Beyond Ideology: Politics of the Future
Ideologies may be useful in viewing
solutions to problems from various viewpoints, but
in the future they must not be obstacles to taking
necessary action. In fact, the labels “conservative” and “liberal,” “religious"
and "secular,” will have to be subordinate
to the labels “effective,” “sustainable,” and “fair.” As
needs change, values change. As political consciousness
evolves, arguments over philosophy become less important
factors than pragmatic programs of effective, concrete
actions.
Politics of the future will have to be about problem
solving. Regardless of political party or political
philosophy, the problems of society, international
relations and the environment have produced an imperative
agenda that must be addressed. People will want political
leaders that present solutions to problems that are
equitable and feasible. The ability to build consensus
and get things done will be far more compelling than
ideology in choosing future leaders.
Imagine big corporations like
DuPont, Nike, and WalMart giving us a glimpse of
future leadership with new corporate titles like “Chief
Sustainability Officer,” or “Vice
President of Corporate Responsibility.”[1] While
driven by incentives for profits and improved public
image, they have at least gotten the message that many
consumers want leaders to take action to improve people’s
lives. (And, surprise, they are also making more money
in the process!) People expect those with the biggest
impact and influence to take the lead in solving global
problems.
Individuals also consider personal
profit in their lives. This profit is characterized
by attaining the means for life,
liberty, health and happiness. When politicians
do not help attain these goals of government, but
also endanger them, they are not fulfilling their
responsibilities nor do they merit public trust.
The state of the world is evidence that political
ideologies and politico-religious doctrines have
failed to improve life and have rather put life at
risk.
Success is a major criteria for survival
on our planet. Facing a world where survival is at
risk indicates human failure. Enlightened thinkers
have always taught that doing good leads to a successful
life on a personal and social level. This is not
only a religious concept, but “you reap what
you sow,” also
applies to science, economics, and interpersonal
and environmental relationships. It is the basic
law of cause and effect. That law is not based on
political ideologies; it is based on the law of action
and reaction.
While corporations are just waking
up to the environmental and social imperatives presented
by current problems, idealistic, non-profit organizations
are active at present, and have been so for many
years. In every country they are trying to ease human
suffering, provide help in places of crisis, and give
hope where kindness and support are absent. Each one
is dedicated to meeting a special human or environmental
need. Their activism is a model of what future politics
ought to be — it
is the politics of working for the common good. [2]
Future
politics must be based on “doing good” with
no ideological overtones or other self-serving doctrines.
People must choose leaders based on solutions that benefit
the common good. It is very simple to judge policies
strictly by their results: Do they lead to actions that
improve life or not? Do they lead to increased good in
the world or not? Do they promote survival for all species
or not?
To improve the world situation it is essential that
a new foundation be established for politics in the
future. Nations (and multi-national corporations) must
contribute to a political culture that considers the
global good — one
that is effective in solving the human, environmental,
and economic problems in sustainable ways. At the same
time it must be guided by all the international conventions
that guarantee and protect human rights, individual freedoms,
and environmental health.
© 2008
Richard V. Sidy
[1]
Sierra Club Magazine, Jan/Feb 2008, "Keep Your
Eye on the Globe — The
new world of corporate environmental officers
NEWS
FROM GreenBiz.com: Dow, FPL, Bloomberg and Goldman
Sachs Join Climate Group.
OAKLAND, Calif., Dec.21,
2007 — Four prominent corporations joined the ranks
of The Climate Group this week to promote pragmatic climate
change policy and demonstrate that companies can slash
emitions by still make money. READ
MORE
[2]
View links to organizations that serve humanity and
the planet.
To
view the profiles and read the stories of "politicians
of the future" meet the Honorees of CNN Heroes
here.
