In 2000, I gave the first version of my TDG a book launch. As I was giving my story behind this book, one fellow in the audience asked a very good question:
“Dave, how do we move from HERE to THERE?”
I did not think of that.
I quickly made an answer up, something like:
“If average people discuss ideas in my book, the people in charge will see my logic and start moving toward this new system. So read my book and talk about it.”
Talk about a book promotion!
But I only needed to think for a short time to realize that the people in charge would never work for this new system. That was a big flaw in the first version of the TDG book.
And I didn’t think any victor of a civil war would be of the mindset to implement something like the TDG. History says that victors tend to bring in systems that keep the victors in power for a long time.
I started addressing the transfer of western democracy to the TDG in the second version. My main challenge: “How could we effect this transfer of governance without a civil war?”
This peaceful transfer process was solidified in the third version in 2008. Chapter 6 if this book explains the transition of moving from HERE to THERE.
It all starts with 1% of Americans understanding that their democracy cannot be repaired. In absence of other ideas, the TDG seems to be the only way out of the mess.
This 1% find a few neighbors to start working on this project. They write a new local TDG constitution. While writing, they develop skills for TDG governance. And these skills go back into writing better constitutions later.
All this starts with about 10 hours a month. Working with neighbors. No commuting.
The local TDG then elects its first executive committee. These leaders showcase the latent, underutilized talents in the American people. More neighbors join.
TDGs start merging, writing new constitutions to reflect the learned experience of the merged area.
In the first few years, TDG efforts will go unnoticed. When a few astute people start seeing their local TDG in action, they will see wise unity, not infighting. They like the leaders coming from the TDG. They will see the TDG as a credible replacement for western democracy.
The movement is scrutinized by the media and academics. Some are critical; some are supportive.
More citizens join the TDG — and they will learn to vote for “good character” and “capacity for governance.” The quality of political leaders is retained.
As western democracy further discredits itself, the TDG becomes a serious option. More people want the replacement. The TDG has been using its skills in TDG governance to prepare a political and legal mechanism to effect the transition — without a civil war.
It will be hard for the current holders of power to resist a very logical and proven method of democracy.
In essence, the early TDG builders do not need anyone’s permission.
In essence, the TDG is built outside the current system.
In essence, the TDG earns the right to govern.
But it needs people to step up. If they don’t, the current holders of power get to hold on to their power. The current holders of power don’t want anyone to step up.
It is truly up to you!
Published on Medium 2024
King George, can we Americans declare independence?
