Remember, service guarantees citizenship!
It’s an ugly world. It’s a caste world.
I wouldn’t mind a system that rewards those who play by the rules, work hard, and stay out of trouble, but I’m uncomfortable with pretty much every aspect of they system as proposed by the OP. I would rather propose something like a rewards program credit cards or business use. Maybe something like:
Citizen: What everyone is currently, who is not incarcerated. Your rights, taxes, etc all remain as is.
Citizen + :
Requirements: Has a bachelor’s degree or higher, OR has served in the military, or equivalent civilian community service, AND has not utilized public assistance in the last five years. Has not been arressted in the last five years.
Rewards: Reduced costs for basic governmental services like passports, fishing and hunting permits, preferential/ streamlined treatment in paperwork, Reduced sentencing for first-time, non-violent offenses. One free traffic infraction a year.
Citizen Silver :
Requirements: Meets requirements for citizen + AND: Has a terminal degree in their field, OR has not utilized public assistance in the last ten years. Has not filed for bankruptcy in the last ten years. Has not been arrested in the last ten years.
Rewards: One time Waived fees for governmental services, reduced rate from citizen + for the same. Free recreational permits, free concealed carry permit (provided they pass course), One time forgiveness for nonviolent, non whitecollar crime (things like a drug infraction, dui without accident) 2 free traffic violations a year, extra half vote in federal elections.
Responsibilities: Silver level citizens are considered to be persons of trust, and thus their perks come with some additional conditions: Silver level citizens who choose to use their perks are subject to harsher sentencing for white-collar crimes upon conviction. If they lose their status through criminal conviction they may not regain their perks for ten years.
Citizen Gold:
Requirements: All of silver level and: Employs at least three others at federal minimum wage through a business that provides service or goods to the public, OR Has never utilized public assistance or has not utilized it in 20 years, has never filed for bankruptcy, Has never been arrested for any charge.
Rewards: Free governmental services and recreational permits. Reduced cost for business permitting and preferential services in paperwork. Automatic passports, preferential treatment at embassies while traveling. 2% reduction in income tax rate. Full extra vote in federal elections. Same legal perks as silver.
Responsibilities: Gold level citizens are considered to be persons of trust and financial responsibility. Gold level perks are rewards for a life lived in compliance with the law while being financially responsible or helping to provide jobs to others. Should they choose to use their perks, they are subject to mandatory maximum sentencing in white-collar crimes. They are also exempt from forgiveness policies regarding their taxes. Gold level citizens are expected to file accurately as they have the means and education to do so. Once arrested, or having filed for bankruptcy gold level citizens may not regain this status.
Hmmm…in other words it’s no different than the current systems in the USA?
—G!
Business as usual
How dirty we play
Business as usual
Don’t you get in the way
Yeah, make you feel helpless
Make you feel like a clown
Business as usual
Is breakin’ me down
. --Don Henley (The Eagles)
. Business As Usual
. Long Road Out of Eden