HIGHLAND, UT | 6 May 2008 | What is the proper way to effect the change you desire? Do you wait until your guy (or gal) gets into office? Do you create a lobby organization? Do you write your elected officials? Any of these may be appropriate at certain times, but what if the correct answer is none of the above? What if the correct action is for each individual to take personal action regardless of the political leader?

This past month saw former President Jimmy Carter on the other side of the world seeking to influence policy. Some of those efforts were ill-advised (in my opinion), still others may bring about some interesting changes, perhaps for the better. In a news report today, “Nigerian oil rebels” said they would entertain a truce to the violence in that region if Carter all sides would willingly invite Carter to mediate those talks. While Carter does seem too sympathetic to terrorist factions, it is apparent that few sides in the region are squeaky clean in the matter; and a willingness on all sides to talk may produce some good results. Jimmy Carter’s Human Life Value (HLV) just may be the ticket to peace in the region. Taken in its proper context, this may well be an adequate example of how a FreeCapitalist may use his own HLV to influence good within his own sphere.

Key Points

• The FreeCapitalist Project teaches that individuals should be out seeking to do good on their own freewill and accord, and not to wait for government to tell them to do it. Another way to say this is that collective action has no unique moral authority.
• The FreeCapitalist Project teaches that big changes in the government are not going to happen unless and until they happen in a significant proportion of individuals first.
• Conservatives often complain that liberals always look to the government to solve society’s problems and that if it is that big a deal to the liberals, that they should start with donating their own resources and time to the issues they care deeply about. For example, the environmental challenges are only solvable by generating laws that force people to act in certain ways. Those laws would restrict drivers of gas guzzlers or occupants living in extremely large houses that use a large amount of utilities, or those who charter private jets to traverse the world rather than just flying coach on available airlines. Yet, the liberals are some of the biggest offenders in these areas.
• But in Jimmy Carter, we have someone who is voluntarily making a difference in the areas he cares about; namely, Habitat for Humanity, mediating elections through the world, and today’s news about Nigerian oil rebels their desired truce if Carter would mediate the talks. Carter is not waiting for government to do these things. He is out there tyring to make a difference.
• Carter had a miserable presidency. And, while I disagree with his viewpoint on mnay issues, I am growing to admire at least his willingness to do something about those issues.
• All things must be done with order. Personal actions should not interfere with official policy. In attempting to visit with Israel and Hamas, for example, Carter overstepped his bounds. Neither organization invited him, and Israel refused to talk with him. However, if he is personally invited by both parties in Nigeria, it is his personal discretion to mediate their talks.
• Each neighborhood, town, and section in America has its own challenges that could easily be solved by plugged-in, caring individuals whose stewardship and responsibility it is to help fix such items. Every individual need not (nor indeed can they very easily) attempt to mediate negotiations between high profile players. But every individual can do what they are able in their own neighborhoods.

Conclusion

You may not have the influence and scope that a former President of the United States might have, but you may still make a positive influence. Start small. Begin with your own life. When you improve your Human Life Value, your sphere of influence grows. Jimmy Carter, whether for good or ill has a much higher HLV than most people and he is using his initiative to effect the change in the world that he desires. Most people may say they want world peace. Very few can deliver it. Carter is not waiting for government to force that change, like some of his colleagues in the environmental topics. FreeCapitalists worldwide might take a lesson from Carter’s actions.

Action Items

1. Strengthen your personal ideology regarding the ancient principles.
2. Increase your own HLV so you may effect the social change you desire. This may include a number of areas. Consider the following.
   1. Improve your economic position so you may spend the time doing the things you know will be more effective.
   2. Learn to speak effectively in public.
   3. Take a writing course and learn to write persuasively.
   4. Learn to debate effectively.
3. Participate with like-minded people regarding the ideas you wish to espouse.
4. Don’t wait for the government to move. Create the movement you desire.

MRFC Principles: 6 (4, 6, 11, 12)

Resources

Daniel Flynn, “Nigeria oil rebels pledge truce if Carter mediates,” Reuters, May 6, 2008.