Why do we have a “line spectrum” in Politics?

What does it mean to be “left” or “right”? Not very much, if you think about it. Especially when both sides seem to be preaching the same Pleasant Illusions instead of Difficult Realities. If the difference is nothing more than a brand-name, shouldn't we be able to come up with something better?

The trouble with existing political spectra is that they are only able to represent the official Nanny State options of how we best tame the herd with governmental power. Here at Corrupt we have a different spectrum in mind. We propose a model based not upon what a government should do, but upon those values for which government is established.

The role of a government is determined by evaluating two basic trade-offs. First, do we want the government to support individual interests, or do we want it to support the collective good? Second, should the government be responsible for our well-being, or should individuals take responsibility for themselves? This is represented in the following figure. Most governments strike a balance between these factors. This model can also be extended into the third dimension to represent the size of the governing body, from monarchy to democracy.

Like the founders of the very first governments, we are interested in a better life. In a specialized society, we need government to manage the infrastructure and organize cooperative tasks. We believe that the government is established for the collective good of its people. It exists to provide services which would be difficult for individuals to obtain on their own. It does not exist to tell us what to believe or how to live. For that, each of us is individually responsible. There is no community without individuals, and there are no individuals without a community. Government and community should not be separate.

We also reject the popular fallacy that the role of government is connected with the number of individuals who comprise its governing body. This is only true of corrupt governments; a democracy is no less prone to corruption than a monarchy. We support a governing body of several wise, dedicated individuals who are both dependent on the community, and able to act independently of popular opinion.

Our aims are as follows

Empower Local Governments

Modern countries are too large to be managed by a single set of laws or governing body. Only local governments will have lawmaking power and the ability to collect taxes. The highest levels of government will, as a service, be responsible for the infrastructure, military, scientific research, and matters of foreign policy. This will foster a revival of community and culture, as well as provide the opportunity for specialized communities of like-minded individuals to develop without the intrusion of synthetic value systems.

Promote Environmental Responsibility

Technology is neither inherently good nor bad. The key word is responsibility. We need to treat our planet well, least of all for its ability to provide us with natural resources. Industries will be responsible not only for the environmental impact during the production, but also for the eventual safe disposal of their products. This will cause fewer environmentally damaging products to be produced, as well as lead to the development of cleaner technologies. This can happen if we transform environmental consequences into economic consequences.

Select Wise Leaders

Governments have a definitive life cycle. Establishment, growth, decay, failure, revolution, re-establishment. We do not believe in a perfect, eternal government. But, like Plato, we believe in the possibility of government without corruption. This involves selecting the right leaders – persons of wisdom, honour, and dedication. Then we must be ever-watchful, ready to prune corruption the moment it appears. We do not believe that power corrupts; we believe that it is the corrupt who seek power. Therefore, our leaders will be selected by appointment and a strict non-bureaucratic evaluation.

Stop Globalization

There is a difference between cultural exchange and cultural mixing. We believe it is culture, not political boundaries, which bind people together. People from different parts of the globe have different languages, different customs, and different thoughts. Thus it is natural that different cultures should have different types of economies and governments. We do not want a world government; we do not want a world economy. We wish to end foreign labour, stop foreign aid, and rebuild Western culture. Free from economic obligation, international trade and cultural exchange can be excellent things.

Eliminate Bureaucracy

Personal responsibility is the most important element of a healthy society. In a paranoid society, bureaucracy offers protection against unjust legal actions, false claims, and discrimination. But it is also a haven for individuals looking to dodge responsibility. Bureaucracy will be eliminated in favour of face-to-face, case-by-case evaluation of legal matters. A verbal agreement or handshake is the highest bond between civilized men.

Establish a Meritocracy

Social incentives outweigh legal and financial incentives. People need social reinforcement that teaches them to value thoughtfulness, honesty, and strength of character. Rather than force every young person through a one-size-fits-all education program, we support the revival of apprenticeship programs and the establishment of trade schools to develop the particular interests and talents of each individual. Appealing to an older tradition, university education will be reserved for an extraordinary few. As work experience is very important for young adults, they will also be encouraged to spend several years in the service industry, eliminating the need for foreign labourers. In this way, our places in the socio-economic hierarchy will depend upon our actions, experience, and quality of character.

Last revised: 2009-03-12