by Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Why am I attracted to the most horrific, misbegotten tales of our time? Everyone asks. Because I like solutions, and behind the worst problems are often the best solutions.
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Opportunity for all
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Arthur C. Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute (NY Times, 3-2-14), documents with admirable clarity and evidence the growth of envy since 2000. "The root cause of increasing envy is a belief that opportunity is in decline". Even more, he offers solutions: increase opportunity via education, tax and safety net reform and offer leaders who can inspire optimism. "Only a shared, joyful mission of freedom, opportunity and enterprise for all will cure us of envy - and remind us of who we truly are."
This conclusion is solid and inspirational, but doesn't go far enough. My solution would add that everyone not only let go of envy, but also embrace your vital interests and who/what you truly love. For systemic change I offer here common-sense solutions to a major cause of the decline of opportunity - the corporate world, the Incubator of Envy. Corporate barriers to opportunity - and promotion of envy - are seen in wage scales, income distribution, health hazards, market monopoly, media control, work hours, hiring practices, overseas job loss, and much more.
- Corporations are only chartered by the US; no Delaware Corporation loopholes.
- Amendment: corporations are not persons, not entitled to privacy; money not speech.
- In the Uniform Charter, workers have 50% representation on Boards of Directors.
- Each corporation proves yearly its social benefit and harmlessness, or charter revoked.
- All harm arising from corporate practices are subject to criminal and civic penalties.
- Corporations cannot raise private armies, write laws, make overseas trade agreements.
- Corporations cannot shelter compensation/profits in overseas accounts or in any way.
- All tax havens are illegal; taxes are paid concurrently, in full.
- Minimum wages will support a 2 person family, tied to the cost of living index.
- Maximum corporate compensation is 100 times minimum wage; over that, an 80% tax.
- Corporations must assist schools in vocational training, paid internships, curriculum.
- A World of Work channel informs the public about job opportunity and growth.
No doubt the cost of all this would be mightily resisted. However, there are even more gains from worker productivity, good health, fair taxes, meaningful education, jobs return to USA, fair elections, consumer demand, less welfare costs, and more. Just THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS!
These proposals may seem impossibly ideal. On the other hand, they seem obvious, too. Suffering and the passage of time may make them seem very practical.
About Dr. Raynard
Dr. Richard Raynard is a licensed clinical psychologist with 35 years experience resolving a broad range of emotional problems. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist who has specialized in anxiety and phobic disorders since 1980, he has spent the last 35 years fulfilling his life-long desire to explore and define the true purpose of emotions and how people can easily use emotions to create meaning and satisfaction in their lives. Dr. Raynard's series of books on emotions can be found on Amazon.com. His other books include Don't Panic, and Anxiety & Panic Medications.
