(The Great Seal of the United States is a public domain image.)

Several articles have been written about what comes after the current regime ends. One recommended that we create a “truth and reconciliation commission” in the manner of South Africa to restore civility and union. I deeply appreciate the sentiment but I do not believe that is possible in the United States, not any more. Another one I read called for mass prosecutions and prison sentences for the massive fraud, self-dealing, and law breaking that is a daily part of our news perpetrated by this administration and its sympathizers. That is very likely to happen and I expect it will happen.

Before I write any further, I want to make it clear that I do not believe that victory over these neofascists and their dim-witted followers is in any way guaranteed. I have to admit there are days when I think they just can’t be stopped. The lies, the impudence, the confidence and their unrelenting attitude of righteousness would cause all the saints of history to lose their composure. Some days it certainly ruins mine.

But let us assume for a few moments of optimism that we, the good guys, prevail over this scum. We know that we must act whenever and wherever possible to protest and throw barriers in the way of this regime. But let us talk just now of what comes after victory, after Trump is done, perhaps condemned and imprisoned.

I have been reading a book pictured below, a picture which I have borrowed from the internet. I believe this is okay under a fair use exception and since I am mentioning both that I read it and recommend that others buy it and read it, that I may perhaps be forgiven for using it.

This book by Daniel Todman is a very detailed history of Britain at war before the entry of the United States.

Why mention it here? Because just after the British had stopped the Germans from gaining air superiority over England, a number of people from the labor party as well as a group of the intelligentsia began to agitate for and develop a plan for after victory.

And that plan was very largely enacted and put in place when victory was won.

Can you imagine?

Great Britain stands alone. They are being bombed nightly by the Luftwaffe. Hitler has not yet invaded the Soviet Union and the United States seems to see no urgency in joining the conflict. And yet they assumed eventual victory. They had faith. I wish I had that kind of faith now. I wish we all did.

But in any case, what their example shows is that planning for after the struggle is vital and every bit as important as the struggle itself. There must not only be a cause worth fighting for but a set of goals to be achieved, a further set of purposes beyond simply prevailing.

I have some simple suggestions. But I want you to know that I am going to research and think about what is possible and what can achieved, so I may very well return to the topic on multiple occasions.

But here goes –

1. Fix the mess at the Supreme Court. Add six justices, impose term limits and a code of ethics – it has to be fixed.
2. Raise the minimum wage.
3. Universal Health Care, it’s time.
4. The end of the Imperial Presidency, a comprehensive set of laws and perhaps a couple of constitutional amendments to prevent this kind of power grab from ever happening again.
5. A complete overhaul of campaign law and among many other things no dark money ever again.
6. A National Guaranteed enforceable right to vote. No more of this gerrymandering nonsense.
7. A graduated income tax
8. Free college education
9. Free vocational training
10. And as 8. and 9. imply, a national never ending focus on the development of human capital in American.
11. We should be building a society devoted to the development of each individual so they they can live a full life of achievement.

At least, that is my poor opinion about what is necessary.

I am going to write about this more at length.

You may share your thought if you wish, but I have approval on all comments so post accordigly.

James Pilant