Harmonia: Possible in Today’s World?
Harmonia: a place where everyone is welcome and no one is judged on their past. A place where anyone can voice their true thoughts without fear of ridicule. A place where no one has to pay for healthcare, education, or household upkeep. It almost seems too good to be true, but thanks to a few special programs, it could be a reality. The Government Board takes everyone’s opinions into concern and is made of ordinary citizens. In the job and tax system, people can pursue their true passions without monetary worries (much of their needs are taken care of through taxes). Despite popular belief that a transcendentalist society like this could not exist, Harmonia would be able to function in today’s world. This is because of its power attract members as well as the tax and government system’s ability to keep residents satisfied and actively involved in the community.
Without a doubt, it would be a challenge to completely prohibit persuasive advertising. In today’s world, so many things are successful largely because of media pressure to buy a toy, see a movie, stay at a hotel, ect. It would be extremely difficult for a product or company to thrive without advertising. Since the advertising of Harmonia is included in this “no persuasive promotion” law, some may argue it might be tricky to attract residents. This, however, would not be the case due to Connectors and the amount of people that want to make a fresh start.
In Harmonia, people are welcomed who are deeply unsatisfied with their lives and want a new beginning. They may be facing huge obstacles like homelessness, unemployment, or addiction that prevent them from living their life the way they always dreamed. In the modern day United States of America, there are unbelievable amounts of disadvantaged people. In 2009, 656,129 homeless people were present, and in December 2011 an 8.6% unemployment rate existed. A main goal of Harmonia goal is to create a loving environment where everyone feels comfortable re-inventing themselves. According to these numbers, there are plenty of people who could use the new beginning Connectors would offer them. Harmonia would help to eliminate a small percentage of the population living in destitution today. Population is a determining factor of the success or failure of a society, and as one can see, Harmonia would have no problem obtaining residents. To succeed, a society not only has to secure residents, but also keep those residents content. The tax program would accomplish that.
Some say the tax system practiced in Harmonia would be impossible. In the modern world, many would have a hard time giving nearly half (forty percent) of their income to taxes. Currently, though, so much of the population lacks passion for their profession. In Harmonia, people have the opportunity to do whatever they love. Also, they are able to pick what category (Health and Well Being, Education, Nature Preservation, Public Services and Maintenance, The Arts) the majority of that forty percent goes to. Furthermore, the Government Board would make sure to publicize exactly what project the taxes are going towards, so people would be able to clearly see the outcome of their contribution. All of these aspects would ensure people’s contentment with the system. Keeping citizens happy includes giving them the power to change what they don’t like. These things guarantee they would be active, contributing members of Harmonia. These kinds of citizens are the very foundation of what keeps any society going.
In Harmonia, the people truly have the power. This can be seen through the Government Board: the only government body present in Harmonia, which is made up of ordinary citizens. Comprised of twenty-five to thirty members and elected every three months, the Board is constantly being replaced with new faces. In society today, people are sometimes reluctant to voice their opinions for the fear of being ignored. In Harmonia, though, if the citizens don’t like what is happening, they can hold a re-election for a Board member, appeal for a new law, or try to change an old one. All these things demonstrate how the authority is truly held by the people. If residents disagree with anything, they have the influence to change it. This protects the satisfaction of the residents. Satisfied residents would be motivated to give back to the society, which would cause Harmonia to be possible today.
As demonstrated, Harmonia would be able to exist amongst modern societies. Despite its inability to advertise, Connectors would easily be able to find many disadvantaged people who need a home, as there is surplus today. Though people might not initially be pleased with the idea of forty percent of their income going towards taxes, once they saw how their contribution specifically benefited themselves and the other members of Harmonia, they would surely comply. Also, since so many of their needs are taken care of through the tax system, people could do the work they love without monetary concerns. The Government Board would put the power in the hands of the residents, which would cause them to be participative and change anything they don’t like. Together the system of government and taxes would satisfy and encourage active and contributing citizens.
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate
