Torch
Democratic Values, practices and processes have been a guiding light in my life, instilled into me by my father. Liberty, equality, and fraternity, and self-government are central and enduring components of democracy.
I can only offer the voters in Guelph inclusive, free and respectful choice. A useful Vision and an appropriate strategic plan can only be formulated through consultation, discussion, and respectful debate. This is how I have facilitated government of the people, by the people, and for the people in many environments of all sizes through the course of my lifetime.
Some politicians seek to tamper with and adjust our institutions, processes, and democratic values. Often this is because they do not grasp the sublime operation of our lumbering institutions, nor the finely balanced processes we have employed in building a great nation. Some do not embrace the Values of democracy and self-government.
I embrace it all with the heartfelt gratitude to our Canadian forbearers. They’ve handed us a Torch. We should hold it high…higher. And pass it safely to those who follow. With this Torch we can illuminate the world.
I can only offer the voters in Guelph inclusive, free and respectful choice. A useful Vision and an appropriate strategic plan can only be formulated through consultation, discussion, and respectful debate. This is how I have facilitated government of the people, by the people, and for the people in many environments of all sizes through the course of my lifetime.
Some politicians seek to tamper with and adjust our institutions, processes, and democratic values. Often this is because they do not grasp the sublime operation of our lumbering institutions, nor the finely balanced processes we have employed in building a great nation. Some do not embrace the Values of democracy and self-government.
I embrace it all with the heartfelt gratitude to our Canadian forbearers. They’ve handed us a Torch. We should hold it high…higher. And pass it safely to those who follow. With this Torch we can illuminate the world.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Have Your Say – The Future of Canada
“Democracy is the idea that people have the Right and the ability to govern themselves.”
The vast majority of Canadians are kind, bright, literate, educated, thinking people with expertise in one or more areas. This is our national human resource. Our citizens operate at the highest levels of functionality in their various professions, occupations, activities and pursuits. The complexity of our society enables and requires us to be complex, informed and intelligent.
As we are aware, in many places in the world people cannot go to school, nor own a car and drive it. They have never flown or read a novel or watched diverse television programming. They do not enjoy the benefits of peace, good government, stable employment, wide open spaces and mass communications. In many places they don’t have an operational free press as we do, to guard our democracy along with the Rights and Freedoms we enjoy.
Our life is different in so many ways from that of all people (including queens, kings, or emperors) in every previous generation. These are the Canadian people. They’re of every national, cultural, linguistic and religious origin. They share a love of liberty with each other and with other citizens of the world.
These remarkable people should and must have a say in the evolution and operation of our democratic government – ‘self’ government. I have the proven ability and desire to enable your participation in the decision making that affects you, your family, and your future.
Support me and I will make sure that you have your say.
The vast majority of Canadians are kind, bright, literate, educated, thinking people with expertise in one or more areas. This is our national human resource. Our citizens operate at the highest levels of functionality in their various professions, occupations, activities and pursuits. The complexity of our society enables and requires us to be complex, informed and intelligent.
As we are aware, in many places in the world people cannot go to school, nor own a car and drive it. They have never flown or read a novel or watched diverse television programming. They do not enjoy the benefits of peace, good government, stable employment, wide open spaces and mass communications. In many places they don’t have an operational free press as we do, to guard our democracy along with the Rights and Freedoms we enjoy.
Our life is different in so many ways from that of all people (including queens, kings, or emperors) in every previous generation. These are the Canadian people. They’re of every national, cultural, linguistic and religious origin. They share a love of liberty with each other and with other citizens of the world.
These remarkable people should and must have a say in the evolution and operation of our democratic government – ‘self’ government. I have the proven ability and desire to enable your participation in the decision making that affects you, your family, and your future.
Support me and I will make sure that you have your say.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Harper Dithers On Aboriginal Issues
Prime Minister Harper wants Canadians to believe that he is acting in a just and compassionate manner as he negotiates with Aboriginal Communities in our behalf as our democratic leader.
Yet who among us would sanction and support his recent dithering about the tragic situation in Kasheshawan? The previous Liberal Government had allocated funds to move this community thirty-five kilometers upstream from the James Bay coastal plain that floods annually during the spring breakup of Arctic ice on their river. Mr. Harper cancelled this promised funding, saying he would find a better Conservative solution.
Instead he offered to move the community hundreds of miles from their ancestral ground to the outskirts of Timmins, an offer that the residents rejected. Then he had a study done. The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs has announced last week that moving this community thirty-five kilometers is too expensive and there is now no viable plan for our brothers and sisters on James Bay. They have been abandoned by the Canadian Government again and suicides continue to accrue. Meanwhile spring is fast-approaching with floods, disease and despair. This is embarrassing to all Canadians. The Prime Minister is indecisive when there is no obvious political mileage in an issue.
But this issue is critical to our National Sovereignty and survival. There are precious few inhabitants of this harsh northern environment and Canada needs a presence in The North, not the removal people to Timmins. I believe Canada should have at least three military bases across our Arctic frontier to guard our melting border. And presently the Aboriginal Rangers are our eyes and ears on the ground in that region. They hold our northern flank! There are some who would regard this vast uninhabited and unguarded border as an invitation to invade. Yet they know, and we know that the Americans would come quickly to our aid. But what country in the world would welcome this aid today?
We want a strong Canadian military to protect us in a Canadian spirit and manner. We want there to be no doubt in the international community about our sovereignty from Labrador to the Alaska border. We need the people of Kasheshawan safe, prosperous, strong and free. They will help to do the same for us by their very presence in their homeland. Kasheshawan is a wonderful Opportunity to quickly find and implement creative and respectful solutions with Canadian compassion.
Mr. Dion has a different approach to Aboriginal Issues. He will reinstate the Kelowna Accord which extends respect, rights and inclusion to our Aboriginal citizens. I will help build upon that historic treaty, the first ever with agreement by all Aboriginal groups and all provinces. The Conservative government was the only party to the Agreement that withdrew! Who’s dithering now Mr. Harper?
Yet who among us would sanction and support his recent dithering about the tragic situation in Kasheshawan? The previous Liberal Government had allocated funds to move this community thirty-five kilometers upstream from the James Bay coastal plain that floods annually during the spring breakup of Arctic ice on their river. Mr. Harper cancelled this promised funding, saying he would find a better Conservative solution.
Instead he offered to move the community hundreds of miles from their ancestral ground to the outskirts of Timmins, an offer that the residents rejected. Then he had a study done. The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs has announced last week that moving this community thirty-five kilometers is too expensive and there is now no viable plan for our brothers and sisters on James Bay. They have been abandoned by the Canadian Government again and suicides continue to accrue. Meanwhile spring is fast-approaching with floods, disease and despair. This is embarrassing to all Canadians. The Prime Minister is indecisive when there is no obvious political mileage in an issue.
But this issue is critical to our National Sovereignty and survival. There are precious few inhabitants of this harsh northern environment and Canada needs a presence in The North, not the removal people to Timmins. I believe Canada should have at least three military bases across our Arctic frontier to guard our melting border. And presently the Aboriginal Rangers are our eyes and ears on the ground in that region. They hold our northern flank! There are some who would regard this vast uninhabited and unguarded border as an invitation to invade. Yet they know, and we know that the Americans would come quickly to our aid. But what country in the world would welcome this aid today?
We want a strong Canadian military to protect us in a Canadian spirit and manner. We want there to be no doubt in the international community about our sovereignty from Labrador to the Alaska border. We need the people of Kasheshawan safe, prosperous, strong and free. They will help to do the same for us by their very presence in their homeland. Kasheshawan is a wonderful Opportunity to quickly find and implement creative and respectful solutions with Canadian compassion.
Mr. Dion has a different approach to Aboriginal Issues. He will reinstate the Kelowna Accord which extends respect, rights and inclusion to our Aboriginal citizens. I will help build upon that historic treaty, the first ever with agreement by all Aboriginal groups and all provinces. The Conservative government was the only party to the Agreement that withdrew! Who’s dithering now Mr. Harper?
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