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What is Positive Public Policy?
Historical and current public policy, when based on “an eye for an eye,” justice-as-vengeance mentality, produces win-lose outcomes from which ultimately no one benefits. Rather than continue with public policies that ensure failure, positive public policy seeks approaches that will benefit everyone involved.
Positive public policy is nonviolent, seeking unity through the reconciliation, restoration and preservation of community. It uses resources efficiently. It is holonomous (in accord with the law of wholeness), harmonious and powerful.
When surface appearances are removed, public policy has as its base one of two sources: love or fear. Positive public policy is measured by one standard of morality—do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It does not justify a lesser moral standard based on the immorality reflected in the acts of others. Positive public policy has the following attributes: It is a win/win model. 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 policy supports unity, embraces transparency and is marked by generosity—giving more than it takes, knowing that giving and receiving balance out. It is forgiving—the past is laid aside in the interest of the present and future.
Recent developments toward restorative and transformative justice would be two examples of domestic positive public policy. Extending unconditional aid to war-torn nations, or nations hit by natural disasters, are examples of international positive public policy.
 Examples of Positive Public Policy
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