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The Story... 2029

 

 


 
We are now in the season of Spring and moving closer to celebrating resurrection. Though there is a lot of chaos in our nation right now, there are also opportunities to try new things and work towards new goals. A pastor friend of mine, (Methodist), posted something about Project 2029, when possibly more Christ-like, compassionate, and patriotic citizens and politicians defeat the white-Christian-nationalistic patriarchy that is throwing its last grasp to remake us into an authoritarian government and society. 

So, rather than just being against what MAGA is trying to do, what are we for? Each of us may have our own pet projects and ideas of what is good, however dream with me on what would make our country a safe and healthy place for all.

First, for me, it would be universal healthcare, including mental health, dentists, and eye-care. If we haven’t got our health,... (as the saying goes) and this would free up resources and time if we all were a bit healthier, and this would include keeping many of the additives, preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides out of our food production and invest in the local small farmers, not just the corporate farms and food industry. 

Second, would be reparations for our First Nations, descendants of slaves, and any minority community that has been passed over simply because they weren’t deemed American (white) enough. This would include prioritizing SBA loans, home loans, infrastructure projects to the poorest communities (urban and rural) across our country as well as free college for any youth or adult coming from those communities with a tax paid for (percentage can be figured out as the price tag is worked on) by those who are in the top ten percent of our wealthy and top ten percent of our income earners (who receive and own over 80 percent of our national income and wealth). This would last for 20 years or until the gap between the richest county and poorest county in each state is less than seven-fold.

Third, would be the elimination of Political Action Committees, and a blanket limit of $1,000 per candidate, per election, per citizen with no donations to be given by any company, corporation, union, or foundation. Any politician or person found guilty of violating this would be banned for 20 years from politics and any company or corporation would have their business license revoked permanently. 

Fourth, would be the elevating of the agencies that protect our clean air, water, soil, people, nature, and future to mitigate our global climate crisis. As the Pentagon has named this as America’s greatest security threat, half of their budget should be targeted in removing this threat, which would also change their mission and role in what our country is focused on (rather than propping up dictators and non-democratic nations when it suits our corporations’ greed). 

Fifth (but not last), basic rights of due process should be extended to everyone, not just those who are citizens or whom the administration deems worthy. Immigration should be fixed with investments in the process rather than security (which has proven futile). Basic rights of food, clean water, homes, healthcare, safety, voice, vote (for citizens), and healthy families (however they are formed) should be guaranteed for all people who are here in our country. 

Sixth (one more), any corporation valued at over $1 billion dollars should be run by the employees or as a cooperative, with the stipulations that profit is not its top concern but a mix of employee welfare, being a responsible company in the communities in which they work and sell to, and their practices and productions do no harm to the planet earth that can’t be reversed within 5 years. 

What am I missing and what would be your top priority?

Peace

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