introductionOver time, the definition of prosperity has lost its root meaning ('economic well-being'), to the modern sense of the word, which is the pursuit of wealth without virtue. This adaptation can be traced from the early convictions of Thomas Jefferson, the visionary who after the witness of the exploitative market society in France, returned to the United States dreaming of the ideal society and government for the people; then, to the prophetic historian William Appleman Williams who observed the evolving ethos of US imperialism and foreign policy; finally, resting upon the pragmatic solutions offered by Roger Terry, who suggests to remove capitalismthat economic and political system designed for the pure maximization and motive of profit. And it is through this tampered vision of global prosperity that gave birth to American exceptionalism, which knew no bounds for limitless ownership. As a result, the wages of labor has lead to a decline of our Constitutional values: a loss of independence, a mirage of democracy, and a fraud of equal rights. But, uniquely found in the prescriptions of Terry and Jefferson (as argued by Richard K. Matthews), is the solution for renewing our society, through (1) limited ownershipby the installation of a three-tier economic system, Federal Democracy, a 100% percent reserve ratio, noncompetition, and (2) educationby the formation of an informed and moral citizenry. Thus, the outcome of these proposals will expect empire to starve, "the parasite who can no longer feed upon a dying host."

I. Paternal Benevolence and the People's Independence"It is not that men are ill fed, but that they have no pleasure in the work by which they make their bread, and therefore look to wealth as the only means of pleasure." (Christopher Lasch)

// authoritarianism expects conformity to rules and customs, that are subject to change without regard to impact on communities// people's independence deprived of individuality: talent, skill, intelligence, opinion subordination in exchange for "security" --> reliance on capitalism- Terry: "A benevolent business owner can easily become a tyrant if the company experiences a few setbacks." - Williams (on the image of the benevolent and progressive policeman): "... it could use its power in alliance with the other rich to control the poor in return for the rich accepting the American rules for the international marketplace."

a) corporations: decorative "reward system" to gain commitment from its workers dispersed ownership v. concentrated ownership same) = no ownership/influence on company decisions b) military: decorative military service to gain civility (Cuba, 1896) marketplace expansion under the guise of cloaked "charity": economic intervention, military assistance, restore order Open Door Policy - President Woodrow Wilson: access to foreign trade security from foreign aggressors: creation of Covenant of the League of Nations, Article X ---> repealed

II. Well-Educated Citizens and the Exercise of Democracy "If we think them [i.e., the people] not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education." Jefferson (p.88)

- meritocracy: people selected on the basis of ability - education will help people understand the consequences of their choice in a larger context that includes OTHER PEOPLE (not to the exclusion of) - modern education: bias; socialization for serfdom; narrow career focus (STEM) to serve economic "needs" ---> people only rewarded for their machine-like value: utility, productivity, efficiency- Terry: revitalize education with philosophy and religion ---> pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, the formation of character - foundational knowledge v. informational knowledge (fluency in language, sciences, mathematics, arts) v. (fluent in practical facts) ---> leads to self-understanding ---> self-actualization

philosophy: worldviews, ideologiesreligion: morals (to diminish the presence of selfishness) ---> politics

III. A New Complex Leads to Equal Rights and OpportunityTerry:

3-tier Economic System; separate and self-governing bodies

1) small businesses: few owners/partnerships; nonessential goods/services2) large corporations: employee-owned; no central management, or elected representatives depending on company size3) public industries: transportation, communication, education, defense, utilities

- local governments > people vote, do policy-making

compared to:Jefferson: ward-republics; bottom-up approach- local > state > national1) local: self-governing people2) state: domestic and civil rights 3) national: foreign affairs, security

// Federal Democracy ---> equality- elected officials (representatives) have limited terms- separation of legislative, executive, judicial branches "(policy-making/administrative/decision-making)" ---> prevents abuse of power/cronyism: appointed friends/family members based on association not merit---> representatives reflect diverse populace

// 100% Reserve Ratio ---> eliminates debt- "100% reserve ratio on demand deposits"- cannot create money (federal notes) backed by debt- value of currency contingent to assets- balanced trade - "immobile capital"

// Noncompetition

- restrained by ethical/moral values- level-playing field- competition by comparable talent

conclusion- discard of the old order- equality: end to income inequality, racial/gender/class bias- empowerment of the people --> authority over legislative, executive, and judicial bodies; business; and local government- redistribution of property- permanent cap on empire