This manifesto, a work-in-progress, is a major contribution toward the construction of new societies based on humanistic and ecological principles which must be created if the human race is to survive. Presently there are six sections to the document which can serve as a framework for all working people to rally around and to develop further.
There is so much content here that is marvelous. I'd like to see much more participation by people in its construction. At present, I have only one comment to make on it which I have already submitted. It is in relation to the wording of the Charter of Rights in the section entitled, "Claiming democracy for the people":
Charter of RightsThis may be quibbling, but I think that these items should be framed as "objectives" of the new societies. Labeling them as "rights" is too much like the language of a social contract between labor and capital. The new societies must leave no room for capitalists or any other privileged segment of the population. Framing it as "objectives" makes us responsible for creating what we want.
A new constitution would enshrine a Charter of Economic and Social Rights based on citizenship for all and should include:
- the right to co-operative ownership and self-management in workplaces
- employment for those who can work and average pay for those who cannot
- the right to a standard of living adequate for health and wellbeing
- decent housing at affordable cost for everyone
- free education for students at all ages; the right to free continuing education and training
- equal pay and job opportunities for women; free child care
- free health care at all levels
- dignity in old age through pension provision at average income, and free social care
- safe and nutritious food at affordable prices
- rights to live in an environment shaped by ecological care and basic human needs.
