The Economists concede that economics is an inexact
science. What does that mean? Perhaps it means their economic forecast is
better than yours or mine. Recently, economic indicators have been rising and
people have their fingers crossed. Economists have given us reason to hope that
the job market will improve and that the stock market will continue on a steady
climb. Yet, the newspapers continue to report more layoffs and more jobs going
overseas.
Meanwhile, our economy is getting more and more
complex. We associate complexity with progress for some ungodly reason. The
following problems, however, have become inherent in our economy. What does
that mean? It means they will be around for a while:
Needless poverty, unemployment, inflation, the
threat of depression, taxes, crimes related to profit (sale of illicit drugs,
stolen IDs, muggings, bribery, con artists, etc.), conflict of interest,
endless red tape, a staggering national debt plus a widening budget deficit, 48
out of 50 states in debt, cities in debt, counties in debt, skyrocketing
personal debts, 50% of Americans unhappy at their work, saving for retirement
and our children's education, health being a matter of wealth, competing in the
"rat race", the need for insurance, being a nation of litigation,
being subject to the tremors on Wall Street, fear of downsizing and automation,
fear of more Enrons, outsourcing, bankruptcies, crippling strikes, materialism,
corruption, welfare, social security, sacrificing quality and safety in our
products for the sake of profit, the social problem of the "haves"
vs. the "havenots" and the inevitable family quarrels over money.
Have we become gluttons for punishment? My college
professor once said, "You can get used to hanging if you live long
enough!"
We Americans love our freedom; yet, we have allowed
the use of money to completely dominate our way of life. Indeed, we are no
longer a free people. We are 7.4 trillion dollars in debt. We live in fear of
depression, inflation, inadequate medical coverage and losing our jobs. Our
freedom is at stake if not our very survival. Yet, we put our collective heads
in the sand.
Yes, there is something we can do. We can look into
ourselves for an answer. We may find that we have the strength to carry out our
internal economic affairs without the need to use money. Yes, we will still
need to use money when dealing with other countries.
There is no question that a way of life without
money will alleviate if not completely eliminate all of the previously
mentioned problems. Yet, we scoff at the idea. We are totally convinced that
money is a necessity. We cannot imagine life without money. Perhaps the time
has come to think otherwise. It is completely obvious our present economy no
longer satisfies our present day needs.
As individuals, we will gain complete economic
freedom. In return, a way of life without money demands only that we, as
individuals, do the work we love to do. It is a win/win situation. Let us
consider the following arguments:
Can we learn to distribute our goods and services
according to need (on an ongoing basis) rather than by the ability to pay? Why
not? Poverty and materialism will be eliminated! Our sense of value will
change. Wealth will no longer be a status symbol. A man will be judged by what
he is; not by what he has. He will be judged by his achievements, leadership,
ideas, artistic endeavors or athletic prowess; not by the size of his wallet.
Yes, everything will be free according to need. All
the necessities and common luxuries will be available on a help yourself basis
at the local store. Surely, this country is capable of supplying the
necessities and common luxuries for everyone in this country many times over.
The more "expensive" items, such as
housing, cars, boats, etc. would be provided for on a priority basis. For
example, the homeless would be given housing ahead of those living in crowded
quarters. How will this priority be established? Perhaps a local board elected
by the people in the neighborhood such as a school board. Or perhaps the school
boards could absorb this responsibility in addition to their present duties.
Since cooperation will replace competition, can
government, industry and the people learn to work together as a team to meet
the economic needs of our nation as well as each individual? Again, why not?
Yes, competition is great; but cooperation is even better. Cooperation avoids
duplication of effort. Wouldn't it be more efficient to have everybody freely
working together, sharing ideas, thoughts and technical knowledge? Patents and
industrial secrets would be a things of the past. Competition, however, will
still be around. Individuals will still compete with their co-workers in ideas,
achievements, leadership and getting promotions.
For example, Ford, Chrysler & GM would work
together to build automobiles that are truly safe and efficient and
environmentally friendly. Perhaps, with everyone working together, we can
invent a car engine that would eliminate the need to import oil from the Middle
East. (Note: Ford, Chrysler & GM would gradually become one entity.)
Unfortunately, what immediately jumps into the minds
of most people is: "It simply won't work!" The idea of a way of life
without money is then dismissed without further thought. After all, what
motivation is there for people to work if there is no paycheck? How can we
possibly satisfy the labor needs of our nation? The following reasons are
offered why people would be completely happy working in a way of life without
money:
Today, only 50% of Americans enjoy their work. That
will change. In a way of life without money, we will all be free to do the work
we want to do or even love to do without any economic fear. We will be free to
pursue our passion or as Joseph Campbell suggests we "follow our
bliss".
Cooperation will replace wasteful competition. We
will all work together as a team. Work will become a way to help people, to
meet people or to be part of something meaningful. It is a proven fact that
people like to help one another. An esprit de corps will naturally build up and
make work more enjoyable. Even the most menial task becomes easier when people
work together. Yes, work will become more of a "togetherness" thing.
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