How would you fix society?, page 4

I like a lot of the ideas of the Venus Project, and I see little evidence of "Communism" from my brief look.

People tend to scream this word as soon as change is mentioned. It's a drummed-in fear, a knee-jerk reaction by over-zealous patriots who think everything else is bad and their way is perfect. Nothing short of denial and brainwashing.

How many millions have died in the name of "Democracy" and the false belief that you somehow have a voice? How many millions continue to die while a capitalist government allows drug companies to deny basic medications to those who can't pay the $$$? How many millions continue to die fighting wars over Oil and energy so that one "democratic" nation holds power over others?

Communism or not, the existing systems are broken, even democratic capitalism.

Anyway, back on-topic...

I'd create town halls. And enforce local governance much like what we have now, but with a leadership of smaller communities and real conversation between them and the people they serve.

I'd remove the idea that millions of people need to travel into a city to work.
It's outdated and no longer practical to have skyscrapers of office space in central locations. Much of that work can be done from home, alleviating travel, pollution, power consumption, and allowing people to work in smaller local communities based around the home, friends and family.
The technology already exists, we are just ignoring it.

I'd also change the way we are growing cities. We need smaller communities with smaller schools and local amenities operated by local people. Educational standards would improve. Local finance would no longer rely on global business. Responsibility for your own community would increase.

I'd also decapitate major business. In the beginning this would allow big businesses to continue to provide services but with all finance monitored by the local community in which it operates, to ensure that adequate finance is being distributed back into the local economy. Those in senior positions would be equal to the people buying their goods.

I would enforce limitations on vehicle use, create local rail and bus services and then tear up most of the tarmac and concrete.

Nationally, I'd retain the current system of governance but replace those wanting to get rich with those who have a passion for their community. There would be strict rules on spending, and stricter rules on personal investments for those in these positions.

Educational standards based on wealth would be destroyed. No child would receive a better education or better opportunities because they come from a wealthy family.

Basically, all my opinions stem from community and localized governance. I believe we have progressed too fast and as a result it is unbalanced and dangerous. We live in over crowded cities and towns and have become disconnected from who and what we are. We rarely know our neighbors, barely care what our children are being taught, and feel little responsibility for our environment or the welfare of our fellow Humans.
Instead we occupy our minds with childish toys and fill our lives with needless junk in the hope that it will somehow make things better.

I also think it would be better if people really thought about how they would change things instead of commenting on what political label such ideas fall under. Just like religion, stating political leanings and accusations with such labels only detracts from the important issues and limits exploration of possibilities.
One idea that smacks of "Communism" to you, might actually be a good idea in a grand scheme of things.