As the world supposedly returns to normal, many of us refuse to go back to the same old status quo. This pandemic provides an opportunity to separate from the old patterns and systems that no longer work. If anything, COVID-19 has shown in glaring detail just how dysfunctional America is and how our cherished national myths have little basis on reality.
Instead of reacting to the present, however, I would prefer to concentrate on a vision of the short- and long-ranged future for both our nation and our world. None of what I express here is particularly novel but is pragmatic and possible. Few of these future musings would be based on legal mandates. It is hoped that the human race will evolve to the point where they desire to live by these suggestions only because they bring about universal peace and harmony.
To begin with, let’s get rid of war. It’s a useless waste of lives, money and resources. Every year, countries collectively spend over a trillion dollars to fight against and spy on each other. If we merely act like aggressive bands of chimpanzees with better technology, then such behavior belies the notion that humans are a superior species.
That said, some military equipment like helicopters, giant transport planes and aircraft carriers, however, would be retained to bring relief supplies and personnel to areas suffering from natural catastrophes that will always be with us.
Likewise, two years of some sort of national service would be implemented. Having young people serve their community would not only be a benefit to all but would broaden their horizons.
The idea of one person being a national leader is antiquated. While democratic nations have checks and balances — and a Free Press — to safeguard against abuses of power, a council as the Executive Branch would prevent the detrimental behavior of one individual. This council would have a mandatory equal participation of women.
All candidates for office would take a test to gauge their moral intelligence and honesty to ensure that they serve the People. Elections would have time and contribution limits and corporations would be barred from participating. Globally, citizenship would be available to all with its attendant privileges and responsibilities. Food, shelter and medical care would be guaranteed for every citizen.
Lawyers and doctors would be paid no more than teachers or nurses. Teaching would be a revered, respected profession and class sizes would be limited to 10 students per instructor. Each student would be educated to their specific needs and desires and apprenticeship would replace classroom education for those who prefer to learn a technical skill. All higher educational institutions would be equally funded and free to the public.
Consciousness would change so that “Celebrity culture” would disappear. While both provide needed and enjoyable entertainment, actors and athletes would be paid a modest but generous annuity instead of astronomical salaries.
In this future, greed would be seen as a mental illness or at best, an embarrassing moral failing. Those who hoard hundreds of millions if not billions of currency would voluntarily donate a majority of their vast sums to help the common good. This is not socialism, but the ethical core of every established religion.
Speaking of which, the traditional religions of the last two millennia will focus less on rituals and divine individuals and more on universal consciousness. Division, elitism, hatred and violence based on religious belief will be seen as a relic of the antiquated past, like sacrificing sheep and oxen to a big pile of rocks. With this new spirituality, the human race will recognize its oneness and responsibility to safeguard each other and the Earth as a whole.
In terms of transportation and energy, efficient high-speed rail, where trains travel in excess of 250 mph, would crisscross the United States. Public transportation will be encouraged including the return of the old but reliable urban and rural trolley system. It should be remembered that in 1905, trolleys connected Greenfield with Turners Falls, Deerfield, Northampton and Amherst.
Fossil fuels would be gradually replaced with large infrastructure non-polluting energy sources. Cities and towns would set aside a percentage of land for parks and community gardens.
Lastly, every American family would receive an annual two-week paid vacation to ensure happiness and positive mental health.
None of these future ideals are out of the ordinary. We could have them if we wanted. And to quote the late John Lennon, “You might say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one.”
Daniel A. Brown lived in Franklin County for 44 years and was a frequent contributor to the Recorder. He lives in Taos, New Mexico.