Positive Public Policy

            Positive policies begin with the premise that we are all integral parts of a whole. These policies are based on one standard of morality reflected in universal principles found in all major faiths and cultures, such as, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." They seek to apply unifying principles that benefit everyone involved.

          Positive public policies are distinguished in the following ways:

• They are win/win models.
• When compelling interests are in conflict, resolution is reached through reasonable compromise that weighs each compelling interest against other important considerations.
• The wisdom gained through the experience of others, even one’s so-called enemies, is valued.
• Positive public policies support unity, embrace transparency and are marked by generosity, knowing that giving and receiving balance out. They are forgiving; the past is laid aside in the interest of the present and future.

            Within positive public policies are many different ways to solve problems. There are diverse compromises that can be reached to achieve positive results.

        When surface appearances are removed, all public policy is based on one of two sources: fear or love.  

            In the world of fear, we are conditioned to see ourselves as moral, while seeing others who are different from us as immoral. This leads to two standards of morality; one, in which we claim our violence to be justified, “an eye for an eye;" and the other, in which we claim the violence of our "enemies" to be baseless. In this dual morality, we do not take responsibility for our actions, rationalizing that our enemies’ violence provoked ours—a "they-made-us-do-it" mentality.  

            However, our “enemies” see us through the same misperception, and the shared misperceptions perpetuate the violence. Physical force and emotional manipulation are used to impose control. Control depends on constantly maintaining force and fear, causing both sides to be chained to each other. Until the conflict is resolved, it continues to fester, consuming additional resources. 

            Such sharp divisions produce win-lose outcomes from which, ultimately, no one benefits.  From our narrow, fearful perspective, we fail to see that we are doing the same harmful acts that our "enemies" are doing, and that these acts do not make the world a safer place.

            Fear-based public policies promote disharmony, imbalance and disunity. They are fragmented and wasteful of resources, reflecting a belief in scarcity and greed, taking more than they give. They ignore the destructive fallout they cause to satisfy immediate needs. They are secretive and suspicious, using rhetoric to obscure means and confuse results. Fear-based public policy compromises only when forced to. Collaboration is not embraced as a possibility. The weakness of others is readily exploited. Violence and attack are often tools of first resort. Opponents are labeled "evil," deserving to be attacked.

           Positive public policy moves us away from fear-based public policy. It is based on the practical realism of love, using nonviolent approaches and seeking unity through the reconciliation, restoration and preservation of community. It uses resources efficiently. It integrates, harmonizes and empowers.

            Recent developments toward restorative and transformative justice are two examples of positive domestic policy. Extending unconditional aid to war-torn nations, or nations hit by natural disasters, is an example of positive foreign policy, such as our aid to Pakistan after the earthquake in October, 2005 that was a win/win for all.

            When positive public policy and fear-based public policy are compared, the choice is clear. It is inherent in our nature to want to leave the world a better place for future generations. Positive public policy will do this.