Vision Statement for America
Our National Credo
Our national credo is our guiding vision, a dynamic and living document representing our collective aspirations for the future. It is a continuous work in progress, evolving with the growth and evolution of our society. Our credo encompasses the following fundamental beliefs and commitments:
1. Life as an epic gift
We cherish life as an epic gift of the highest order, emphasizing the importance of living in a manner that honors this remarkable, miraculous, and sacred existence.
2. Equality in the Gift of Life
Everyone is created equal in one very important way – we each have been given this sacred gift of life and we each are struggling to make the most of this most miraculous gift. Therefore, we must all honor this truth. It feels like dishonoring another person’s gift of life and living is an ultimate affront to the gift of life and living. Let’s let go of the notion of universal love. It’s a sham. It’s childish, and perhaps even ridiculous. Nobody loves everyone. In fact, endeavoring to do so dishonors and dilutes love - which is a very sacred and special bond. But we all can – must - easily, readily, and humbly accept the fact that everyone has been gifted the epic gift of being alive and that to harm, dishonor or god forbid take away someone else’s gift of life is to dishonor this gift at the highest order possible. THIS is an affront, a true crime!
3. Inalienable Rights
Building on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, we uphold that all humans are endowed with inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
4. Intergenerational Responsibility.
We believe in the obligation of each generation to leave a better world for future generations, fostering a commitment to progress, sustainability, and the well-being of our descendants.
For the better part of 150 years, since the globalization of capitalism and the industrial revolution, people always believed and felt that things would be better for our children and our children's children. Our parents worked hard to provide and better life for us, and we would do the same for our children. Does anyone believe this anymore?
5. Moving Beyond Shareholder Returns
Maximizing shareholder return has become humanity's only KPI. Nothing else seems to matter. My hypothesis for #TheRootCause is this: the root cause of why we are exactly where we are, is because maximizing shareholder return - or more correctly maximizing risk adjusted shareholder rates of returns - has become society's sole objective!!!
Maximizing shareholder risk adjusted rate of return is our addiction. It's our obsession that supersede's everything and anything else. Maximizing shareholder returns has become a natural law, ruthlessfy enforced by the lords of Wall Street and investors. When one analyzes any of the problems facing humanity through this lens, the root cause always becomes apparent! It is the grand unifying theory of why evertying is going to hell...This must change!
Acknowledging the limitations of prioritizing shareholder returns, we recognize the broader spectrum of societal returns, striving for a balance that considers the well-being of people, communities, the environment, and democracy.
6. People first!
Placing people above profits, we advocate for the essential role of individuals in decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of fair labor practices and representation.
First, and most importantly, people come first! Labor, workers, "human resources", or whatever label you want to apply are, at the end of the day, people!
Did you know that in almost every country in Europe, employees have a voice in corporate governance? In many European countries, employees are represented on the governing bodies of companies and have the right to be informed about corporate decisions. This is not the case in the United States, where corporate and government leaders vilify "labor" and literally attempt to outlaw labor unions!
People must have a seat at the table!
7. Community Priority.
Emphasizing the significance of vibrant and inclusive communities, we prioritize access to education, healthcare, public spaces, and cultural enrichment over narrow shareholder interests.
Our communities matter! Vibrant communities matter far more than shareholder returns! All our communities and the people living therein should have access to education, health care, public spaces, and even art and a sense of beauty! Being proud of where we live is extraordinarily important to an individual's happiness and sense of well-being.
Vibrant communities are safe communities!
8. Climate and Planet First.
Acknowledging the critical importance of our climate and planet, we commit to prioritizing environmental sustainability over short-term financial gains, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Our climate and planet are our life support system. The damage and devastation human economic activity is having on our environment is wreaking devastating consequences for people and our communities. Protecting our climate and planet is not just about doing the right thing, but also about protecting our own interests. That's why shareholder return must be subordinated to our climate and planet! We must leave a healthier planet for future generations.
9. Health and Well-being Priority
Affirming health as a fundamental right, we strive to ensure universal access to quality healthcare, recognizing the profound impact of well-being on individual and societal productivity.
Health is essential for our happiness, well-being, and productivity. When we are healthy, we can work, learn, and contribute to our communities. When we are sick or injured, we can't do any of these things. Access to healthcare should be a basic human right. Everyone deserves to have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or employment status.
10. Democracy Prevails
While acknowledging the complexities of the relationship between democracy and capitalism, we assert that, in our vision, democracy takes precedence over maximizing shareholder return, ensuring a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Whether democracy and capitalism can co-exist in the long run is a complex question with no easy answer. There are many factors to consider, such as the specific political and economic systems in place, the level of inequality in society, and the strength of democratic institutions.
Some argue that capitalism is inherently undemocratic, as it allows a small number of wealthy individuals to control the means of production and ultimately our government. Others argue that capitalism and democracy can coexist, and that they are in fact mutually beneficial.
We believe democracy and capitalism can coexist, but to be clear, as between government of the people, by the people, and for the people or maximizing shareholder return, democracy comes first!
About Our Credo
Our credo is 2B's most important document! It's our vision statement. It's our North Star. It's our objective. It's how we analyze and critique our perspective and policy propositions. It's the rubric by which we evaluate and analyze everything. And our credo is defined by our community! It's a living, breathing, dynamic document, that is intended to grow, improve, and evolve contemporaneously with the growth and evolution of our society! While we appreciate history and tradition, we reject the notion the centuries old ideas and philosophies must be dogmatically adhered to no matter what!