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General Discussion
The Spirit of Democracy

From: Bruce Schuman
Date: Thursday, July 20, 2006
Topic: General Discussion
MsgID: 255883

This project continues to grow. I am happy to report that Mike Hackett and I have agreed to proceed with this work, and have reviewed an array of issues and action-points, on which we are generally agreed. We understand that this is a creative process, and many further details await refinement.

As things now stand, here is a bullet-point review of our emerging new "Spirit of Democracy" project. We expect to refine and detail this outline in every regard.

1. MOTIVATION
   • The sense that there is "something wrong" in the fabric of American (and international) politics - a sense that we can do better - and we must do better...
   • Input from a wide variety of sources (books, articles, media, commentators), describing problems in "the system". Things are not working too well, and there is discord and injury.
   • A spirit of distrust and anger and polarization, that fragments the nation on the issues, creates confrontation, wastes resources, and does not lead to wise decisions.

2. INCLUSION
   • Faith and values
     This project pulls together everything that is known about interfaith and interfaith spirituality and values.
   • Democratic process
     We incorporate the most advanced current research on methods of dialogue and "group process".
   • The role of science
     We use and advocate scientific methods wherever appropriate.
   • Breadth
     We embrace the full spectrum of human knowledge and academic/scientific specialization, and incorporate expertise in any of these areas.

3. RESEARCH
   • Issues
     We are building a list of issues that concern us, and outlining what we might do to address these concerns.
   • Gathering the voices
     We are building a reading list of emerging books and articles that describe these issues, and doing what we can to build relationships with these authors.
   • Institutional influences
     We are compiling a list of institutions and aspects of the democratic process that work together in an interdependent way. This includes all branches of government, the electoral process, the news media, professional associations, think tanks and advisory groups (lobbies).

4. DESIGN
   • Conversation
     We are convening a conversation of concerned citizens and experts, who are interested in this overall concept, and want to contribute ideas, opinions, and expertise.
   • Political Science
     We are building a model of the democratic process as it exists today, noting the flow of information and decision-making at major points, and considering how this flow of information and control can be improved and guided.
   • Internet
     We are creating online network tools that support all aspects of this process.

5. SPIRIT
   • Dialogue
     Gather together all the best research on methods of dialogue and co-creativity, exploring ways that political leaders can "work together for the good of us all."
   • Healing
     Overcome the spirit of blame. Build nuanced models of responsibility for the flow of events.
   • Expertise
     Bring together experts from a wide variety of fields, including religion and interfaith and ethics, getting their advice and input on ways to improve the process.
   • Community
     Weave together the fabric of community, bringing all aspects of this process into a single framework.

6. VISION
   • A broadly inclusive network emerges, interconnecting concerned voices and experts from every sector of society, embracing the full spectrum of "diversity".
   • The network directly engages sources of goodness and insight anywhere they can be found, and draws those forces together into a single advisory forcefield of expertise and insight.
   • At every point in the fabric of democracy, this emerging new network exerts a gentle persuasive influence, urging wisdom, grace, patience and balance.
   • Political leaders are strengthened by this network, and can rely on it for ethical guidance and insight into difficult issues.
   • The open and transparent quality of this network encourages a revitalization of faith and trust in the institutions of democracy, and the outcome is a flowering of culture at all levels.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS
   • The creation of a broad and inclusive advisory group, taken from many sectors of society, and emphasizing ethical and spiritual expertise, who can work together to provide ethical guidance on broad questions, and introduce particular skills and methods as needed.
   • The creation of science-based high-dimensional models of complex political and historical situations, in ways that can help us form judgments and action plans that are not limited by the capacity of the individual human mind. This can include political situations (The Mideast crisis) and other global issues (global warming, economics, international health)

8. ACTION
   • Get this idea expressed in succinct and action-oriented terms.
   • Look for funding.
   • Develop an expanded circle of participation and advice.
   • Test the idea in various ways. See how people respond. Make sure the idea is essentially correct and trustworthy. Will this work in the real world? Is this really "the answer"?
   • Continue to build a team that can take on this very large task.