Jedi Community Action Group

Plus, another nuanced way the group could be used:

Say a Jedi is in a political position, and wants to do the Jedi thing (even though we're not defining that, nor should it be defined), he/she could feel the waters, so to speak, by asking opinions of a group he/she trusts like the Jedi.

I think it sounds great Roz and definitely agree with what you're doing, I also think we should be doing charitable work under a banner of TOTJO...but that's just me.

It was the rules that had me leaving The part about you have to take part of each chosen action or comment that you are not going to take part or be banned for silence........left a bitter taste in my mouth. If I don't want to take part of the communities chosen political action I don't see why I should have to announce it. Im a traveler to most of those facebook groups, I ghost around them alot of them I don't even comment on, but do enjoy watching from the side lines.....the rules veto'ed that option though.

Religions have a long, long history influencing politics. In fact, to quote Reza Aslan, for much of the history of the world " there was literally no difference whatsoever between politics and religion. "

Now, the tax code is very clear that tax-exempt organizations are not allowed to endorse candidates. However, the loophole (and it most definitely is an intentional one) is that religions can (and arguably have a responsibility to) endorse ideological stances, and encourage people to make up their minds for themselves after educating them.

Furthermore, religions don't have to be cohesive in their thought processes on these matters. That's why there are Christians (and whole denominations) on either side of the marriage equality discussion. And TOTJO isn't all of Jediism, and even TOTJO can't decide many matters internally between its own members (despite having actual, corporate organizational standpoints on many issues).

Abortion, for example, isn't a simple "pro-life/pro-choice" topic at all. I am very much both. I feel that abortion should be legal, because access to legal abortion saves women's lives by giving them a safe, clean, experience as opposed to any other alternative. At the same time, I feel that with continued education, helplines for preparedness, campaigns to push for adoption wherever possible, etc., the abortion rate would drop even while being legal. It's not my body, and it's not my right to choose for anyone, but I feel like society owes it to women to give them all the information so they can make the best choice.

If Jedi took a stance similar to that, we could hardly be seen as pushy, and would still fulfill the two snippets of doctrine mentioned above. There are centrist/moderate solutions for almost every polarized issue extant, and what are Jedi if not instruments of balance?

steamboat28 wrote:

Jestor's Rambling

Jestor wrote:
Hmm...

I wonder about the 'political activities'... How is that working out for other religions?

Just pondering...

Being a Jedi in politics, to me, is one thing...

The Jedi getting into politics, is another, I think...

Im thinking on this... Just for myself...

Say the political landmines of "abortion".... Where would the Jedi stand?

A woman's right?

All life is precious?

Just talking out loud...

Religions have a long, long history influencing politics. In fact, to quote Reza Aslan, for much of the history of the world " there was literally no difference whatsoever between politics and religion. "

Warning: Spoiler!

Now, the tax code is very clear that tax-exempt organizations are not allowed to endorse candidates. However, the loophole (and it most definitely is an intentional one) is that religions can (and arguably have a responsibility to) endorse ideological stances, and encourage people to make up their minds for themselves after educating them.

Furthermore, religions don't have to be cohesive in their thought processes on these matters. That's why there are Christians (and whole denominations) on either side of the marriage equality discussion. And TOTJO isn't all of Jediism, and even TOTJO can't decide many matters internally between its own members (despite having actual, corporate organizational standpoints on many issues).

Abortion, for example, isn't a simple "pro-life/pro-choice" topic at all. I am very much both. I feel that abortion should be legal, because access to legal abortion saves women's lives by giving them a safe, clean, experience as opposed to any other alternative. At the same time, I feel that with continued education, helplines for preparedness, campaigns to push for adoption wherever possible, etc., the abortion rate would drop even while being legal. It's not my body, and it's not my right to choose for anyone, but I feel like society owes it to women to give them all the information so they can make the best choice.

If Jedi took a stance similar to that, we could hardly be seen as pushy, and would still fulfill the two snippets of doctrine mentioned above. There are centrist/moderate solutions for almost every polarized issue extant, and what are Jedi if not instruments of balance?

Agreed...

BUt, that doesnt mean that it is working, NOW...

As the Atheists are working toward the separation...

If the religions had it worked out, it would still be that way... But it seems it was realized that not having religion does not make one a unethical person...

That is what I meant... They lost their footholds, and my wife (as well as others) sneers as those candidates who tout their affiliations to organized religion... Yes, even (especially?) me... But I dont make it a part of my stances...

Also, I happen to agree with your stance on abortion Steamboat, I was just simplifying for conversation sake... As every issue is almost as complicated, but to the uninformed voter, they dont want 'shades of grey', but rather black and white...

Cant get it said in 20 seconds, they stop listening, lol...

I reckon politics is about policy outcomes more then policy discussion or lobbying. The actual making of decisions and writing the wording of the policy. I think that is inherently going to create division - but I'm not suggesting that's what the CAG is about or anything, just reflecting on how I see politics. There are heaps of things the community needs action on!!!!

So still reflecting on politics, the reason things require written rules is usually because people disagree and something needs to be laid out for everyone to follow - usually a compromise, but often more about strategy towards sustainable growth. I guess the only angle I'd be interested in is if it was that pure middle way approach, defining the fence so other people can decide where they sit, base diplomacy of determining the spectrum of rational thought and designing a position which takes the most inclusive yet functional mechanism as a balanced position. Though the results would often not be related to the Jedi way I'd imagine, but it could be seen as a service of the Jedi way, if that makes any sense. If it did align, then I guess the policy discussion could be taken to the next level and become policy production and subsequent lobbying.

One thing I dislike about politics where I live is the uninformed lobbying - basically cheerleading of supported, and bullying of opposition parties. So if instead the intention is to focus on lobbying for the opinion of a group of Jedi, then its not so much my thing as I tend to think often the better outcomes are more often the less popular ones - 'gasp', I do though defer to the diplomatic mechanism Hehehe.

So I'm all for exploration and discussion, so much I'm tempted to think each region should have a Jedi CAG but I fear it would get hijacked by emotion and group think rather then entrenched systematic analysis..... sounds like a huge task Roz!!

Good luck with it though!!!!

Adder,

To your point, the FIRST discussion we have had was on the RFRA (with the document in hand). The LAST thing I want is for uniformed Jedi to go and bumrush a senator en masse with angry emails, telephone calls, protests. That's what I don't want. I want this group to be a group of information too. A lot of people have a lot of misinformation that needs to be corrected. I want people to be able to say "if I bring this topic up for discussion, I know it will be thoroughly" discussed.

Hot button and complicated issues like abortion? Maybe we don't move on those, but we can certainly find some politics in which we CAN make a change

The RFRA is hot right now BECAUSE people don't have all the information. So, I posted the bill. I read the bill. I asked questions and I got answers. And it really helped me. How much more did it help others?
It's not going to be the only issue we consider. Things like Climate change will certainly come up as will others in which we can certainly make an impact.

Furthermore, we have community service support as well (this was recently added). Doing community service is much more fun and much more impactful overall when there are many hands doing the work. Originally the group was titled the Jedi Community Service Project, but it didn't get much traction, so I changed the scope and I began to reach out to larger groups to see if members would be interested. It's working well so far (14 new members since the change).

If you want to know my real mission here, its to get Jedi active in their respective communities as well as on a larger scale, to create a space where people can get support, encouragement and can take action as a group of people for a cause they feel strongly about.

I really hope this clears things up. I enjoy explaining myself and answering your questions, so please keep them coming

From dicitonary.reference.com:

noun, ( used with a singular or plural verb)
1.
the science or art of political government.
2.
the practice or profession of conducting political affairs.
3.
political affairs:
The advocated reforms have become embroiled in politics.
4.
political methods or maneuvers:
We could not approve of his politics in winning passage of the bill.
5.
political principles or opinions:
We avoided discussion of religion and politics. His politics are his own affair.
6.
use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.
7.
(initial capital letter, italics) a treatise (4th century b.c.) by Aristotle, dealing with the structure, organization, and administration of the state, especially the city-state as known in ancient Greece.

adjective
1.
of, relating to, or concerned with politics :
political writers.
2.
of, relating to, or connected with a political party:
a political campaign.
3.
exercising or seeking power in the governmental or public affairs of a state, municipality, etc.:
a political machine; a political boss.
4.
of, relating to, or involving the state or its government:
a political offense.
5.
having a definite policy or system of government:
a political community.
6.
of or relating to citizens:
political rights.

Adder wrote: I reckon politics is about policy outcomes more then policy discussion or lobbying. The actual making of decisions and writing the wording of the policy. I think that is inherently going to create division - but I'm not suggesting that's what the CAG is about or anything, just reflecting on how I see politics. There are heaps of things the community needs action on!!!!

So still reflecting on politics, the reason things require written rules is usually because people disagree and something needs to be laid out for everyone to follow - usually a compromise, but often more about strategy towards sustainable growth. I guess the only angle I'd be interested in is if it was that pure middle way approach, defining the fence so other people can decide where they sit, base diplomacy of determining the spectrum of rational thought and designing a position which takes the most inclusive yet functional mechanism as a balanced position. Though the results would often not be related to the Jedi way I'd imagine, but it could be seen as a service of the Jedi way, if that makes any sense. If it did align, then I guess the policy discussion could be taken to the next level and become policy production and subsequent lobbying.

I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said 'people will either govern themselves or choose to be governed'. Laws/rules are just a methodology of doing that. Notice many semi-sentient species work just fine without laws/rules.

The Jedi Way in its strictest form tends to advocate not becoming involved in national/international government except as counselors and guides. However given Rosalyn's groups focus on internal government, that certainly does apply for Jedi, except that as an independent group, it might have some difficulty with that.

One thing I dislike about politics where I live is the uninformed lobbying - basically cheerleading of supported, and bullying of opposition parties. So if instead the intention is to focus on lobbying for the opinion of a group of Jedi, then its not so much my thing as I tend to think often the better outcomes are more often the less popular ones - 'gasp', I do though defer to the diplomatic mechanism Hehehe.

There's good and bad in all things. Science, for example, can be used to advance our knowledge and improve quality of life, or it can be used to mutate, deform, etc. The same is true of politics-you get the people who work for mutual self-growth, and then you get those who use politics and government for there own ends.

Saw this and was reminded of this thread.

"The trouble is that once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you've seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as political an act as speaking out. There is no innocence. Either way, you're accountable." — Arundhati Roy

Gathering and sharing information is good, so long as we remember to remain unbiased. Perhaps, having one person present an argument or information produced by one side and another person present it from an opposing position.

Even when a group agrees with something it should be explored from multiple angles. And it is probably most important to look for an outside view when everyone is in agreement. Helps to keep us objective.

I like the idea of the group. I particularly like the community outreach/community service part of it. I feel this is where a Jedi’s calling should take at least a part of their time.