The Virtuous Republic, Part 3: What is a Virtuous Government?
Abstract: We have a problem, one that affects all Americans, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum. Trust in government is at historic lows, yet reelection rates in the House of Representatives is approximately 97% and over 90%…
The Virtuous Republic Part 2: What is the Best Form of Government to Secure Truth, Justice, Happiness and Free Society
Abstract: What is the optimal form of government to secure truth, justice, and happiness for citizens? I strongly suspect that the founders of the US Republic read Plato and Roman sources and were familiar with Plato’s concerns about democracy. They…
DOGE—Killer Clowns and Virtue
Abstract: The Hippocratic oath tells the doctor to do first no harm. Yet that is what a surgeon has to do. Sometimes we need to do harm to do good. The trick is to balance the harm and good,…
DOGE: Transparency and Truth
Abstract: The US government has been the rope in a tug of war since the Declaration of Independence. Some of these contests were benign and other, like the Civil War, were lethal. DOGE is the wild card in today’s…
DOGE: Transparency vs Secrecy; Thieftaking vs Investigation
Abstract: Is DOGE a thief, a thieftaker (modern usage: bounty hunter) or a diversion? With all the contradictory reports and poor information, it is hard to tell what they are. Both judicial review and thieftaking are rooted in English Common…
DOGE: Change Agent or Wrecking Ball?
Abstract: In Mythology, Literature, and Mind Mapping, I discussed the power of myth in mind mapping since it is foundational to western literature. Myths and fairy tales also provide a powerful of symbols and keys that resonate throughout a culture.…
DOGE: How we Arrived at this Point
Abstract: A series of critical inflection points led us to the point where we currently are with a strong central government with several corrupt and potentially criminal acts. If it was not the federal government, elements of the central government…
DOGE: Efficiency vs. Effectiveness
Abstract: The “E” in DOGE stands for Efficiency. I think that is the wrong “E”. It should be effectiveness. Efficiency means we do things with the lowest resources as possible to achieve the desired outcome. We can be hyper-efficient and…
DOGE and Program Review and Assessment
Abstract: DOGE appears to be taking a short-term approach to change. Audits are rearward looking and point-in-time. While important, they will not systematically change the federal government. DOGE must be transparent and work with all stakeholders and other government agencies…
Part 4: Policy Development
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,…
