-- Sinclair Lewis
Well, the stock-market has lost 1/3 of its value in the last week and a half; the voices of the right and the left have become ever-more-shrill, and it looks like the banking system is teetering on the edge of complete collapse.
We could easily see our 7% unemployment rate go to 25% or 30% -- with nothing to save us from ourselves, because we've allowed all of the banking regulation which kept things in check go straight out the window.
It's times like these that bring about changes in governments. Dictatorships, and the like. Because of this, I'm thinking that living here might be a Bad Idea.
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Right about now, I'm for starting our own country.
Here's my start on a Constitution:
Rights:
Everyone has rights - until those rights begin to infringe on the rights of another. By definition, you don't have the 'right' to force someone else to mow their damn lawn; shave; or do anything else. Don't want to shave? Don't. Don't like abortion? Don't have one. Want to believe that the moon is made of green cheese? Go ahead on -- just don't force it on anyone else. You'll be deported otherwise.
Want to pray? Do it at home. Are there four or five of you who want to do the same thing? Fine. Meet anywhere you want. It'll be against the law to stop you (again; just don't go trying to push it on anyone else. If you're That Good, they'll come voluntarily).
Military:
We don't need one, because we're not at war. Unless it's with mosquitoes. Or yellow-jackets. We'll save a lot of money on this one; trust me. Want to own a gun? Several? Fine. Use 'em on another person, and you'll find yourself looking for another island to live on.
Sexual Preference:
Personally, I've always preferred sex to celibacy. I think it's a good idea. If you want a girlfriend and you're female, go ahead. Just take pictures. We like pictures. You a guy, and want a boyfriend? Go ahead on. But no pictures.
Health Care:
Soon's we can, we'll encourage a doctor to move to the island. I'm just hoping this person values the lifestyle, because there won't be any Medicaid; no overpayments; no HMO's - none of that. I'll allow that surviving things like cancer will be pretty dicey, due to some pretty rudimentary supplies -- but I promise I'll go to your funeral, and I'll keep my mouth shut if your relatives want to pray - because of the first statement (see 'Rights').
Education:
If you have kids, we'll all see that they get educated. I've a masters' in history, and I think I could do a good job there; that, and anthropology, if they're so inclined. We'll have to find someone who wants to teach math, science, and maybe English/Spanish/whatever other languages are spoken amongst our inhabitants. Oh, and I can teach 'em how to write. We'll probably do better than most of the schools your kids are in right now, so don't worry. There won't be any damn GameBoy's to get in the way of homework.
No P.E., though. They can play football, soccer, or whateverthehell after school -- and because life will be a bit rustic, they'll have plenty of chores to keep 'em busy.
Infrastructure:
I'm thinking that basic roads'll be enough.
Law:
Apart from this one, I'm not thinking we'll need much. Personally, too much law usually means too little order.
Money:
Cowrie shells. They work for others; why not us?
Trade:
Yes. I like trade. Especially if we can trade fish and coconuts for other things we need.
Labor:
We all meet in the town square and divide up the chores. End story.
Politics:
None. Ever.
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So - -what do you think?
