shathaway

When the United States was preparing to invade the country of Afghanistan, this letter is from my communications to the US State Department, and ambassadors at the United Nations. Much of this document is gleaned from the Baha'i writings, and also from my studies of cultural anthropology and sociology.

I have no knowledge of how much of this was deliberated or even considered. The documents were probably trashed.

The points here made are for discussion and further research. Some of the ideas promoted here may also be found contradictory and wrong.

Sincerely,
Steven J. Hathaway

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OUTLINE TO DEVELOP AN EMERGING GOVERNMENT

Issues to resolve when untangling the Gordian Knot of ungoverned territories and an outline of requirements to build a new government are described herein.

->Identify the cultural and religious achievements
->Identify the rights of individuals
->Identify the rights of families
->Identify the responsibilities of governments
->Identify the rights of religion
->Identify the rights of organizations
->Identify the scope and impact of territory
->Identify the rights of community
->Identify the rights of regional governments
->Identify the rights of nations
->Identify the international goals
->Identify the international responsibilities
->Identify coalition resources and actions


IDENTIFY THE CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

The act of identifying the cultural and religious achievements in an area will help the nation builders give a positive and productive voice to the challenges facing the negotiators, teachers, and decision makers. It may be a useful starting point to increase the awareness and demands of social issues, and provide a background by which social issues can be resolved. Nations have been toppled, and societies crumbled, when these cultural and religious achievements have been ignored. This section attempts to illustrate the impact of religion, and the cultural significance of the Native American populations. A similar study can be performed regarding any given territory.

The major religions have each enabled significant enhances to humanity. My studies include studying the scriptures and histories of various major religions and research in the fields of social and cultural anthropology, and linguistic archaeology.

The ancient religions of Africa were the source and inspiration behind Pharaohs of Egypt, the greatness of the kingdom of Mali in West Africa, and across the Atlantic to establish similar cultures including the Aztec and Inca societies of South America. These religions appear to have a genesis in the central Sahara region of Africa, when that area was forested with trees.

The Abrahamic religions of Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, have promoted the concepts of family and righteous living. These concepts were extended as guidance for kings and tribal rulers. In more modern times, the Abrahamic religions also encompass the Christian, Islamic and Baha'i faiths. These religions have their genesis in the middle-east.

Christians have a concept of a global church, with teachings of personal salvation. There is also hope that God's kingdom will be built on earth. The Bible is based on the recollections of a loyal following of believers. One of the primary tenants of Christianity is tolerance for those with different beliefs.

Mohammed and Islam organized the warring Bedouin tribal cultures into societies that subscribe to humanitarian principles. Since the Koran was dictated by Mohammed, it is regarded as the authoritative word of god. Systems of libraries and universities, were developed by the Islamic followers, along with a strong sense of nationalism. The Koran also validates the teachings of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as being of god.

The Baha'i religion promotes a concept of world salvation, and the need for representative governments based on spiritual principles that are supportive of human welfare.

Krishna and the Hindus promote the mystic realities, and how to acquire the attributes of one who is admired. Much of the poetry in Islam is based on Hindu traditions.

Buddha's teachings are diverse and scattered, but the concepts promote righteous living, and tolerance. There are many small epitaphs on a wide variety of topics.

The Americas have always been multi-cultural, even in pre-Colombian times. South American tribes have histories that relate to African religious and social influences. North American tribes have languages and cultures that appear to have pre-Colombian roots from Mediterranean based cultures. Others of the ancient Athapascan and Algonquin languages appear to be trans-Pacific. Still others cultures of Gallic and picture scripts appear to be of Nordic and North-Sea in origin.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS

The world has many religions and belief systems. Any belief system that helps a person be a useful member in society shall not be compromised. A person shall be allowed to practice any humanitarian belief system without retribution from government.

A person shall not be prosecuted by reason of personal attributes or beliefs and the non-violent expression of those attributes or beliefs. Persons shall be able to pursue and express any belief or thought without fear unless such expression is intended to provoke an immediate public panic and a threat to public safety.

Persons shall be able to meet and socialize in any group or organization unless restricted by organization policy or laws of government.

A person shall be able to acquire and not be denied the basic sustenance of life. This includes food, clean water, clean air, shelter, clothing, and moral support.

No person shall be denied a basic education. This education must encompass the basic societal moralities and rules of acceptable social behavior. The rules of government, religion, and social ethics must be espoused. This education must include the tolerance and acceptance of the many belief systems that are socially acceptable. This education must also include the skills required for survival in the local economy and the tools to enhance ones participation in the larger world economies.

Education must preserve the languages and cultures of the common people.

Education must include the common language of government and the tools to participate in a world-wide economy.

Persons have the responsibility to define and elect their representative governments. They may also have the responsibility to defend their elected governments from all foes foreign and domestic. They also have the responsibility to change an unjust government by means of an agreed electoral and representative process. Assistance from other nations may be required to facilitate a transition to an elected representative government.

No person, male or female, shall be refused an education, nor refused the right and responsibility of participating in government affairs, unless they are convicted enemies of humanity. Talking bad of government, society, religion, culture, or doctrine, does not make a person an enemy of humanity. All people have the right to discuss and request changes to government. Supportive and contrary voices must be heard. Constructive changes to governments are always supported by debate and discourse.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF FAMILIES

Families are the fundamental building blocks of society. This is where children are nurtured and given the basic training to become good citizens. Families provide the primary care and support for the infants, elderly, and the infirm in society. Governments can help supplement these responsibilities of families in cases where there is no family, or where families have insufficient resources. The sanctity and security of family must be preserved.

Extended families and tribes can also give persons a sense of belonging, and enhance the ability of families to cope with hardships. When families and tribes are supported by a benevolent government, these families and tribes can help promote the security and defense of the homeland.

In the absence of a benevolent government, the common people, families, and tribes shall be responsible for electing a representative government to administer their common needs.


IDENTIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT

All governments shall be duly elected, and be periodically reformed and ratified by an electoral process in which the common people have a voice. Governments that are overthrown by force or tyranny should be replaced when possible with a duly elected representative government that is responsible to the people. Kingdom and sovereign heads of state can be assigned ambassador and emissary responsibilities by a duly elected government, but should not of themselves constitute government authority.

The electoral process must be representative of all peoples living in a region, without prejudice, malice, or harassment. Assistance from other nations can be requested when necessary to ensure that a suitable electoral process is not hindered in its duties.

A local government is to be established by the people, families, and tribes within a given locality. This representative government shall establish the necessary local militia to protect the territory and the rights that the families hold in reverence. The militia shall not act without the full approval of the representative government. The local representative governments define and administer the laws of the community. No law shall be established that violates the rights of individuals, families, religions, and organizations except for the prosecution of crimes against humanity.

These local governments shall enable the common people to elect regional governments to administer the public affairs throughout a region.

The regional governments shall elect a national government based on the consensus of its local governments. Regional governments must draft and ratify the initial national constitution. Any changes in the national constitution must be ratified by the regional governments. Changes in regional laws and local laws must be ratified by the local electorate.

The national government shall provide for a common defense of the homeland, represent the nation in world affairs, and handle the affairs of national importance within their national borders. The national government shall work with other nations, bringing to justice those who have committed heinous crimes against humanity. The national government shall provide humanitarian relief in times of emergency and civil strife.

Governments have the right and responsibility to prosecute any crimes against humanity within their borders. They may also refer to any superior court, up to a world court or tribunal for judgment or guidance. Governments must establish the houses of justice to administer the civil laws and reconcile disputes.

Governments shall codify what constitutes crimes against humanity and implement appropriate sanctions. Such codification and sanctions must be ratified by the electorate. Governments should appeal to the electorate regarding any significant change in scope and responsibility for which a government is to respond. Governments must recognize appeals from the electorate regarding issues on how the government operates its affairs.

Governments are responsible for the civil education of the public, with sufficient instruction so that the public understands the purposes of government and the rights of the individual. The public elects and defines their governments. The common people must have the authority to change their governments through the representative electoral process. Governments therefore have a duty to serve the people.

Governments have taxation authority over the electorate, but the electorate must approve the taxation structure. The taxation structure and its changes must be approved by the electorate or its representatives.

National governments are the only entities that can legally declare war, and mobilize military actions outside their national borders. Beware that any war activities and crimes against humanity, both inside and outside the national boundaries, will have the world-wide scrutiny of all nations. Such inhumane activities may result in immediate and significant world-wide sanctions and reprisals against governments and civilian activities.

National governments must cooperate with each other to eradicate the perpetrators of heinous crimes against humanity.

Decisions of governments must be the results of open debate and discussion. The official decisions of government must be ratified by a consensus of the people's representatives.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF RELIGION

The world has many religions and cultural belief systems. The purpose of these religions and belief systems is to promote a society in which people can participate with cooperation, respect and dignity. Toward these ends, all religions and cultural belief systems shall be accepted. There may be religions and cultural belief systems that promote social terrorism and crimes against humanity. The practice of such inhumane activities shall not be tolerated and shall be prosecuted according to laws of inhumane behavior.

People shall be able to choose and practice their beliefs and cultural doctrines so long as crimes against humanity are not practiced.

Governments shall not espouse or promote a specific religion, but shall attempt to practice what is consistently good in all religions and cultures. Where religious teachings and belief systems promote different philosophies and practices, governments shall not interfere except where such practices are crimes against humanity.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF ORGANIZATIONS

Persons may take on organizational responsibilities if their presence or participation provides significant direction to the group or the person acts upon the directives of the group. Any organization or group can limit its membership for any reason, but should refrain from invading a person's privacy outside the scope and operations of the group. No person or group shall be prosecuted for activities that fall within the scope of acceptable ethical behavior. No person outside of a group shall pose a prosecutable liability for the group. A group and its leaders can be prosecuted if the actions of the group are unacceptable in a court of law. If the group or organization no longer exists, then no group prosecution shall take place, only individual actions can be prosecuted.


IDENTIFY THE SCOPE AND IMPACT OF TERRITORY

Codifying and documenting the scope and impact of territory is required to define the boundaries of local, regional, and national governments.

Ownership of territory can cause significant disputes. Nomadic tribes see that territory cannot be owned, but freedom for unhindered travel and movement is necessary. Agricultural societies feel that territory must be owned to keep the nomadic trespassers from harming the plantings in the earth. Is the territory being governed owned by the government, the governed, or nobody? What about the buildings, homes, and places one holds private possessions and family- are they owned by the people, institutions, organizations, or governments? Answers should help resolve the impact of territory. Governments should help administer the divergent uses of land within its borders.

The boundaries of territory must be ratified by the people or their representatives to government.

Other nations can assist in preparing an initial draft and the formation of a provisional government. Once official and sanctioned governments are established, they can negotiate new territorial boundaries within their national borders. But such boundary changes must be approved by the electorate or their government representatives.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF COMMUNITY

A community is where people work, live, and acquire the sustenance of life.

The health of a community directly reflects the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Extremes of wealth and of poverty can pose formidable problems and challenges to any government.

Divergent views of religion, ethics, and social customs can also pose problems for governments. A just and wise government will accommodate these diversities.

Any territory may have numerous communities, reflecting diverse cultures, incomes, religions, politics, employment, ethnic groups, classes, tribes and clans. Governments must accommodate this diversity with tolerance, and provide a venue for conflict resolution.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS

Regional governments are required to administer and distribute the shared public resources to its various communities according to need.

Regional governments are responsible for electing and forming the national government.


IDENTIFY THE RIGHTS OF NATIONS

The duly formed and elected government of any nation is the official voice that represents that nation to the world. Such a government must represent the national interests at any international tribunal, or meeting of nations.

A nation has sovereignty over the territory for which it governs.

A nation has the right and responsibility to faithfully represent and defend its national interests, both domestic and abroad.

If there is no duly-elected and representative government to represent the nation, then the region may not be fully-recognized as a sovereign entity to the world. For a peaceful world to exist, all governments must be responsive to the welfare of their citizens. A duly-elected and representative government can withstand the tests of tyranny, and can be rebuilt if overthrown by force.


IDENTIFY THE INTERNATIONAL GOALS

(This is not my expertise!)


IDENTIFY THE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

(This is not my expertise!)


IDENTIFY THE COALITION RESOURCES AND ACTIONS

(This is not my expertise!)

arthra

Just curious Shathaway what is your field of expertise...?

- Art

shathaway

My degree is in Electrical Engineering, specializing in the computer sciences and networked communications systems. I have been a technical writer and technical editor for a major electronics business. I am currently employed by government, responsible for various (radio, data, telephone) networks for public safety, law enforcement, and United States Homeland Security. I have also pursued my own consulting business.

My avocation is the study of cultural archaeology and social anthropology. The study of theology helps in the understanding of why cultures flourish and decline. I have read most of the Baha'i books written in English.

I am not a professional student of law. But I have researched the various legal texts that govern where and how I live, work, and do business.

I have commented on legal issues where they are necessary for the development of businesses and engineering construction projects. I have also assisted in the infrastructure design of a major suburban community, complete with the codification of land use ordinances and tax base laws.

I am not a career politician. I do not have the political gift of gab. I have never been employed in any diplomatic capacity, domestic or international.

I do try to research solutions to problems and submit my findings and reasons in printed form to those persons that have a voice. I am willing to expand on the findings or reasons where necessary, and address issues that are contrary to the thesis of argument.

Thanks for asking.
Sincerely,
Steven J. Hathaway

P.S. I refrain from sharing details of my employment in public forums due to the sensitive nature of the work environment.

arthra

Well that's a very impressive resume Shathaway and one that should secure you a very responsible post as well which it sounds like you already have.

I'm retired in this stage of my life and was in Social Work for my career with interests in history.

I'm involved in Inter-faith activities and a city Human Relations Commission so we may have some similar interests and of course being Baha'is we can collaborate on some level.

- Art

mahyar

I remember hearing from this guy: Lawrence Lessig (http://www.lessig.org/) that the hard part is not making the law but creating a culture that respects the law in the first place. Having all these laws are all nice and ineffective if the police don't care (or are non-existant) and the people are too illiterate to even know of the law.

shathaway

That is precicely why an enormous amount of work is required. The necessary energies must be invested at the social level in order to craft a government that is reflective of the social needs.

Sincerely,
Steven J. Hathaway

shathaway

Baha'i Development Projects

http://www.bahai.org/features/sed

Sincerely,
Steven J. Hathaway