World of Good - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Alex’s Story

Responsibility hung heavy on me as my crew climbed into their pods and departed. I reflected for a moment to consider if I had made the right decision to let them venture out into an unknown culture. Was I was insane dividing up my crew like this or being practical by expanding our ability to explore and research? Up to this point the Vlancos have given no indication of any ulterior motives and were constantly proving themselves kind and gentle. However, the thing that disturbed me the most wasn’t my fear of the Vlanco people. But rather the unsettling notion that me and my crew’s primitive ethical standards were beneath theirs.

After the crew members had chronicled their events, it was my turn to divulge what I had learned. I slowly paced the room while the others sat back sipping on a cool drink.

“I arrived at the center of the Justice system on Onos, hoping to compare Earth’s advances in government. What I had come to learn is that our system of government, relative to the Vlancos, is independent and unstable. I examined their process of justice and it seemed to me that they operated with philanthropy rather than fairness. They allowed me freedom to browse their archives for historical information. I found it dovetails with what we heard from Tammy. Their governmental system several hundred years ago was not unlike present day Earth’s. They had the governing continents with a democratic republic. Each Continent had to get agreement from their countries on local issues, but on world issues, they still had to submit proposals to the rest of the continents and planets for final approval. That included trade, environmental concerns, human rights, space travel and so on. However, after the Great Battle, as Tammy and Shelby have pointed out, a new spirituality caused a shift in government policies. I first discussed this with Govert, the Advisor at the archives.

“‘Govert, you really have a system Karl Marx would have liked. At least our Democratic system has checks and balances to keep tyranny from usurping.’”

“The Advisor calmly and demurely responded to my remark. ‘Alex, although your own United Continents of the Earth have agreed to use a Democratic system of government, it is effective only because Earth people are suspicious and selfish and need these checks and balances to keep order.’”

“I could feel my muscles tighten. ‘You better explain what you mean by that.’”

“‘Using your own founding fathers words...’ He turned his attention to the console and scanned the Earth database, which, by this time, had been distributed throughout Onos. ‘Here it is. A Thomas Jefferson wrote ... We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Thus, as we have become stronger in our integrity and closer to our Creator, Alex, your own founding fathers understood that Government must change to fit the needs of the people. For us it was one in which includes a communal aspect.’”

“‘Who are you? How could you get to this information so quickly, let alone understand it?’ I felt totally overwhelmed and ashamed of how much I had forgotten.”

“‘Bear with me Alex. I have an acclaimed ability to absorb massive amounts of data. Since I have spent my lifetime studying real and hypothetical political institutions, this comes quite easily to me. May I continue, Alex?’”

“‘Sure, why not. I leaned forward, hoping to get into a good debate with him.’”

“‘In the last few hundred years, we have allowed Life, Liberty and Happiness to be not an individual issue, but rather one of community. We Vlancos do enjoy individual liberties. However, by supporting the community, the individual is cared for indirectly and we flourish exponentially as the community grows. I believe your system of government had the best intentions. And yet it would seem that as time passed on, the needs of the individual were not being met. Opportunities for isolation and selfishness kept your people from graduating to a more suitable form of government—’ I raised my hand to cut off the Advisor.”

“‘Are you saying we would have been better off with Communism? Because, that has been tried on Earth and the standard of living and human rights were seriously damaged, with the exception of a select minority of the people.’”

“‘No Alex. On the contrary, there would have been more problems if that had occurred. From what I understand about Communism it would not be fitting, given that the integrity of your representatives and their supporters is not intact so as to meet the needs of the community. Your Democratic Republic form of Government is suitable, based on the existing amount of your people’s compassion for others. Until your people change your inner hosts, you cannot change your existing form of Government. Does that not make sense?’”

“‘If by host you mean heart, then I agree that we can’t be phony and expect to have highly effective politicians with our best interests in mind. I’m just having a hard time connecting spirituality with government. We on Earth have always tried to keep the two essentially separate so people had the freedom to choose the religion that was in their best interest. Government should be able to operate without the interference of religion.’”

“‘I agree, Alex, your form of government does not contain one specific form of spirituality, and therefore, what you currently have is the best system for your people. I would recommend, your people do not consider changing your government for the sake of change, but be more concerned about getting close to the Creator. Even your founding fathers understood how important it was to acknowledge his assistance to guide them in decisions of government, as noted by the use of His name in those documents. Government and spirituality are inseparable. You can not remove an individual‘s true beliefs from his actions. You may have many laws, but an individual will manage government with the level of evil and good that lurks inside.’”

“I was thoroughly amazed at how quick he was able to understand the obstacles of Earth’s government…not that I agreed with him. It was the religion issue that kept nagging at me. Why did he focus so much on spirituality? Religion and politics always made unfriendly bedfellows.”

“‘Hold on Govert. You mean to tell me that unless our people take on the same religion, the Earth cannot have a cohesive form of government?’”

“‘That is very well put, Alex. I think you understand me.’”

“‘I may understand what you said, but I don’t agree with you!’

“‘Alex, it was not my intention to persuade you of my opinions, but rather to inform you of the truth.’ Govert said, poised and confident.”

“This guy was either the epitome of arrogance or I was just not catching what he was pitching to me. I know that ethics play a crucial aspect in government. But to say one particular form is the best, really grated on me. I had to keep reminding myself that I had to be diplomatic.”

“‘Okay, Govert. I agree that one world religion would help your form of government work more effectively, but that doesn't mean that it is the only correct form of religion.’”

“‘Alex, I would have to say yes and no to that. Religion is not actually what I was referring to. It has no effect on how government policy is made. I was referring to the result of one’s relationship with the Creator—which is the only form of spirituality that there is. Religion is a method of living your life and an extension of your theological concepts. A oneness with the Creator is the essential catalyst that guides your decisions. In other words, the less the people believe and follow what the Messenger and the Creator have conveyed to us, the less government will be effective, no matter which form of religion or government exists. The more you follow the Creator the more effective the government will be.’”

“When he added this Messenger into the equation it felt like he dumped a new spice to the soup before I had a chance to take in the first part.’”

“’Wait a minute! Who is this messenger and how does he fit in to this whole thing?’ I almost wished I hadn’t asked. I knew we were going to get off on some odd tangent.”

“‘Alex, the Messenger gives total balance to our lives. He keeps us close and guides us toward perfection. Without Him and His guidance, errors infect ourselves as individuals, which ultimately is costly to our community.’”

“‘Ah. So this messenger guy is more than just one of your founding fathers.’”

“‘Definitely so Alex. He is one with the Creator. We have documentation on His teachings. I suggest you investigate His life so you can understand more about ours.’”

“‘Thanks Govert, maybe later.’ I really didn’t want to go head first into a spiritual digression. Nevertheless, he definitely peaked my curiosity about their religion. It further confirmed that the Vlanco religion wasn’t just a time set aside for recognizing their god, but rather a part of their culture that is weaved heavily into their daily activities.”

Shelby politely raised her hand to get a question in. “Alex, could you explain how the local authorities operate. Considering the fact that the people are so kind, what do the police do if there isn’t anyone to protect the public from?”

“Good question, Shelby. I was wondering the same thing. There really isn’t a police force.” I looked out at a group of frowns. “What I mean, is that when the local security force has no dangerous criminals to deal with, they become more like a of health and safety officer. They resemble fire and rescue teams than law enforcers. As you can imagine, without the criminals around to convict there is little need for prosecutors, judges, prisons, and so on.”

“That’s not what I experienced,” said Dale, looking down at his shoe as he kicked the ground.

“Dale, they are very versatile. They have learned to take on multifunctional roles. Attorney’s for example, spend time assisting families with legal issues like wills and property, while advising and educating people on the operation of the governmental process from the local to planetary level.”

Chip shook his head. “Well all I know, is that they can really be annoying, spending so much time on sanctimonious topics. I’d like to know how they all seem to be in on it in the first place. Do they brainwash the kids at an early age?”

I scratched the back of my head. “I really don’t know how they can all be in agreement with this one sacred belief. Maybe Shelby could look into it some more, considering she is more in tune to it than the rest of us.” I said, hopefully.

Shelby looked up and rocked her head back and forth, as if to weigh out pros and cons. “Sure, I could do that. In fact, I would enjoy investigating that issue. I think these people are fascinating.”

“Thanks, Shelby.” I turned my attention to a necklace around my neck.

Dale caught my eye direction. “What’s that?”

I took it off and held it out. “This? It’s a symbol to remind them of their core beliefs.” I passed it down to Dale, and he examined it with interest.

“I forgot to mention that not everyone is in total agreement with the Vlanco way of life. A few derelicts get through the system, either because they are mentally disabled or some just never accept the philosophy of the Vlancos. They could end up committing suicide, live as hermits, or possibly even deserting to the Negritee system.”

Tammy rung out her hand. “Ouch! Now that doesn’t sound fun.”

“Nevertheless, the Vlanco’s seem to have a very efficient form of government. With little crime to address, it allows them to focus their energies on research and development. In many ways, we could learn a lot from these people.”

That concluded my report to the crew. We compared notes awhile longer before turning in for the night. Although we had some heated moments, we were all at peace with one another by the morning. The only tension brewing was that we now had to meet with the council of top Advisors. They wanted to discuss our situation here on the planet and what to do with us.