May 20, 2008 at 12:42:31 FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IS HOLOCRACY by Allen L Roland www.opednews.com

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What will be the future of democracy?  One day in the not too distant future, the old political polarity of the 'few vs the many' will collapse as a result of the general acceptance of a new foundational paradigm called 'scientific holism' : Theodore Dana Hall 

When I first read this short essay by Theodore Dana Hall ~ I got goosebumps !

What an appropriate time, after hurricane Katrina and other events have forced us to acknowledge our growing and ignored underclass of the poor and destitute, to be looking at another more holistic method of inclusion for all Americans.

The incredible outpouring of altruism and charity for the survivors of the Hurricane Katrina devastation as well as other natural disasters touches a deep need in all Americans as well as all human beings. The need to unite and cooperate with one another versus separate and antagonize each other.

We have reached a critical point in our evolution where we can no longer deny this need for our very survival is at stake.

In other words, the future of Democracy lies in our hearts and not in our guns and weapons of mass destruction.

Theodore Dana Hall calls this worldwide coming             together a ' scientific holism ' but it is really the heart felt growing awareness that we all part of one family ~ and joined by deep threads of love , commonality and our innate urge to unite. 

Allen L Roland http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2008/05/20.html

The Future of Democracy

Theodore Dana Hall
www.biofractalevolution.com


Most of us Americans agree that our country is a democracy. After all, we fought World War I to make the world safe for democracy . We fought World War II for the same reason. We're now fighting in the Middle East to extend the 'blessings' of democracy to that region.  But IS the United States really a democracy?

Many years back, President Clinton called the United States the worlds oldest democracy.  A leader of China replied to this remark by saying that the belief the United States is a democracy is a two hundred-year-old 'fairy tale'. Who was  right? Bill or the Chinese leader?

Before I answer this question, I need to say something about
democracy, something very important:  Democracy doesn't exist. Let me explain. 

Defined literally, democracy means rule by the lower classes. 
Can you name one country, past or present, that is or was ruled by the lower classes?  I bet you can't.  Well, what about the United States you ask. 
Let me ask you:  How many members of the United States Congress are lower class?

If democracy doesn't exist, you ask, how come it's a word? Good question.The word democracy originated as a term to represent a system that is the polar opposite of aristocracy. The historical record shows that a great many aristocracies existed and exist today. Democracy, however,
never made it out of the hypothetical realm.

Now, allow me to complicate the picture a bit. Although there's no such thing as a democracy, there is a long tradition of political theory and policy describable as democratic.  The tradition began with the ancient Greek archon (dictator) Solon, who was called upon by the (aristocratic) leaders of the city-state of Athens to find a solution to a little problem ~ they faced - imminent revolution. It seems that the aristocrats had acquired better than ninety-nine percent of the wealth of state, and the general population was not at all happy about that.
 

Solon succeeded in handling the problem, so much so that the system he created is remembered still, as 'Solons republic'.  What did he do?  One, he abolished all debts.  This was called the Shaking Off.  Two, he replaced the incredibly harsh Code of Draco, which was applied inequitably,with the humane Code of Solon, which applied equally to all citizens,
aristocrats as well as the common people.  Three, he took away ultimate political power from the aristocrats and gave it a Peoples Council, which represented the non-aristocrats. Members of the Council were chosen by
lot, i.e., names out of a hat.  (No expensive campaigns that only the rich can afford!)

The reforms of Solon had a very interesting result: Conflicts between the few and the many were healed, and Athens prospered, becoming the major power of the time.

The republic of Solon existed for only about ten years.  After
everything was running smoothly again, the aristocrats seized control of government, and the golden republic began to fall apart.  Nevertheless, Solons reforms were not forgotten.  (Great success stories never are.) The principles behind those reforms became the principles on which the tradition of democracy (i.e., democratic republicanism) was based: Fair (non-usurious) economics; one law for all; and fair representation of all citizens in the government.

So who was right?  Bill or the Chinese leader?  The Chinese leader was right, as democracy doesnt really exist.  But Bill Clinton was also right, as the United States was for a long time the shining example of a 'democratic republic'.

What will be the future of democracy? One day in the not too distant future, the old political polarity of the 'few vs the many' will collapse as a result of the general acceptance of a new foundational paradigm called 'scientific holism'. 

When this occurs, all the terms describing rule by
the few will fall into disuse, as well as the terms describing rule by the many. They will be replaced by one term, a term that expresses the understanding that all people are members of one family. 

That term is 'holocracy'.

Take action -- click here to contact your local newspaper or congress people:
THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IS HOLOCRACY

Click here to see the most recent messages sent to congressional reps and local newspapers

http://www.allenroland.com

Allen L Roland is a practicing psychotherapist, author and lecturer who also shares a daily political and social commentary on his weblog and website allenroland.com He also guest hosts a monthly national radio show TRUTHTALK on Conscious talk radio www.conscioustalk.net

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