4.0  Summary

   Cultural institutions are not shaped by the character of the people; rather, institutions shape people, their character, and their interactions. The goal of this model is to create institutions that improve human interactions and the quality of life of all citizens.

   In this model, the economy is decentralized. It is supported by savings as well as interest-free loans and grants, issued by local branches of the central or federal bank and local cooperative banks. Lending activities by banks is very limited. Production units are mostly owned by their workers.

   Taxation consists primarily of sales and property taxes. Many products and production processes are discouraged through luxury and dyseconomy taxes (dys- means bad, painful). All citizens receive a basic minimum income, which may be considered a return of sales taxes on basic consumption, and for the very poor, a negative income tax. This income varies and is adjusted to the local economy.

   The political system is a very decentralized multiparty democracy. Governments usually contract with local enterprises to provide the services for which they take responsibility, to build and maintain the infrastructure, etc. To halt ingrained unethical traditions and to avoid conflicts of interest, elected and appointed officials must not be citizens of the area they govern or its neighbors, they must come from distant areas or cultures. As an alternative, important positions may be shared by a local politician and a person recruited from a distant area. An independent government branch arranges elections and referenda. This agency is responsible for informing the voters on candidates and issues. It also determines basic qualifications for candidates (mainly educational), and who may vote. For instance, in a referendum concerning women' issues, only women may be allowed to vote. Improved principles of voting are applied.

   Human rights and ethical decision-making are taught at all levels and implemented wherever possible. Self-monitoring and peer supervision are broadly instituted. International cooperation is a high priority.

   There are no courts which determine guilt and punish. Conflicts between individuals and conflicts between or within institutions are referred to public mediation and arbitration services. Persons who are dangerous for any reason are considered emotionally disturbed. They are generally treated as persons with a mental (psychiatric) disorder. Treatment of emotionally disturbed persons includes different levels of services within the community and treatment in residential settings, short-term, long-term, or indefinite. While protecting possible victims is a primary goal, perpetrators are treated in a humane way.