Capitalism must have a 'greater purpose' than profit. The Sustainable Development Goals! So says Bank of American CEO!

 

Interview Summary:  Sustainable capitalism requires a greater purpose than profit.  Profit for profits sake is simply unsustainable.  Profit for the purpose of sustainability of any business will require meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  Achieving these will require approximately $6 trillion annually.  Governments are simply too burdened by existing debt to achieve them.  Charity alone is insufficient.  Business leaders need to step up and prioritize a balancing of short-term gains with long term interests globally.  Politics must be good for business and society.  Partisanship isn’t. 

C-span program interview: Bank of America Chair & CEO Brian Moynihan discusses the state of the economy and the U.S. financial system during a conversation hosted by the City Club of Cleveland.

City Club Cleveland Bank America CEO   Program ID:  529044-1  https://www.c-span.org/video/?529044-1/bank-america-ceo-remarks-city-club-cleveland    July 2023

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Abridged text of the interview:   [all caps is CSPAN generated text] 

BRIAN MOYNIHAN,   C.E.O. OF BANK OF AMERICA since 2010.  THE SECOND LARGEST BANK IN THE U.S. and leads a team of 215,000 employees....DEDICATED TO MAKING FINANCIAL LIVES BETTER FOR PEOPLE, FOR COMPANIES OF ALL SIZES, FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS ACROSS THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD.

AS THE COUNTRY AND WORLD GRAPPLE WITH THE AFTERMATH OF THE PANDEMIC, INFLATION, THE BANKING INDUSTRY FELT ITS SHARE OF VOLATILITY. iN MARCH 2023, when THREE SMALL TO MIDSIZED U.S. BANKS FAILED, LEADING TO A CHAIN OF EVENTS -- NOW REFER TO AS THE 2023 BANKING CRISIS.

ADD TO THIS WIDESPREAD CALLS FOR:   INCREASED EQUITY, ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY,AND THE INCREASING RELIANCE ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, THE WORLD OF Banking AND Finances IS CHANGING QUITE A BIT.

WE'RE GRATEFUL TO HAVE HIM HERE TO GET HIS PERSPECTIVE ON THE ECONOMY, THE INDUSTRY AND GLOBAL TRENDS SHAPING BOTH.

There are a lot of factors determining the growth and changes in the economy.... as well as indicators our bank uses to evaluate its mission.

The US has AN EXTREMELY RESILIENT ECONOMY.   ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CAPITALISM, PROFIT MAKING. AND ALL THAT THEN CREATES A LOT OF ACTIVITY.  SIZABLE.   UNEMPLOYMENT IS now at an ALL-TIME LOW and VERY RARELY HAS BEEN BELOW THIS LEVEL.  It is NOT ONLY RESILIENT, it ATTRACTS CAPITAL AND ACTIVITY LIKE NO OTHER.

10:15  WE JUST GOT THE STRESS TEST RESULTS FOR OUR INDUSTRY :

19:29  OUR SOLE PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO HELP EVERYBODY PARTICIPATE IN CAPITALISM, INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES, HOURLY WORKERS, THE RICHEST people IN THE WORLD, The small companies, the big companies....CAPITAL MARKET...

00:20:10  THE DEBATE IS ABOUT HOW YOU DO CAPITALISM. ...  THE REALITY IS CAPITALISM IS THE ONLY SYSTEM THAT IS GOING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS the world wants TO SOLVE.  

20:30   And that’s the thing THAT Everybody is trying to WILL WORK ON.  So if you are going to HAVE AN ENERGY TRANSITION   -- IT is going to BE THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT DRIVES IT.

GOVERNMENTS DON'T HAVE THE MONEY. YOU CAN’t REGULATE IT because it’s very hard because it is across every place in the world.   So WHERE you ARE GOING TO GET THE MONEY TO DO IT?  YOU’re going to get the oil companies to do it. You’re going to have new energy companies to it.  

You are going to show it BY HAVING THE capital EQUITY COME IN, the talent come in, THE LENDING COME IN.   

PEOPLE SAY “YOU ARE talking about renewable energy so you are  NOT A CAPITALIST!   YOU ARE DOING THAT TO BE GREEN.”   NO!  I’m doing it because WE HAD $150 BILLION OF IT LAST YEAR. THAT IS A BIG BUSINESS.   IF WE DISCLOSE THAT THE TAX BENEFITS FROM THE RENEWABLE DEAL ARE THREE QUARTERS OF A BILLION DOLLARS -- THAT'S PRETTY INTERESTING.

21:23:  MAYBE I'M GETTING OLD -- BUT WE AS PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND A WHILE HAVE TO SHOW THOSE COMING BEHIND US THAT MAJOR COMPANIES WHO are strong companies CAN DO GREAT THINGS.   CAN DO IT IN A WAY that SOCIETY benefits AND SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT.  It is Progress with a purpose! 

JIM COLLINS, a great business writer over the past-- the great books he did IN 1996 TALKED ABOUT THE GENIUS OF THE ANT.   Progress with a purpose!  IF YOU go back and TALK ABOUT STAKEHOLDER CAPITALISM, ... PEOPLE SAY ‘WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?’ DO YOU THINK IT’s a pretty GOOD thing IF YOU DO GREAT THINGS FOR OUR CLIENTS?   OH YEAH.!  If you DO GOOD a good things for our team mates?   Oh Yeah!   IF YOU DO GREAT THINGS FOR our shareholders?  Oh Yeah!  If we do great things FOR OUR COMMUNITIES?  Oh Yeah!   THAT IS STAKEHOLDER CAPITALISM. HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT IS BAD?

Milton Friedman said it was bad!  But if you read more of what he said, he actually says more than that. Which is ‘You got to deliver profit and purpose. Not profit for purpose.   

22:47:  THE MANIFESTO CREATED AT DAVOS, HE AND MILTON HAD AN INTELLECTUAL DEBATE ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO SAY.

But COME FORWARD A BUNCH OF YEARS, MAJOR COMPANIES around the world are TRYING TO RUN THEIR BUSINESS the way they’re doing what IS RIGHT.   WHICH IS SHOWING HOW CAPITALISM WILL SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BY DRIVING THAT.   IT WON'T HAPPEN OTHERWISE.

THINK ABOUT 190 COUNTRIES SIGNED ON TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. THERE AREN'T MANY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD PAST 190 SOMETHING. THEY ALL SIGNED.  THEY TOLD US WHAT THEY WANT FROM THE SYSTEM.   The point is, IF YOU look at that, it takes $6 TRILLION A YEAR.   WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING TO COME FROM?  

Charity is wonderful!  WE DO $500 MILLION OF CHARITY as a company A YEAR.   There is great philanthropist in this city that has been around for years!

ALL THE CHARITABLE GIVING IN A YEAR IS $1.2 TRILLION. THE ART MUSEUMS and stuff DON'T COUNT.   He said, ‘What are the Governments going to do?’  OUR GOVERNMENTS RUN A TRILLION DOLLAR A YEAR STRUCTURAL DEFICIT. They are the only ones with any money.  THEY DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY. So, WHERE IS IT GOING TO COME FROM?

ALL THESE BUSINESSPEOPLE BY EMPLOYING good people AND HIRING GOOD PEOPLE, invest it, drive it. BUT DO IT IN A WAY THAT DELIVERS THE PROFITS THEY NEED TO DRIVE THE COMPANY, PLUS -- PAYS ATTENTION TO WHAT ELSE THEY DO.  That’s the end of purpose.   DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES and things. So that IS HARD TO ARGUE about. 

That’s what we are trying.  THAT IS HOW WE RUN OUR COMPANY. That’s what we call responsible growth and we’ve been doing it for a lot of years.   So WE ARE ONE OF FOUR COMPANIES IN THE U.S. that has earned MORE THAN $15 BILLION in eight straight years.  We’re beyond 8 billion this year.  MY GUESS IS WE WILL GET NINE.

THERE ARE ONLY FOUR OUT OF ALL THE COMPANIES LISTED IN THE U.S. TO GET TO THAT.

YOU CAN DO IT. There are other companies that have to do the same thing.  IT CAN BE BIG. You can do it. But it’s THE IDEA OF DOING BOTH!   THE ‘AND’!  NOT ‘OR’. And WHEN YOU DO THAT, THAT $6 TRILLION CAN BE FOUND.

YOU CAN HAVE THE ENERGY TRANSITION BY HAVING THE OIL COMPANIES USE THEIR EXPERTISE figure out how to do it.  AND STEEL COMPANIES figure out the WAY THEY CAN GET THE HYDROGEN IN PLACE in Africa, in place OF COAL, BY THINKING THROUGH THE TRANSFORMATION.
That’s what’s important.  But YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH THESE COMPANIES.

THE DEBATE IS NOT TO DO BUSINESS WITH EXXON, We don’t do that.  HOW CAN WE HELP COMPANIES MAKE THE TRANSITION with that particular element.

OR HOW DO WE help DO GREAT THINGS FOR the EMPLOYEES?  WE START at $46,000 A YEAR for our COMPANY. Full Benefits.  Career Mindset.   WE DO THAT BECAUSE IT IS IN THE economic best INTEREST OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS TO HAVE A TEAMMATE WHO WORKS FOR 50 YEARS IN OUR COMPANY. WE HAVE 200,000 PEOPLE!   Each 1% TURNOVER I have to hire 2000+ people each year.  A person is not really effective  SIX MONTHS, THREE MONTHS, PICK A NUMBER.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 15% AND 7%, WHICH IS WHAT WE WENT BACK TO AFTER THE GREAT RESIGNATION, 7% IS 15,000 PEOPLE WE WON'T HIRE THIS YEAR. THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE CAREER MINDSET.

......

44.19:  Purpose before profits is not a new concept!!   [He was an American History major]   

GO TO AN AVERAGE COLLEGE CAMPUS AND ASK IN THE ECONOMICS CLASS WHAT ARE THEIR VIEWS OF CAPITALISM, IT WILL BE INTERESTING. WE HAVE TO GIVE PEOPLE WHY A BUNCH OF ANY COMPANIES CAN DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY, THAT SHOW YOU THE VALUE OF CAPITALISM. BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT HAVE THE GREAT THINGS YOU HAVE IN ANY PLACE IN AMERICA WITHOUT THAT CAPITALIST SYSTEM. IT OVER POLLUTES, IT DOES THIS, EMPLOYEE SAFETY, IT GETS REGULATED BACK. BUT YOU WANT TO FIX IT BEFORE THAT.  WHEN IT COMES TO REGULATION IT GOES PAST THE POINT OF PAIN.

...IS KIND OF INTERESTING. THE IDEA OF A COMPANY LIKE OURS IS TO DO THE RIGHT THING, BE CONSISTENT AND MINDFUL THAT THE ELECTED OFFICE COMES AND GOES, B UT THE PEOPLE AT THE COMPANY WILL BE HERE THROUGH THE ELECTION CYCLES. YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT. DO YOU WANT PEOPLE THAT SEE THE VALUEOF FREE ENTERPRISE CAPITALISM? YES. THAT DOES NOT MEAN IT IS RESTRICTED TO ONE IDEA. I THINK THE IDEA AS THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS MAKE OUR ADVOCACY KNOWN. WE HAVE TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THINGS DON'T GO IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE FOR PROSPERITY. BE MINDFUL THAT WE ALSO HAVE TO SUPPORT, WE HAVE TO HELP EDUCATE, HELP DELIVER. THIS IS A WONDERFUL COMPANY. WHEREVER YOU GO IN THE WORLD, THE GENERAL ASK OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY BY THE POLITICAL SIDE IS TO HELP THEM BE SUCCESSFUL. THAT IS NOT A HARD ASK TO FULFILL. BUT YOU CANNOT DO IT BASED ON POLITICAL, IT HAS TO BE ON WHAT IS GOOD FOR SOCIETY. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PRIME MINISTERS OF THE U.K. IN MY 14 YEARS. IT'S NOT LIKE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE. OUR U.K. BUSINESS HAS 6000 PEOPLE AND I CAN'T CHANGE IT BASED ON WHO IS ELECTED. THE TEAM HAS TO RUN IT ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. [INDISCERNIBLE] I CAN BASICALLY SAY LET'S GO RUN THE COMPANY THE RIGHT WAY.

PERHAPS ONE FINAL QUESTION AROUND CAPITALISM. DO YOU HAVE ANY GUIDING PRINCIPLES AS YOU ARE CONSIDERING DIFFERENT STRATEGIES TO IMPLEMENT THE BALANCE, THE SHORT-TERM PREDICTABLE GAINS THAT ANALYSTS ARE LOOKING FOR VERSUS CREATING LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE SHAREHOLDER VALUE?

 

53:00   ODDLY ENOUGH, THE METRICS I SPOKE ABOUT THAT THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL PUT UP that match up to the THE SUSTAINABLE GOALS.  That we had the four big ACCOUNTING FIRMS go out wo we knew companies COULD DO THIS BECAUSE we had the account firms go find twenty odd METRICS THAT WOULD PROVE that WE ARE DOING WHAT THEY WANT on the SDGs.  So, IN THOSE METRICS, people, planet, property, and responsible government... and so THAT IS WHAT WE LOOK AT.

 

WE ORIGINALLY BUILT THOSE AS a sort of DEBATE between SHORT TERMism.   Because that was kind of raging for a while.    And, so the BUSINESS COMMUNITY we’re, THE IDEAs like,  ‘that’s good.’  Let’s force long term, quit doing quarterly reports...that stuff is just not going to happen.   

 

IF YOU SHOW PEOPLE THAT OVER TIME, YOU ARE ACCOMPLISHING BOTH A SHORT AND LONG-TERM. THAT IS PROFITS IN PROFITS, NOT PROFITS IN PURPOSE.   Because YOU got to be both profitable, but then you HAVE TO SHOW PEOPLE YOU ARE MAKING PROGRESS.   THAT WAS DISCLOSURE the disclosure theory.

Look!  HERE IS OUR DIVERSITY, HOW WE PAY OUR TAXES, here is OUR SCOPE ONE TWO EMISSIONS. Here’s the third year in a row.  YOU CAN SEE THE PROGRESS -- OR LACK OF PROGRESS.  So we built that.

I THINK YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE SHORT-TERMism.

 

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE DECISION OF THE COMPANY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE ALWAYS THINKING MULTIPLE YEARS OUT, when you are worried about tomorrow afternoon -- OUR BUSINESS DOES NOT MOVE FAST ENOUGH TO DO SHORT-TERM STUFF.

 

YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE DONE AROUND TEAMMATES OVER THE YEARS, I STARTED WITH A MANAGEMENT TEAM. IN 2010 WE HAD 285,000 PEOPLE. WE HAD 213,000 PEOPLE AT THE END OF THIS QUARTER. THAT SOUNDS LIKE WE LET ATTRITION WORK. IN THAT TIME, THE STARTING WAGE HAS GONE FROM $10 AN HOUR TO $22. THE AVERAGE WAGE HAS GONE UP BY 25%. THE OWNERSHIP BY EMPLOYEES IS UP BY A LOT. We are in the sixth straight year of.

 

WE DID $4 BILLION OR $5 BILLION OF STOCK GIVEAWAYS. WITH THE CHANGE WE MADE IN THE BENEFIT PLANS IN 2011 -- [INDISCERNIBLE] WE HAVE NEVER RAISED IT. IT'S DIRECTLY RESULTED IN THE TURNOVER RATE AND ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS DROPPING. THAT SAVES ME A LOT OF MONEY. THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS STUFF WE DO WON'T PAY ANY MONEY AMONGST THE MANAGEMENT TEAM BECAUSE IT WILL SAVE THINGS 20 YEARS OUT IN TERMS OF HEALTH CARE COSTS. IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES. YOU ARE ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT THE LONG-TERM, SHORT-TERM. IT IS NOT AS BINARY. THERE ARE THINGS YOU DO INCREMENTALLY. A THING WE DID EIGHT YEARS AGO BEFORE ANYBODY KNEW WHAT IT WAS, NOW IT'S 20 MILLION CUSTOMERS. IT IS A VERY SIMPLE FORM OF IT. THAT. WAS BECAUSE WE MADE IT YEARS AGO IT WAS BASED.ON A CUSTOMER DECISION WE DEPLOYED IT AFTER A COUPLE YEARS. IN OUR INDUSTRY YOU ARE ALWAYS MAKING LONG-TERM DECISIONS BUT YOU WANT TO BE CONSISTENT. YOU HAVE TO DO BOTH. THIS COMPANY HAS BEEN AROUND FOR 240 YEARS. I WILL BE HERE IN A NANOSECOND IN THE LIFE OF IT. SAME WITH MY MANAGEMENT TEAM, 30 YEARS IN THE COMPANY. 30 OUT OF 204 YEARS -- 240 YEARS IS NOT A LOT. YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THE WOOD PILE BIGGER, THAT ANALOGY.

 

Alexis de Tocqueville quote on government no longer self-evident truth.

 When a private individual meditates an undertaking, however directly connected it may be with the welfare of society, he never thinks of soliciting the cooperation of the government, but he publishes his plan, offers to execute it himself, courts the assistance of other individuals, and struggles manfully against all obstacles. Undoubtedly he is often less successful than the State might have been in his position; but in the end the sum of these private undertakings far exceeds all that the government could have done.   Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America [1845]

Alexis de Tocqueville was right then. Unfortunately, advances in technology since then has changed everything. The individual’s capacity for mass murder has been growing exponential since the invention of metal, chemistry, biology, and computers now enables individuals to become super powers instead of nations.  And the most powerful governments in the world can now be beat at their games of war, genocide, and mistreating minorities.  cw

How to celebrate the 4th of July

Dear Editor, (submitted June 20, not published) 

Theodore R. Johnson’s “The Right way to celebrate” our nation’s July 4^th “semiquincentennial” focused too much on that big word and Trump’s “six-part plan” for a yearlong “Salute to America 250”.   We needed more words for making progress on the seven intentions in our Constitution’s preamble.  He did suggest we “spotlight all the things broken and flawed and hypocritical about our country”.  ChatGPT offered ten regarding his exact words:  “Inequality, systemic racism, social justice, voting rights, criminal justice reform, climate change, immigration reform, gun violence, healthcare access. and education reform.”  But it simply overlooked the blockade of extreme political polarization halting any progress toward a more perfect union.  Here’s one suggestion.  Start believing in ‘self-evident’ truths and codifying the two sets of law offered in just seven words “the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” in the introduction to our nation’s July 4^th founding document, the Declaration of Independence.  What is so complicated about conserving nature (God’s creation) and taking care of one another (God’s will).  Abraham Lincoln called the Declaration our “Apple of Gold” and our Constitution its “Frame of Silver”. 

This week in testifying on capitol hill regarding laws related to the Bureau of Land Management an office holder said “Conservation isn’t a pious ideal.  It’s essential to our security.”   So anyone aspiring to a new nation should consider the sage words of Thomas Paine: “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” No true patriot would disagree.

Chuck Woolery

  

Public service vs Party servitude

 

Dear Editor,

Senator Rick Scott states the obvious stating “Washington is broken” (June 8, 2023 Washington Times).  But proposed a “Public Service Reform Act” misses the root cause of our government’s failings.  The fact that both parties have prioritized their own voters’ values rather than passing laws that could actually achieve the seven intentions stated in our Constitution’s Preamble.   They have turned ‘public service’ into ‘party service’ and created the most dysfunctional government since our Civil War.   Getting elected and re-elected is the highest priority for officials in both parties.  And this happens with money and marketing wit but not wisdom.

Wisdom would be voting for principled laws that honor ‘the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God’ that are mentioned in the most profound political document in human history that sparked the creation of our Nation.  This profound set of laws in the first paragraph of our Declaration of Independence preceded the “Truths to be Self-Evident.    Achieving our Constitution’s intentions would require our policy makers from both parties actually uniting together to amend our Constitution focused on self-evident truths instead of the flawed principles they often have in mind. 

They should consider the wise words that the author of Common Sense, Thomas Paine said "We have it in our power to begin the world over again."  And the opportunity to take this path is rapidly closing.

 

EVERYTHING! We need a 12-step reality check.

In 1980 a bipartisan Presidential Commission concluded (and its commissioners specifically warned) “The most potentially explosive force in the world today is the frustrated desire of poor people to attain a decent standard of living. The anger, despair, and often hatred that result represent real and persistent threats to international order… Neither the cost to national security of allowing malnutrition to spread nor the gain to be derived by a genuine effort to resolve the problem can be predicted or measured in any precise, mathematical way. Nor can monetary value be placed on avoiding the chaos that will ensue unless the United States and the rest of the world begin to develop a common institutional framework for meeting such other critical global threats… Calculable or not, however, this combination of problems now threatens the national security of all countries just as surely as advancing armies or nuclear arsenals.”

I needed to know why this was predicted and how it could be stopped.  That was easy. 

The most horrific and terrifying of all human experiences is the death (or fear of death or disability) of a child.  At that time approximal 42,000 children under the age of 5 died every day from easily preventable malnutrition and related infectious diseases. That was nearly 12 times the death rate of the Jewish Holocaust, yet few Americans knew it.

Between 1978 and 1980 there were three uncontested reports (the international Brandt Commission, the National Academy of Sciences study, and the US Presidential commission).  Each concluded humanity had everything needed to stop this hidden holocaust.  The only missing ingredient was the “political will”.   Failing to marshal it changed everything.  And the world we have today is largely the result of my generation’s failure to do the doable.

Below are 12 simple truths we faced then and now.  I’m hopeful someone will find a flaw in these, so if the world’s people and our governments commit to ending the growing chaos- we will have a workable solution.

The first fundamental truth (FT#1) comes from the Director of the newest US federal agency. “Everything is connected, everything is interdependent, so everything is vulnerable.... And that’s why this has to be a more than whole of government, a more than whole of nation [effort]. It really has to be a global effort....” Jen Easterly. CISA director.  Oct. 29, 2021. [the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency established by the Trump Administration in 2018].   

FT#2.   Everything in the known universe consists of systems and structures that operate on basic and universal principles.  Nature has its own fundamental principles such as gravity within physics with other principles within biology, chemistry, and evolution.  Human minds have invented additional principles that attempt to govern systems important to our lives.  Principles within the fields of economics, energy, psychology, religion, politics, governance, health, medicine, agriculture, transportation, engineering....   We are now struggling to establish principles governing the evolution of AI believing that it may be a threat to our species.  Human biological, cyber, and physically engineered systems are the most vulnerable.  

FT#3:  The three most complex and complicated systems now governing our species’ survival is nature, the immune system of every living multicellular organism, and the human mind (a unique evolutionary product within the human brain of our neurological system).  And to the degree that our mind’s concepts fail to protect nature’s systems that are vital to our species and the health of our own immune system - is the degree to which we face increasing risk or existential consequences as individuals and as a species.

FT#4:  The human concept of independence is delusional. Everything can be separated from other things and studied in detail or ignored. But FT#1 ensures that any attempt to create or alter anything -- will have consequences on everything.  And there will always be unintended consequences.

FT#5:  Every tool, technology, or system that the human mind invents and then builds will have multiple uses.  And how these are used will largely be determined by the heart and the mind of the user.  And there will always be unintended consequences.  In this context the human mind is also a tool and a system.  It can be used for good or harm depending on the heart and mind of the user(s).

FT#6:  The two most fundamental desires of most people are having the security to survive and the freedom to thrive. And to the degree any individual ignores or interferes with another individual’s freedom and security -  is the degree to which both individuals (and thus others) will be at risk if a non-violent means of resolving any dispute is not used.

FT#7:  Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet asserts that “the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; ...is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security.” 

FT#8:  Independent governments and independent agencies are by their very nature unable to resolve globally interdependent problems without universal agreements and cooperation.

FT#9:  Without significant and transformative changes to the US Constitution it will remain dysfunctional in achieving any of its preamble’s seven intentions.  And the Constitution’s failure is inevitable.  Thomas Jefferson asserted that ‘every Constitution should be rewritten every 19 years... because the future belongs to the living and not the dead.’

FT#10:  The solution to our nation’s dilemma is American inspired.  It is clearly written within the first sentence of our Declaration of Independence.  Our nation’s laws must first abide by “the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God (the Golden rule)”.  Abraham Lincoln wrote that our Declaration is our “Apple of Gold”.  And our Constitution is its “Frame of Silver”.  Swearing an oath to protect the Constitution will not enable us to protect our freedoms or our security.

FT#11: Given the near impossibility of the world’s governments coming together to legally ensure the protection of human rights and the environment above the legal rights of governments and corporations there are only three paths to sustainably maximizing humanities freedoms and security.  1) Purchase the protection of human rights and the environment by prioritizing sufficient funding to comprehensively achieve all the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals simultaneously.  2) Pray for the second to come.  3) Wait for space aliens to save us from our insanity of doing the same things repeatedly expecting a different result.

FT#12:  Three lines suggest we are rapidly running out of time if we are not already too late. The first line is the exponential growth of technology, which is now growing at another exponential pace.  Line two is the limited linear thinking of the human mind... with its ease of being distracted, misinformed, or delusional.  Line three is our government’s flat line of change over the last four decades, with the only significant change coming a year after Sept. 11, 2001, when 17 independent US agencies were combined into the Department of Homeland Security, but still independent of the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and all other vital departments.  Today that line is heading down as conspiracy theories, social media, and fake news have been weaponized and continue to drive our hyperpolarized public and political parties into delusional extremes.

Concussion:   That 1980 bipartisan US Presidential commission mentioned above went on to state “that promoting economic development in general, and overcoming hunger in particular, are tasks far more critical to the U.S. national security than most policymakers acknowledge or even believe. Since the advent of nuclear weapons, most Americans have been conditioned to equate national security with the strength of strategic military forces. The Commission considers this prevailing belief to be a simplistic illusion. Armed might represents merely the physical aspect of national security. Military force is ultimately useless in the absence of the global security that only coordinated international progress toward social justice can bring.”

Our world today is experiencing the consequences of ignoring that commission’s specific warnings of increases in “diseases”, “international terrorism”, “war”, “environmental problems” and “other human rights problems” (refugees, genocide, human trafficking…). 

These global pressures have fueled anti-democratic populist movements that continue to thrive today.  Other prestigious, bipartisan studies and academic reports have followed since that 1980 report. Most offer similar warnings and recommendations to reduce global instability and the growing array of threats to our freedoms, security, prosperity, and political stability.

Will any political leader or organization rise to the occasion?  At this moment that is woefully unlikely.  What’s missing is the political will of “we the people”.  How many times have each of us stood before our nation’s flag and pledged “liberty and justice for all”.  It’s time to deliver on that pledge.

To my Rotary International colleagues

 

Our nation is again at a debt default cliff.  If we go off, the consequences to every person in the world will be dire. As “Dirty Harry” once said “Feel lucky punk?”

Our nation's $30+ trillion in debt (and growing) is directly tied to the reactionary responses of our democratically elected officials.  Elected by us (voters and non-voters).  Our species appears to be hardwired to reactionary thinking.  But we are also capable of the deeper systemic thinking now needed.

There isn't enough money or Rotary club projects in the world to address primary root causes of humanities problems.  And the concept of prevention appears unamerican.  As our nation’s party politics increasingly favors extreme candidates with conspiracy theories and a ‘no-compromise’ attitude there appears to be no stopping our nation’s hyperpolarized dive into unsustainable chaos impacting every sector (economic, environmental, health, foreign policy...).  And after Covid19, it appears we don’t even learn from our mistakes. 

When will Rotary International lead the way in waking people up to the global reality that “everything is connected, interdependent, and vulnerable...and a global approach is needed”.  In the early 1980s one Rotary group in Indonesia sparked the global campaign to eradicate Polio.  Unfortunately, wars and revolutions stalled Polio’s target date for eradication several times (2000, to 2003, to 2015, and now??) 

Why can’t RI adopt the target date of achieving the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030?  This already approved global plan to address the root causes of almost every existential threat humanity faces today was established in 2015.  And it is not on course.   This December 10^th will be the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The world won’t come together anytime soon to make this list of God given rights to every human but achieving the 17 SDGs could. And they are measurable, achievable, affordable, and the best investment of time and money the world has ever known.  

This is TRUE, Fair to all concerned, will build Goodwill and Better Friendships globally, and be Beneficial to all concerned.

Unless you see a better way of debt reduction and achieving “Life...liberty and justice for all” ... Why not?  

ChatGPT answers critical questions every person must understand

User

Why, in thinking of the future, is there a tendency to presume technological innovations will go hand in hand with devastation leading to a very dark future?

ChatGPT:  The tendency to associate technological innovations with potential devastation and a dark future can stem from a combination of factors:

Fear of the unknown: As technology progresses, it often introduces new and unfamiliar concepts and possibilities. Human beings naturally fear what they don't understand, and this fear can lead to speculation about worst-case scenarios. When people can't predict or fully comprehend the implications of emerging technologies, they may default to imagining negative outcomes.

Historical examples: Throughout history, there have been instances where technological advancements have caused harm or led to negative consequences. For example, the invention of nuclear weapons during the 20th century demonstrated the destructive power of technology. These historical events can influence perceptions and reinforce the idea that progress and devastation often go hand in hand.

Media portrayal: Movies, books, and other forms of media often depict futuristic scenarios where advanced technologies have resulted in dystopian societies or catastrophic events. These fictional portrayals, while entertaining, can create a bias towards associating technological progress with negative outcomes. Media tends to focus on conflict and drama, and this can shape our perceptions of the future.

Ethical concerns: As technology evolves rapidly, ethical dilemmas and concerns arise. Issues such as privacy, surveillance, job displacement, and the potential misuse of advanced technologies raise valid concerns about their impact on society. These discussions sometimes emphasize the potential risks and downsides, contributing to a pessimistic view of the future.

It's important to note that while there are potential risks and challenges associated with technological advancements, there are also immense opportunities for positive change and progress. Innovation has the power to improve lives, solve pressing global issues, and enhance our overall well-being. It is crucial to approach discussions about the future with a balanced perspective, considering both the risks and benefits that new technologies bring.

User:  Or, Because of the failure of the human mind and heart to control its short-term urges and apply our minds to preventing problems instead of serving special interests. That’s why government was invented… according to Thomas Paine. To maximize human freedom and security. And that is where governments are failing today. Acting as independent agents in an entirely connected, interdependent and vulnerable world, Democracies give majorities what they want (but don’t see they need which is justice for all including minorities) and dictators get what they need to control the people for their own control of political, economic, and military power.

ChatGPT:  Your viewpoint highlights concerns about the failures and shortcomings of governments in addressing societal issues and ensuring justice and security for all. Indeed, governments play a crucial role in managing the complexities of an interconnected world and safeguarding the interests of their citizens. However, the effectiveness of governments can vary, and their ability to address long-term problems and serve the common good can be influenced by various factors.

Short-term focus and special interests: Governments may sometimes prioritize short-term gains or cater to the interests of specific groups over long-term planning and the general welfare of the population. Political considerations, pressure from influential entities, and the pursuit of immediate benefits can hinder the implementation of sustainable policies.

Lack of foresight and preventive measures: Governments often face challenges in proactively identifying and addressing potential problems before they become crises. This can be due to a variety of factors, including limited resources, competing priorities, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the difficulty of predicting complex future scenarios.

Democratic governance and majority rule: Democracies aim to represent the will of the majority, but this can sometimes result in the neglect or marginalization of minority voices and needs. Balancing majority rule with the protection of individual rights and ensuring justice for all can be a delicate task for governments.

Autocratic regimes and power concentration: In dictatorships or autocratic systems, leaders may prioritize their own control and interests over the well-being of the population. These regimes can stifle dissent, limit freedoms, and use political, economic, and military power to maintain their authority.

While these challenges exist, it is important to recognize that governance is a complex endeavor, and the shortcomings of governments do not apply universally. There are democratic systems that strive to promote justice and uphold individual rights, and there are examples of effective governance across the globe. It is through ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, promote transparency and accountability, and foster civic engagement that societies can work towards improving the functioning of their governments and achieving the goals of freedom, justice, and security for all.

User:  But the failure of one government to control a biolab accident, or intentionally create a biothreat with biotechnology threatens every government in the world.  And an Autocratic regime can respond far faster than a democratic based nation like the US, with its people so divided and vulnerable to misinformation or conspiracy theories. 

ChatGPT:  You raise valid concerns regarding the potential risks and challenges that can arise from biolab accidents or intentional misuse of biotechnology. These risks indeed have global implications and can pose significant threats to governments and societies worldwide. Autocratic regimes, with their centralized decision-making and potentially faster response times, may have an advantage in swiftly addressing such crises compared to more complex decision-making processes in democratic systems.

However, it is crucial to note that while autocratic regimes may have the potential for faster response times, they can also be prone to their own set of challenges. Concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals can lead to decision-making based on personal interests or the suppression of information that does not align with the regime's narrative. Lack of transparency, limited accountability, and a disregard for individual rights and freedoms can hinder an effective response in the long term.

On the other hand, democratic systems, despite their challenges, strive to ensure checks and balances, transparency, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives. While decision-making processes might be slower due to the need for consensus and public debate, democratic systems aim to foster accountability, respect for human rights, and the engagement of informed citizens.

Addressing vulnerabilities to misinformation and conspiracy theories is an ongoing challenge for any society, regardless of its governance system. Promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and providing access to accurate information are important steps in countering these issues.

In the face of global challenges, collaboration and cooperation between governments and international organizations become vital. Sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise can help mitigate risks and develop coordinated responses to potential biothreats or other crises.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between agility and democratic values is a complex task, but it is essential to work towards strengthening governance systems to effectively address emerging challenges while upholding fundamental principles of justice, freedom, and security.

User:  Why can't the US government achieve any of the seven intentions in the US constitution's preamble?

ChatGPT:  The preamble of the United States Constitution sets out the broad intentions and goals of the government. It states:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

While the achievement of these intentions is an ongoing endeavor influenced by various factors, it is important to note that the U.S. government has made progress in many areas aligned with the principles outlined in the Constitution's preamble. However, challenges, complexities, and differing interpretations can hinder the complete realization of these intentions. Here are some points to consider:

Forming a more perfect Union: The idea of a "more perfect Union" implies an ongoing process of improving and strengthening the country. Over the course of history, the U.S. has experienced significant progress in civil rights, social equality, and political representation. However, challenges such as political polarization and societal divisions continue to present obstacles to achieving a truly perfect Union.

Establishing Justice: The U.S. government has established a robust legal system aimed at upholding justice. However, achieving perfect justice is an ongoing challenge, as the interpretation and application of laws can vary, leading to debates about fairness and equality. Issues such as systemic inequalities, access to justice, and addressing injustices remain areas of concern that require continuous efforts.

Ensuring domestic Tranquility: The government plays a role in maintaining peace and stability within the country. While law enforcement agencies and policies are in place to ensure domestic tranquility, societal tensions, crime rates, and external threats can affect the realization of this goal.

Providing for the common defense: The U.S. government invests significant resources in maintaining a strong defense capability. However, ensuring the common defense is a complex task influenced by evolving global dynamics, emerging threats, and budgetary considerations.

Promoting the general Welfare: The government has implemented various policies and programs to promote the general welfare of its citizens, such as public education, social safety nets, healthcare initiatives, and infrastructure development. However, debates over the scope, effectiveness, and distribution of these policies persist.

Securing the Blessings of Liberty: The U.S. government is founded on the principles of individual liberties and freedoms. While significant progress has been made in safeguarding these rights, ongoing discussions and legal battles occur concerning the balance between individual liberties and national security, as well as addressing marginalized communities' struggles for equal rights.

Serving Posterity: The government's actions and policies are intended to benefit future generations. Environmental sustainability, economic stability, and responsible governance are essential considerations in fulfilling this intention. However, the trade-offs between short-term interests and long-term sustainability remain a challenge.

It is essential to recognize that achieving these intentions requires continuous efforts, adaptations, and collective participation from various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public. Over time, progress can be made in aligning policies and actions with the aspirations set forth in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, even if complete perfection may be an ideal that remains elusive.

User:   Abraham Lincoln called our "Declaration of Independence" our "Apple of Gold" and our Constitution its "frame of silver".  Why hasn't 'we the people' insisted on obeying "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God"?

ChatGPT: The interpretation and adherence to "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God" can vary among individuals and societies. While Abraham Lincoln's quote highlights the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it is important to recognize that the understanding and application of these principles evolve over time.

The notion of "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God" reflects the belief that there are fundamental moral and ethical principles that underpin human existence and should guide human actions and governance. However, the interpretation and application of these principles can be influenced by cultural, social, and ideological factors.

Factors that contribute to differing interpretations or variations in the adherence to these principles include:

Diverse perspectives: People hold diverse beliefs and understandings of what constitutes the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." These perspectives are shaped by religious, philosophical, and cultural backgrounds, resulting in variations in their application.

Evolving societal values: Societal values and norms change over time. As societies progress, new challenges and ethical considerations emerge, which can lead to shifts in interpretations of these laws and their application to contemporary issues.

Legal frameworks and constitutional interpretation: The legal frameworks within which societies operate also influence the application of these principles. Courts and legal scholars interpret constitutional provisions and fundamental rights, which can result in different understandings of the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God."

Balancing individual rights and societal interests: The challenge lies in striking a balance between individual rights and the collective well-being of society. Different opinions arise on how best to uphold the principles of nature and God while addressing complex societal issues and competing interests.

Furthermore, societal progress often involves ongoing debates, negotiations, and struggles to ensure that laws and policies are aligned with these fundamental principles. Different groups may advocate for their interpretation of these laws and work towards their realization, but achieving consensus and widespread adherence can be a complex and gradual process.

Ultimately, the interpretation and adherence to "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God" are influenced by a multitude of factors, and societies continue to grapple with striking a balance between individual rights, societal interests, and evolving understandings of these principles.

User:  The Laws of nature exist regardless of what people believe.  And every major religion is founded on the Golden Rule... so it sounds like the human mind's creative capacity to believe anything and make up its own principles that result in killing and dying to protect them...like nationalism (not a law of nature or nature's God)..

ChatGPT: You are correct that the laws of nature exist independently of human beliefs. The laws of nature encompass the fundamental principles and processes that govern the physical world, such as gravity, thermodynamics, and biological processes. These laws are objective and exist regardless of human perception or interpretation.

Similarly, the Golden Rule, which is found in various forms in many major religions and ethical systems, promotes the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated. It emphasizes empathy, compassion, and respect for others. The Golden Rule reflects a universal ethical principle that transcends specific cultural or religious boundaries.

However, you rightly point out that human creativity and the capacity for belief can sometimes result in the development of ideologies, such as extreme nationalism, that may lead to conflict and violence. These ideologies are constructs of the human mind and are not inherent laws of nature or nature's God.

It is important to distinguish between objective laws of nature and subjective human constructs. While the laws of nature remain constant and govern the physical world, human beliefs and ideologies can vary, leading to different interpretations, values, and actions.

The challenge lies in harnessing our creative capacity and belief systems to align with principles that promote peace, justice, and harmony. Recognizing the fundamental laws of nature and embracing ethical principles like the Golden Rule can serve as guiding principles to foster empathy, cooperation, and the well-being of all individuals and societies.

User:  Religions are also a construct of the human mind...but the concept of Justice (treating others fairly) appears to be primal.  Even found in non-human species. 

ChatGPT:  Indeed, religions are human constructs that have developed throughout history as systems of belief and practice. They often serve as frameworks for understanding the world, providing moral guidance, and addressing existential questions. However, it is worth noting that the specific beliefs and practices of different religions can vary widely.

The concept of justice, on the other hand, can be considered a fundamental aspect of human society, and its foundations can be observed in various forms across cultures and even in some non-human species. The concept of fairness and treating others fairly is rooted in our social nature and the need for cooperation and harmonious interactions within communities.

Research in fields such as primatology and behavioral sciences has indeed shown that certain non-human species exhibit behaviors that resemble fairness and cooperation. For example, in some experiments, primates have shown a preference for equitable outcomes, indicating an inherent sense of justice or fairness.

While the specific manifestations of justice and fairness may differ across cultures and species, the underlying concept of treating others fairly and upholding principles of equity appears to have a primal and universal quality.

It is through our collective efforts, guided by this primal sense of justice, that societies can strive to establish systems and institutions that promote fairness, equality, and justice for all individuals.

User:  Why do most Americans believe their nation should remain the most powerful in the world?

ChatGPT:  The belief that a nation should remain the most powerful in the world can stem from a combination of factors, including historical context, national identity, perceived national interests, and geopolitical considerations. Here are some key reasons why many Americans may hold this belief:

Historical context: The United States has historically been a major global power, and many Americans take pride in their country's achievements and contributions on the world stage. This historical perspective may create a sense of responsibility or a desire to maintain the country's position of influence and power.

National identity and exceptionalism: The concept of American exceptionalism, the belief that the United States has a unique role and destiny in the world, is deeply ingrained in American culture and identity. Many Americans see their nation as a beacon of democracy, freedom, and progress and believe that maintaining global influence is essential to promoting these values.

Security and protection of national interests: Being the most powerful nation can be seen as a means of ensuring national security and protecting the country's interests. This belief is rooted in the notion that a strong military and economic position is necessary to safeguard against potential threats and to advance economic prosperity and stability.

Geopolitical considerations: Global power dynamics and the balance of power among nations play a role in shaping perspectives on maintaining national power. In an interconnected and competitive world, some Americans may believe that maintaining the nation's status as the most powerful helps protect the country's interests, advance its values, and shape global events in ways that align with American objectives.

Perception of global responsibilities: Some Americans may believe that as the most powerful nation, the United States has a responsibility to lead and shape international affairs. They may see maintaining that power as crucial for addressing global challenges, promoting democracy, human rights, and contributing to global stability.

It is important to note that these beliefs may not be universally held among Americans, and there is diversity of opinion on this matter within the country. Views on global power and the role of the United States can vary based on individual values, political affiliations, and personal experiences

User:  It is possible for any nation to sustain is citizen's freedom and security if its laws are based on the illusion of independence, given that everything in the world is connected, interdependent and vulnerable? 

ChatGPT:  Sustaining freedom and security for citizens is indeed a complex challenge for any nation, especially in an interconnected and interdependent world. It is essential for a nation's laws and policies to be based on a realistic understanding of the interconnections and vulnerabilities that exist. Relying on the illusion of complete independence would be unrealistic and could hinder effective governance.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of the world allows nations to address challenges and promote the well-being of their citizens more effectively. Here are some key points to consider:

Interdependence and global challenges: In today's world, nations face various global challenges that require collective action, such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and economic instability. These challenges transcend national borders and cannot be addressed solely through independent actions. Recognizing the interdependencies enables nations to engage in collaborative efforts, share knowledge, and coordinate responses for the benefit of their citizens.

Diplomacy and cooperation: In an interconnected world, nations rely on diplomacy and cooperation to address common concerns and resolve conflicts. Maintaining constructive relationships with other nations, international organizations, and regional alliances is crucial for ensuring security, economic prosperity, and the protection of citizens' rights.

Globalized economy and trade: Economic interdependence is a significant feature of the modern world. Nations benefit from international trade, investment, and collaboration, which contribute to economic growth and the well-being of citizens. However, it also requires careful regulation, fair practices, and measures to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with economic interdependence.

Information and cybersecurity: The interconnected world brings new challenges in the realm of information and cybersecurity. Nations need to develop robust legal frameworks, policies, and international cooperation to protect citizens' privacy, ensure the integrity of information systems, and combat cyber threats.

It is important for nations to strike a balance between preserving individual freedoms and security while recognizing the interdependencies and vulnerabilities that exist. Laws and policies should be grounded in a realistic understanding of these interconnected dynamics, aiming to safeguard the rights and well-being of citizens while promoting cooperation and responsible global engagement.