I have a vision for the new millennium: A remarkable political transformation that re-ignites the spirit of America. A transformed politics may seem like an impossible dream—but not if a spirit of renewal catches fire in the minds and hearts of citizens across the country. Here is how the transformational story unfolds:

After a period of increasing degeneration in politics—money driving elections, opinion polls driving politicians, and alienation driving voters—things get so bad that finally Americans start waking up to the reality that they are losing their democracy. The awakening begins first in small groups of citizens who start meeting and discussing what can be done--to renew the spirit of freedom, the spirit of justice, the spirit of compassion in America.

Rather than passively expecting their government to solve all the country’s problems, citizens begin taking initiative themselves. They join with other citizens to start praying or meditating together about changing the direction the country is going in. They ask to be guided spiritually as to how they can be most effective. They start discussing how to apply their spiritual values to solve social problems. They examine the root causes of problems—in both the individual, the family and society.

In their discussions and research, they find, for example, that youth violence and drug abuse is caused both by a lack of values and support in the home, as well as by larger social and economic inequities that reinforce a culture of poverty. These citizens then join or start new civic organizations that work to create effective solutions, such as youth mentoring programs, and training in self-esteem and in non-violent conflict resolution.

Other groups of citizens start having honest dialogues with each other around divisive issues such as race, abortion, or school prayer. They learn to listen deeply to each other’s experiences and their passions, to develop empathy and understanding of differences. They try to find the grain of truth and the positive intent in the opinions of those they disagree with.

Other groups start exploring new tools for creating a more effective politics—how to resolve conflicts or engage more active participation of citizens in key issues. To resolve conflicts in their community, for example, citizen leaders use a "multi-stakeholder dialogue" process. They begin by inviting all the stakeholders—all those have a stake in the outcome--to sit down and dialogue with each other about an issue (for example, economic development of open space or crime prevention.) A trained facilitator is asked to run the meeting, ensuring that all voices will be heard through an open process. Participants are invited to search for higher common ground that creates outcomes beneficial to all parties.

These multi-stakeholder dialogues are remarkably effective in finding win/win solutions for each party concerned, as well as for the community as a whole. And they help heal the relationships among former adversaries, who previously had spent fortunes on legal battles and public relations campaigns to defeat each other. For example, in a conflict between environmentalists and developers over open space, participants in a multi-stakeholder dialogue realize that passing laws that protect nature without providing for the needs of local people is a doomed strategy. So they brainstorm mutually beneficial solutions and come up with a commitment to "conservation-based development" --creating local jobs that are ecologically sustainable.

As citizens start feeling more empowered through personal engagement with solving local problems, they begin taking more of an interest in local politics. They realize the importance of being informed about local issues and voting regularly. They start carefully tracking which interest groups give large sums of money to which politicians, and how this relates to politicians’ key votes on policies. This research is widely circulated and read, and politicians are publicly shamed at political rallies and in the media.

Then some truly miraculous transformations start occurring. The growing campaign finance movement starts attracting thousands of supporters. Differing opinions on campaign reform are resolved through numerous national town meetings across the country, until a clear consensus emerges and the political will for change is forged. Public financing of campaigns is finally enacted into law. Without the controlling influence of money, there is a more level playing field, and politicians are judged on their own merits.

Voters start seeking out and supporting more courageous and honest politicians--those who have real vision and integrity. Voters insist that campaigns stay focused on the issues, and avoid negative attack ads. Politicians who focus on attacking their opponent’s character and misrepresenting their record start losing elections. Voters hold their politicians accountable for their behavior in office and for fulfilling their promises. Regardless of his or her party, no one is re-elected who hasn’t been honest and effective.

Many third parties become increasingly popular, bringing innovative ideas into the political debate, such as the need for preventive approaches and wholistic medicine to reduce skyrocketing health costs, or victim/offender reconciliation to reduce prison costs. Some of these third parties gain huge support, and their candidates are elected to national, state and local offices, reducing the polarized deadlock of the two party system.

Finally, some truly great leaders--men and women of all races, religions and political parties-- become elected, recognized by the public for their wisdom, courage and compassion, as well as their inclusiveness and universality. Although identified with a particular party, they are non-partisan in their approach, working easily with members of other parties on issues they are committed to. They are unafraid to publicly discuss the spiritual values they hold in their hearts, and they make a concerted effort to live by those values and be held accountable for them.

When these leaders are elected to national, state and local offices, the results are wiser laws that transform society. The best of both liberal and conservative ideas are synthesized into more effective policies. Government ensures justice and takes an active role in providing for those who cannot help themselves, as well as providing equal opportunities for all citizens to grow and develop. At the same time, individuals and communities take a more direct role in meeting their own needs, and families and schools take responsibility for teaching values and character education to young people.

America becomes more harmonious and prosperous, as she aligns with her soul or deeper purpose. She generously helps other countries which are in need economically, and finally takes an altruistic and responsible role in the United Nations….

Does this vision seem idealistic and impossible? Not when you consider that every one of these innovative ideas are small seeds that have already been effectively planted somewhere in America by 1999. These ideas simply need to be nourished and supported so they will grow and spread. This will truly re-ignite the Spirit of America!