Economic Inequality

Rethinking Economic Inequality: An Intelligent Approach

The Western free-market economic model, while not perfect, has delivered considerable prosperity over the past century. Yet, as we stand at the dawn of a new era - the automation revolution - we face uncharted territory. The automation of entire economies, spanning all sectors, from industry to services, threatens to accelerate extreme inequality, with mass job losses potentially on the horizon.

It's important to clarify that I'm not fundamentally opposed to inequality. To my mind, a degree of inequality is inherent in the process of natural evolution. My concern lies with extreme inequality, where a minute fraction of society controls the vast majority of wealth, rendering the rest of the population increasingly irrelevant, both as consumers and as labor. This is a chilling prospect.

The right, particularly in the US, appears oblivious to this reality, frequently attributing poverty and deprivation to a lack of effort or 'laziness'. On the other hand, the left, especially in Europe, is promoting a Marxist-style socialism as a potential remedy - a solution that history has shown can lead to disastrous outcomes. Centralizing the control of production and governance within the same group has repeatedly proven problematic, often resulting in authoritarianism. As the case of China illustrates, it was only with the introduction of free market elements that the country saw significant development.

So, where does the solution to escalating inequality lie?

While I don't have a definitive answer, I propose that we entrust the issue to the very individuals it affects - the ordinary people. By giving people direct control over legislation, we empower them to regulate the economy in a way that benefits the majority, not just the few. They will hold the reins of the system for the foreseeable future, not just for the next electoral term.

I invite you to explore my proposal: True Democracy 2.0.

True Democracy 2.0: A Vision for the Future

Imagine this: a notification from your Democracy App lights up your phone. You securely log in to find an alert about a recent parliamentary debate concerning proposed legislation. Three video clips lay out the arguments - one in favor, one against, and one suggesting amendments. You research the legislation, discuss it with friends or family, and, finally, cast your vote securely via the Democracy App. Welcome to Democracy 2.0.

The Current System

Our current political model evolved during an era of widespread illiteracy and limited information accessibility. It's a system rooted in compromise, where you might find yourself forced to choose between one party's economic policies and another's social stances. More importantly, it's a system in which elected officials may be more inclined to cater to billionaires than to serve their constituents' interests.

The New System

In my proposed system, everything remains largely the same, except citizens would vote directly on ALL legislation. MPs would still debate and form a government, but the ultimate power to accept or reject ALL legislation would lie in the hands of the citizenry.

In the modern age, we can vote for trivial TV programs, so why not for issues that truly matter?

The Advantages

A small group of people can easily be manipulated, influenced, or corrupted. Therefore, it is paramount that power is redistributed to the citizens.

A nation is truly free when its people govern themselves. When legislative power is in the citizens' hands, accountability is enhanced, and the likelihood of a small group persistently imposing unapproved laws decreases.

Direct participation in legislation could transform an entire nation, fostering a collective consciousness and sense of responsibility towards self, fellow citizens, global issues, and the environment.

With the right technology, this system is implementable and timely. As wealth concentrates and automation potentially leads to mass unemployment, citizens need to take control before they become irrelevant in an AI-dominated world.

This direct participation in legislation would gradually shift power from the elites to ordinary people. Over time, laws would increasingly align with the interests of the majority, not just the few.

Achieving the Vision

Mainstream parties are unlikely to voluntarily yield power to the people. In my view, a single-issue party, initially funded by philanthropic individuals, could be the vehicle for introducing this concept, especially to the younger generation. This initial funding would be used to advertise the idea online and to generate additional resources.

I welcome your thoughts and input on this proposition. Together, we can start a meaningful conversation and potentially change the trajectory of economic inequality.