Our vision for the future of our societies is contained in our analysis of societal change. The following guidelines aim to help discuss and formulate a program for society change.

Government has gained an extravagant precedence over our societies . Not only do governments run the public services. They also control banks, payment processors, currencies, large utilities, local administration, citizenship, territory, security, defense, marriage and the private life, social security and solidarity, business transactions. And even the so-called ‘civil society organizations’, which by nature should be independent.

This expansion of government, far to recede with the economic modernization that followed W.W.II, has become stronger since the 1980s. Governments in modern countries (North America, Europe and Japan alike) at first lost some ground, but try to regain it by building supranational states, establishing a police state, nationalizing large companies, regulating financial transactions, controlling air transportation…

To do this, governments invoke various pretenses (the ‘war on terror’, money laundering, financial stability…) to spread a feeling of insecurity. Their aim is to thwart the problems they created, and to prevent the rising middle class to come to power.

Abuse, of course, is contained in this expansion of a monopolistic power that does not apply to itself the rules it requires others to abide by.

The result is a weaker, less dynamic, more passive society, less freedom, higher taxation, and increased obstacles to economic development.

Empowering civil society

It is necessary to take society out from the grip of the state. That may take the shape of structural reforms, but also of changes in our patterns of behavior. Removing stifling government from our lives cannot be done without a sustainable alternative that allows society to grow and govern itself safely. Otherwise, anarchy and chaos might ensue, and government would take this as pretense to tighten its grip over society further.

Organic limitation of governmental power

In terms of structural changes, an organic limitation of government power must be implemented, meaning that government power must be exerted under citizen control in view of acceptable goals, or immediately lose any legitimacy.

These acceptable goals are exclusively those linked with the pursuance of the common good through the delivery of effective services to the population.

Political transition to a stronger civil society

To implement such change, a political phase may be necessary, for the state would ideally need to de-structure itself rather than be combated from outside. Education is probably the best long-term mean to modify attitudes and behaviors and eventually change both society and government.

Privatization and mutualization

Effective privatization (transfer to authentically private hands) and/or mutualization (transfer to third sector) of a wide range of services, primarily (but not exclusively) those linked with industrial output, utilities and banking.

Introduction of competition and alternatives in many areas, including those traditionally considered as the competence of the state, such as police and justice.

Central bank reform

Central banks managed by genuinely independent authority. Government money printing qualified as counterfeit, currency backed by gold or other stable measurement unit. Private or local currencies allowed.

Local government reform

Local government not affiliated with central government. Communities genuinely local and not the ramifications or organs of the central administrative order. Involvement of citizens in quarter committees and security teams.

Parliamentary control over government is not enough.

Swiss-style direct democracy for all issues chosen by the people. The conditions for launching referendums must be liberal enough to make sure popular initiatives are possible, and the results of the consultations must be binding on government.

Citizen participation

Civic participation in the judicial process through the development of negotiation, conciliation, and the institution of non-professional elected judges. Strengthening contradictory procedure vs. inquisitorial procedure. Allowance of a diversity of sources of law, beyond the formal state law. Government reforms criminal procedure on the model of civil law so as to avoid police monopoly on the issuance of charges and to allow a fair compensation of the victims.

Revisited the fiscal system

Drastic simplification based on flat tax rate on all types of revenues. Interdiction made to the state to levy taxes if such required payments do not compensate a specific service, or if this service is already funded through the general tax system. VAT removed (undermines social trust and instills government in the heart of business relationships). Taxpayers may choose the sector in which they want to spend the most.

Empowerment of civil society

Strengthening of civil society organizations with access by right to the  funding collected by government. More decision power and responsibility for these organizations, what regards notably mutual assistance and social security.

Enhanced industrial relationships

Organic direct creation of law by negotiation partners as in German labor law. Development of Rhineland capitalism-style partnership between employee and employer organizations.

Education reform and big society

Education more under the responsibility of families, private institutions and community institutions. Emphasis put on innovation, civic virtues, sensitization to civic engagement, living together, vs. individualism, hedonism, and consumerism.

Development through education of the corresponding skills and attitudes: compromise-readiness, criticism to consumption, lesser individualism, greater congeniality and civility (at family, neighborhood, interpersonal levels).

Preservation of cultural identity for community integration

Organic obligation made to government to restrict immigration so as to protect ethno-cultural identity. Reorientation of government policies to effectively help economic development in the Third World. Attribution of nationality exclusively under the control of the population through ad hoc committees with binding advice.