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gravitascivics · 9 months

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JUDGING LIBERATED FEDERALISM, XVI

This blog, with this posting, continues its presentation of a political model, liberated federalism, by describing and explaining its last component, the studied association. To date, it has reviewed the other two components, the community and participating entities. By doing this presentation, the model depicts a liberated federal perspective of an arrangement of parties, be they individuals or collectives.

Not all arrangements are associations. The term association, as used in this account and as Philip Selznick[1] uses it, refers to those arrangements that are formal in that they are initiated by a compact or a covenant. It is an ideal union of entities with federalist characteristics.

Of course, the national, all-embracing association is the federal union of the people and states of the United States of America as designated by the United States Constitution, its compact. That association as well as the associations that make up the state governments and the local governments are, in the ideal, communal democracies as defined by Selznick. The liberated federalist perspective views these public or private associations (such as ideal corporations) as serious commitments by the entities that comprise them.

The association has certain attributes:

One, as stated earlier, is organized under the provisions of a compact or covenant laying out its structure, processes, and to some degree, its functions.

Two, a qualified majority rule provision that aims at broad range consensus before acting.

Three, a strong provision for guaranteeing the rights of minorities, be they individuals or groups, within conducting its processes and distribution of material values.

Four, a clear purpose or set of purposes for its existence that is publicly stated.

Five, a fraternal ethos that respects the dignity and integrity of each of the entities that comprise it and a felt commitment of inclusion for those entities.

Six, a covenant of reason upon which its moral standing rests. The covenant of reason includes agreement over a deliberative process of decision-making, a provision of critical review of its decisions and actions, and a set of collective interests that reflects its purposes as well as its standing as an association.

In addition, the association has an overarching responsibility to uphold the communal well-being of the community in which it resides. To review and further explain these attributes, a short elaboration of each one follows.

The compact or covenant refers to the formal agreement arrived at by the entities involved. The entities of an association formulate a compact/covenant by the drawing up of such an agreement. The agreement contains the elements identified by Danial Elazar, identified earlier in this blog as it described the model parochial/traditional federalism. In order to review Elazar’s characterization of a compact/covenant, the following two quotes are offered:

Covenantal foundings emphasize the deliberate coming together of humans as equals to establish politics in such a way that all reaffirm their fundamental equality and retain the basic rights … Polities whose origins are covenantal reflect the exercise of constitutional choice and broad-based participation in constitutional design. Polities founded by covenant are essentially federal in character, in the original meaning of the term (from foedus, Latin for covenant).[2]

And:

[The old covenants followed a recurring format or model which was] … an historical prologue indicating the parties involved, a preamble stating the general purposes of the covenant and the principles behind it, a body of conditions and operative clauses, a stipulation of the agreed-upon sanctions to be applied if the covenant were violated, and an oath to make the covenant morally binding.[3]

But what about compacts?

Donald Lutz points out that the distinction between a covenant and a compact is that a covenant calls upon God to witness the agreement and a compact does not. In the current more secular world today, the common form is to utilize a compact.[4] In either case, the formulation of the compact or covenant calls for a bit of soul searching. It demands that entities involved seriously consider the consequences of such an act, due to the nature of the commitment involved.

The entities must be fairly certain that they share enough moral understanding, commitment to founding values, and philosophic principles in relation to the purposes of the union so as to handle the inevitable internal disagreements and conflicts. In addition, there should be at least some minimum level of emotional commitment among the entities since the union will most likely be for a significant amount of time.

Therefore, compacts and covenants should not be drawn up for frivolous reasons. As Elazar describes these unions, the commitment is for the duration of the concerns involved. In terms of a national union and institutional arrangements as marriages, the commitment is perpetual or for a lifetime.

The next identified attribute, qualified majority rule, holds that a raw majority rule arrangement in collective decision-making format should be avoided. One problem with such an arrangement is that there is a possible, if not probable, danger to minorities. Majority rule should be limited by constitutional parameters or provisions, as stated earlier in this blog in regard to equality. Each minority and each individual is entitled to protection from the majority.

Basic rights, as identified by the Bill of Rights, serve as an appropriate starting point. Citing Selznick again, the reciprocal advantage characteristic of this model – its reciprocal nature – calls on a meaningful reality that (1) allows an opportunity to improve one’s position significantly, and (2) sets up a cooperative mode of social interaction.[5]

This posting’s review will end here. Next, this blog will address the purpose or set of purposes a covenant or compact sets out for a people to achieve. This might, for good reasons, remind readers of the Preamble of the Constitution, the set of purposes the founders identified in the nation’s founding compact.

[1] Philip Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth: Social Theory and the Promise of Community (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1992).

[2] Daniel J. Elazar, “Federal Models of (Civil) Authority,” Journal of Church and State 33 (Spring 1991): 233-234.

[3] Ibid., 244.

[4] Donald S. Lutz, The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University Press, 1988).

[5] Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth.

#liberated federalism #associations #compacts #covenants #qualified majority rule #individual rights #group rights #civics education #social studies

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bisoravit · 1 year

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hello hello ! my name’s sydney but i go by bis / twice. i’m 22 && i go to school + work , so writing is just a hobby of mine ! i’ve been writing for a handful of years now on tumblr. replies will be sporradic at times , due to the nature of my job + schoolwork , so please be patient with me. as long as we’re mutuals , you’re free to hit me up whenever you’d like -- whether it’s just a casual conversation or if you have a suggestion / idea for a thread or character development between our muses.

this is an indie. paula jones from the cult classic 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 / 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 series rp && ( sometimes ) ask blog if i have the time ! i’m tracking anything related to this blog under ( # ♡ ៸៸ bisoravit ). i have a habit of reading the rules on any page first out of common courtesy before i follow , and even if i don’t supply a password i can still assure i have read , i’m just a bit lazy. . . on occasion , as long as it’s tasteful , i’ll allow a few magic anons just for fun !

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐒 ] : the general basics apply here ( dni if you’re proship , support anything harmful , etc. ). please no godmodding , that isn’t fun for anyone && frankly can be very awkward at times. don’t spam me for anything , or rush me for replies. . . i’m more likely to drop a thread for that if it’s nonstop showing up in my notifications center , versus an occasional bump because i sometimes forget to reply ! it is important to note that the muse ≠ mun. sometimes there’s things that paula ( or any of my other muses ) would do that i wouldn’t , and vice versa.

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓��𝐍𝐓 ] : there will be 𝐍𝐎 smut on this blog , end of story. paula is usually written within the age ranges of 13 - 17. . . regardless of age , she is still a 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑 ! so please do not harass my muse. because of her tomboyish personality at times and the fact that she is a teenager with ( predominantly ) boyish friends , toilet humor and suggestive jokes are fine , but please don’t go too far ! what i write will have varying themes , but a major element of this blog contains depictions of 𝐏𝐓𝐒𝐃 due to the aftermath of giygas’ attack through the past. it’s a troubling and sensitive topic for paula , and not just anyone gets to know about what’s going on in her heart && head.

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ] : i like to keep my formatting on this blog relatively simple , by using small text ( ctrl + shift + minus button / - ) and occasionally using icons to spruce up threads. this is your choice to match me , i really don’t mind ! all i ask is that you make sure to trim your posts so that they’re easier to follow ! i really enjoy multi - paragraphs in my writing , but have been known to pick up playful threads meant to be taken lightly on occasion if i see fit.

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐋 ] : this portrayal is canon - divergent , i have played the game a handful of times and studied her characterization from various source materials. of course , to add my own touch of life to her already existing character , i will be supplying some of my own personal headcanons that i believe align well with paula and naturally make sense.

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 ] : i can be rather picky when it comes to shipping , only because i’m heavy on the slow - burn train as it feels more realistic to me. heavy chemistry between two muses is required , and i don’t write unhealthy ships ( with paula ). they’d also have to be within her age range as well ! feel free to send me a message / suggestion / plot if you think our muses could be a good fit together && we could for sure talk out possibilities and plan out a timeline of events that happen with the both of them before establishing a blog - canon connection. this blog is multiship , but i consider each ship to be in it’s own universe rather than multiple partners in one ( unless it’s an established poly ship ) , as that is not everyone’s cup of tea. i also won’t ship with writers who are under the age of 16 years , no matter the age of our muses due to personal comfort , but regular interactions are welcome !

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 ] : for the most part , my tags follow the format of -- ♡ ៸៸ tag. i’m wholeheartedly open to tagging triggers with my usual tag format , as well as any specific tags you have blacklisted , i don’t mind ! personally , i have no triggers myself but i would very much appreciate if anything in relation to smut was tagged just so i can filter it out !

[ ♡ ៸៸ # 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐒 ] : if you use art that isn’t yours , make sure to credit it ! i’ll have a tag entirely dedicated to the art that i use on this blog , as well as the credits logged here to make it easier to navigate !!

that’s pretty much a wrap on my rules here , if you read through all of it you’re free to send in ‘’ miss jones ! ‘’ just so i know you’ve read , but you’re totally fine if you dont !

#♡ ៸៸ bisoravit.#♡ ៸៸ rules.

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tailwinqs · 2 years

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this is an indie. aries ( oc ) from the legend of zelda’s 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑 rp && ( sometimes ) ask blog if i have the time ! i’m tracking anything related to this blog under ( # tailwinqs — ➸ ). i have a habit of reading the rules on any page first out of common courtesy before i follow , and even if i don’t supply a password i can still assure i have read , i’m just a bit lazy. . . on occasion , as long as it’s tasteful , i’ll allow a few magic anons just for fun !

[ # 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐒 — ➸ ] : the general basics apply here ( dni if you’re proship , support anything harmful , etc. ). please no godmodding , that isn’t fun for anyone && frankly can be very awkward at times. don’t spam me for anything , or rush me for replies. . . i’m more likely to drop a thread for that if it’s nonstop showing up in my notifications center , versus an occasional bump because i sometimes forget to reply ! it is important to note that the muse ≠ mun. sometimes there’s things that aries ( or any of my other muses ) would do that i wouldn’t , and vice versa.

[ # 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 — ➸ ] : there will be 𝐍𝐎 smut on this blog , end of story. aries is usually written within the age ranges of 14 - 18. . . regardless of age , she is still a 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑 ! so please do not harass my muse. aries is a no nonsense type of character and is incredibly focused on completing the task assigned to her by the great valoo. she has very few friends , if you could call them that , and would certainly crinkle her eyebrow in disgust at any toilet humor. it’s just not funny to her. what i write will have varying themes , especially since she’s written to accompany link from the beginning of dragon roost to the end -- they see many discomforts and horrors in their travels.

[ # 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 — ➸ ] : i like to keep my formatting on this blog relatively simple , by using small text ( ctrl + shift + minus button / - ) and occasionally using icons to spruce up threads. this is your choice to match me , i really don’t mind ! all i ask is that you make sure to trim your posts so that they’re easier to follow ! i really enjoy multi - paragraphs in my writing , but have been known to pick up playful threads meant to be taken lightly on occasion if i see fit.

[ # 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐋 — ➸ ] : because aries is an original character , her portrayal is quite literally her own canon. despite that , she has a preestablished backstory with @windwakings as the travelling companion that would assist in the events of the canon storyline following wind waker.

[ # 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 — ➸ ] : i can be rather picky when it comes to shipping , only because i’m heavy on the slow - burn train as it feels more realistic to me. heavy chemistry between two muses is required , and because of how aries is as a character ( rather devout and unable to see herself as anything beyond a service ) , unhealthy ships can be written but i have a preference towards growth towards something healthy. they’d also have to be within her age range as well ! feel free to send me a message / suggestion / plot if you think our muses could be a good fit together && we could for sure talk out possibilities and plan out a timeline of events that happen with the both of them before establishing a blog - canon connection. this blog is multiship , but i consider each ship to be in it’s own universe rather than multiple partners in one ( unless it’s an established poly ship ) , as that is not everyone’s cup of tea. i also won’t ship with writers who are under the age of 16 years , no matter the age of our muses due to personal comfort , but regular interactions are welcome !

[ # 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 — ➸ ] : for the most part , my tags follow the format of -- tag — ➸ . i’m wholeheartedly open to tagging triggers with my usual tag format , as well as any specific tags you have blacklisted , i don’t mind ! personally , i have no triggers myself but i would very much appreciate if anything in relation to smut was tagged just so i can filter it out !

[ # 𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐒 — ➸ ] : if you use art that isn’t yours , make sure to credit it ! i’ll have a tag entirely dedicated to the art that i use on this blog , as well as the credits logged here to make it easier to navigate !!

that’s pretty much a wrap on my rules here , if you read through all of it you’re free to send in ‘’ is that beak real ? ‘’ just so i know you’ve read , but you’re totally fine if you dont !

#tailwinqs — ➸#rules — ➸

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nevver · 2 years

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Korn, Uli Westphal (because)

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sstabhmontown · 2 years

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Raise Dead / Slay Living

This is probably one of the most often edited spells in the book. It's the feather in the cap of the high level Cleric, but it needs love.

OD&D (they are trying to take this acronym from us but I refuse to let it go) has it thus:

Raise Dead: The Cleric simply points his finger, utters the incantation, and the dead person is raised. This spell works with men, elves, and dwarves only. For each level the Cleric has progressed beyond the 8th, the time limit for resurrection extends another four days. Thus, an 8th-level Cleric can raise a body dead up to four days, a 9th-level Cleric can raise a body dead up to eight days, and so on. Naturally, if the character’s Constitution was weak, the spell will not bring him back to life. In any event raised characters must spend two game weeks’ time recuperating from the ordeal.

And

The Finger of Death: Instead of raising the dead, this spell creates a “death ray” which will kill any creature unless a saving throw is made (where applicable). Range: 12”. (A Cleric-type may use this spell in a life-or-death situation, but misuse will immediately turn him into an Anti-Cleric.)

This is already fussier than many spells in the book but of course it explodes from there. Our version has long incorpated some elements from later versions: a Constitution drain and System Shock check (no percentiles of course, just a 2d6 check vs Con) putting that sentence about weak Constitution into practice. And from AD&D, the forbidding of Elves intentionally from benefitting from this spell, rather than OD&D's probably-accidental leaving out of Halflings.

But also: why is it simply pointing? Just to tell Clerics not to make their most powerful ritual into a cool set of actions? Come on. At least we have something good in the reverse: a big inspiration for our Clerics' descent into Chaos. And wait, what's that about a saving throw where applicable—what does that mean?

Some issues I've come to feel strongly about remain. High level spells with a single target and a Saving Throw are actually really bad! It's not symmetrical with the obverse, which only affects men and demi-humans. And when it targets monsters it overlaps significantly with my reading of Dispel Evil which can often strike them down just as well. We can solve several of of these by making it a tighter mirror image of the Lawful spell.

Raise Dead

Spell Level: Cleric 5 Range: Line of sight Duration: See below

Revive a human, dwarf, or halfling dead not more than three days1 at level seven, or four days at level eight, adding another three days for each level beyond.

The revived character loses one point of Constitution, and must roll a system shock check: 2d6 rolled against Constitution. If the system shock check is failed (by rolling over), not only dœs the spell fail but the Cleric must save against their own spell or the person's soul will undoubtedly return under a terrible curse as a wight, wraith, spectre, or vampire. After revivification, a period of two weeks is required before they can regain more than one hit point, move at more than half speed, or cast spells.

This spell can be cast reversed as Finger of Death upon a living person or giant2, and prompts an immediate saving throw against death. Even if the saving throw is succesful by a margin of less than 5, the victim is reduced to 1 hp, and cannot regain more, nor use magic, for two weeks, as if they had been raised. If they have a Constitution score, they also lose one point.

This bit is really unclear in OD&D! But apparently it's a big deal that Jesus was dead for three days as less than that was in some way considered not-really-dead-yet. Indeed there are a bunch of lesser miracles of raising the dead that are considered much less impressive, and some specificity to the performance of raising Lazarus that it was done after four days to make it more impressive. ↩︎

More and more, I wonder if it's a mistake for Charm Person to affect no greater than Ogres. Many Giants are people too! But let's leave it for now and make this one a Giant killer to affect all folk, even ones that are well into the monstrous category. ↩︎

#the cleric #rules #spells

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nanaluvbug · 1 year

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🧀🥪🌶️🥭 The Ravening War portraits 🧀🥪🌶️🥭

patreon * twitch * shop

[ID: a series of digitally illustrated portraits showing - top left to bottom right - Bishop Raphaniel Charlock (an old radish man with a big red head and large white eyebrows & a scraggly beard. he wears green and gold robes with symbols of the bulb and he smirks at the viewer) Karna Solara (a skinny young chili pepper woman with wavy green hair, freckled light green skin with red blooms on her cheeks. she wears a chili pepper hood lined with small pepper seeds and stares cagily ahead) Thane Delissandro Katzon (a muscular young beef man with bright pinkish skin with small skin variations to resemble pastrami and dark burgundy hair. he wears a bread headress with a swirl of rye covering his ears and he looks ahead, optimistic and determined) Queen Amangeaux Epicée du Peche (a bright mango woman with orange skin, big red hair adorned with a green laurel, and sparkling green/gold makeup. she wears large gold hoop earrings and a high leafy collar) and Colin Provolone (a scraggly cheese man with waxy yellow skin and dark slicked back hair and patchy dark facial hair. he wears a muted, ratty blue bandana around his neck and raises a scarred brow at the viewer with a smirk) End ID.)

#trw #the ravening war #dimension 20 #acoc #trw fanart #ttrpg #dnd #bishop raphaniel charlock #karna solara #thane delissandro katzon #queen amangeaux epicee du peche #colin provolone

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70sscifiart · 10 months

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One of my favorites by Paul Lehr, used as a 1971 cover to "Earth Abides," by George R. Stewart. It's also in my upcoming art book!

#sci-fi art

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layla-keating · 11 months

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#thistension

XO, KITTY — 1.09 “SNAFU”

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389 · 16 days

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PORTO ROCHA

#art #design #orb #water #ocean #photography #porto rocha #u

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valley-tulya · 11 months

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(The Sims 4) Estrela Hair

Hair

24 EA Colors

Hat Compatible

55403 polygons

Custom thumbnail

Hair Accessories Overlay

15 Colors Variations

Custom thumbnail

Brow ring category

If you have any issue let me know, enjoy.

T.O.U.

Credits

Download (Patreon - Curseforge)

@maxismatchccworld @sssvitlanz @emilyccfinds

#my cc #ts4cc #ts4 custom content #ts4 cc #ts4cc hair #S4CC #s4mm

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kithtaehyung · 11 months

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AGUST D : DAECHWITA (大吹打) & HAEGEUM (解禁) ⤷ movie posters | ig ; twt (click for hi-res)

#i'm back and ready to create again :'))#bts #bangtan #yoongi #agust d #suga #userbangtan #usersky #bangtanarmynet #hyunglinenetwork #dailybts #*latest #*posters #*gfx #btsgfx #idk if i wanna do an amygdala one #that one seems too personal to edit for me #so these will do for now

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gravitascivics · 10 months

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JUDGING LIBERATED FEDERALISM, VII

Currently, this blog is describing and explaining its favored view of governance and politics – a view this blog suggests should guide the nation’s efforts in civics education. It is a mental construct this blogger calls liberated federalism. To date, the blog has reviewed a couple of its elements, that being covenant or compact[1] and equality. Readers are invited to visit previous postings to see what has been described.

The next element is communal democracy. As with the other related postings, those dedicated to this construct, this account of communal democracy will rely heavily on the ideas of Philip Selznick.[2] It includes the idea of the “consent of the governed” which is derived from the principle of rule by the governed. This association was made early by the nation’s republican leaning founders.

What the liberated federalist perspective stresses is that the rule and consent must be viewed as that emanating from a functioning community, instead of from an aggregate of individuals (as assumed in the natural rights perspective described earlier in this blog). This other view – this shift – to a communal democracy entails four principles: “the protection and integration of minorities, the moral primacy of the community over the state, the responsibility of government for communal well-being, and the social basis of political participation.”[3]

And in that vein, in terms of the protection and integration of minorities, the decision-making process in a communal democracy respects the foundational notion that the process is a reflection of “the people as a whole.” This notion stands in counter distinction to unrestrained majority rule, in which the majority has the right to do whatever it desires.[4]

The more communal position identifies that there are individual rights, and that the system must guarantee the integrity of each person’s fundamental needs and interests. Therefore, the majority is limited in its ability to legally acquire what it wants. Hence, the idea that rights protecting individuals that is found in the Bill of Rights has its origins with this view of limited democracy or a communal democracy.

In addition, the communal position is one of inclusion in terms of fundamental law, the formulating of constitutional provisions, and in the United States, overriding a presidential veto, for which a consensus must be expressed through representative bodies. Those incidences of consensus demand the agreement of diverse groups by insisting on 60 percent, two-thirds or three-quarter majorities.

In addition, there is no permanent majority. Minorities in one issue can become part of a new majority in another issue. And upon losing on some issue, minorities can exercise their rights to associate and rights of speech to convince others to join them to form a new majority. Of course, such an environment invigorates a polity and promotes engagement and activity – hopefully for the better.

The covenantal or compact-al, federalist view is that majority rule is a form of representation, while sovereignty is best held by a people-in-community. That is, the community, through the institution of majority rule as expressed in representative forms and limited as indicated above, will follow in the direction of the will of the people. A majority, no matter how large, that is cohesive enough to bar the minority from meaningfully participating, acts to serve as a threat to communal democracy and as such, represents an impoverished form of the democratic ideal.

The second aspect of a communal democracy is the position of the moral primacy of the community over the state. This tends to be downplayed by civics instruction under the reign of natural rights thinking. Even though many descriptions of the social contract concept are often misrepresented in current secondary school materials, federalists prefer the term social compact, and a more communal view should be emphasized. That would portray the continual character of such agreements beyond immediate conditions and render any transactional character as being case-specific, i.e., being attributes of a specific political contest.

For example, in using a popular textbook – as a teacher is apt to do – it is likely to employ Thomas Hobbes’ description of the state of nature to represent all the views of that concept, including that of John Locke. The state, according to Lockean theory, originates from preexisting communities, not from autonomous and endangered individuals. By adopting Hobbesian language, it minimizes the essential role communities play in the formulation of societal origins.

“Whatever may be said of other aspects of his thoughts, this Lockean premise [the protection of fundamental rights of life, liberty, and property] does not entail a radical individualism”[5] as Hobbes’ account tends to do. Instead, it is based on a view of a person entangled or enmeshed in a social context with relationships of family, friends, and commitments.

The creation of law in generating a regime helps to perfect (and protect) the community; it does not create it. The community already has its foundation to be moral through its kinships and resulting traditions that bolster its cohesion. Morality is allowed to transcend the public and the private spheres of the community. It also provides the way for the community to be “civilized.”

What results is a give and take between the rights and the moral claims of the community. There are times when the moral claims preempt private rights, as in the time of war in which involuntary conscription is necessary and permitted. In more ordinary times, compulsory education falls under this condition.

On the other hand, there are rights that can be protected only with narrowly constructed laws; for example, laws that regulate the search and seizure of private property in the search for criminal evidence. This balancing between rights and the prerogatives of government demands interpretation:

… the identification of fundamental rights is an aspect of constitution-making; and constitutions, whether tacitly accepted or explicitly adopted, must be interpreted. Interpretation brings to bear prudential judgment, which requires appreciation for the diverse interests and values at stake in the life of a community. Constitutional or common-law rights to life, liberty, and justice are authoritative premises for decision; they demand vindication; but their reach is not predetermined. There is room for enlargement of rights as well as for their limitations.[6]

A communal democracy is also concerned with the responsibility of government in maintaining the democracy’s well-being. All but anarchists believe government has the responsibility for providing services for the betterment of society, even if that expectation is limited to concerns dealing with the maintenance of the society in question. The argument is not whether the government should provide services, but to what extent.

Historically, there is a tendency for empowered democracy to create a social democracy in which the expectation for governmental services rises significantly. A social democracy is not synonymous with a communal democracy. Experience has offered or demonstrated a number of cases where social democracies pursue policies that are extremely individualistic, as even some welfare programs have been, and, in turn, undermine the health of the community.

For example, Selznick points out that in the United States, a centralized welfare state has diminished the viability of local welfare resources and has debased a sense of moral obligation in meeting the challenges of the impoverished. Instead of vibrant efforts to deal with these problems, bureaucratic responses have deadened any spirit of liberation among the general populace.

This theme will be continued in the next posting by addressing how communal responses can address these challenges and maintain a vibrant sense for a communal democracy.

[1] Covenants and compacts are sacred agreements. Compact is the broader classification of which covenant is a subtype. While compacts are sacred in the minds of those participating, covenants, in addition, call on God to witness the agreement. The Declaration of Independence is a covenant while the US Constitution is a compact. Of interest, the term, federal, is derived from the Latin word for covenant, that being foedus.

[2] Philip Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth: Social Theory and the Promise of Community (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1992).

[3] Ibid., 503.

[4] For a cautionary argument lodged against unincumbered majority rule for the founding generation, see John Adams, “The Revolutionary as Conservative,” in Great American Thinkers Volume I: Creating America from Settlement to Mass Democracy, edited by Bernard E. Brown (New York, NY: Avon Books, 1983), 156-207.

[5] Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth., 507, emphasis in the original.

[6] Ibid., 510.

#liberated federalism #communal democracy #majority rule #Bill of Rights #Lockean theory #Hobbesian theory #civics education #social studies

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agustdakasuga · 10 months

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The Way Of A Criminal: Chapter 4

Genre: Mafia!AU, Criminal!AU, Angst, Romance

Pairing: OT7 x Reader

Characters: Normal!Reader, Gangster!Namjoon, Gangster!Seokjin, Gangster!Yoongi, Gangster!Hoseok, Gangster!Jimin, Gangster!Taehyung, Gangster!Jungkook

Summary: Your father was a stranger, you never knew who he was and what he did. But one day, someone knocks on your door, informing you of his passing. Now, you learn more about him, his life and the legacy you are expected to continue with the help of his 7 executives.

Story warning(s): This story will contain depictions of violence, blood shed/gore, death, mentions of abuse, smoking, alcohol drinking and gambling. This story is fictional and has nothing to do with real life events or the actual members of BTS. Please read at your own discretion.

Instead of dealing with all this head on, you avoided it. You put everything aside and went on with life, spending all your time doing work, studying and doing your university projects.

Wonwoo noticed this and decided to invite you for a night out. Just a chill night with some drinks. Usually, you would decline, which is why Wonwoo has never invited you out. But you could use the distraction. Maybe being out of the house was good.

DING DONG

“Coming!” You ran down, fixing your earring. You didn’t really know how to dress for a night out like this so you picked a random dress. It was a dark blue, crushed velvet cocktail dress.

“Come on in.” You opened the door for him. Wonwoo smiled, bowing before removing his shoes to come in.

“This dress isn’t really motorcycle friendly, is it?” You let out an awkward laugh, going into the kitchen to get your phone that you left there to charge.

“I didn’t ride my bike since we might drink. I’ll call a cab.” Wonwoo said. He just stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do since it was the first time he was in your house.

“(y/n)?” Wonwoo suddenly called your name, stopping you in your tracks.

“You look great.” He smiled softly.

“Oh... Thank you.” You felt your cheeks heat up at his sudden compliment. He held out a hand to support you as you wore your shoes. After locking up the house, he escorted you to the cab that was waiting for you. And of course, Wonwoo opened the door for you to get in first, being the gentleman that he is. The car ride was silent.

“C-Can I ask you something?” Wonwoo threaded lightly. You hummed, nodding your head.

“I know you like your privacy and I shouldn’t pry but there were this rumours and pictures floating around about some expensive sports car and handsome guy picking you up. Is he one of them?” He asked nervously.

“If by ‘one of them’, you mean my father’s... employees. Yes, he is... or was. There are 7 of them.” You rubbed the back of your neck.

“Are they bothering you?”

“Can we not talk about this anymore? I just don’t want to have to think about it for a few minutes.” That came out a lot harsher and colder than you expected. But Wonwoo didn’t react.

“Sorry. I’m...” You sighed, not really knowing how to piece your words together anymore.

“I understand. Don’t worry about it. I didn’t mean to pry.” Wonwoo smiled comfortingly. Thankfully for you, the cab stopped outside the club. You looked at the long line outside that didn’t seem to be moving,

“Don’t look so worried. My friend put our name on the list so we can just walk in.” Wonwoo laughed. You both got out and he grasped your hand, giving your names to the bouncer. You were so stunned by his action that you just followed him without a word, letting him lead you.

“There’s a table there.” Wonwoo said in your ear on top of the loud music. You were still shocked that he was holding your hand that you just followed him.

“Phew, it’s crowded.” You said, casually pulling your hand away to check if you dropped anything from your bag.

“Yeah, that’s what you get for being here on a Friday night.” He chuckled. You stood at the table while Wonwoo went to get drinks at the bar. The standing table was thankfully at the side of the bar, which meant less people.

“Relax, you’re here to have fun.” You told yourself.

“Here.” Wonwoo got himself a beer and got you a cocktail. It was a nice refreshing drink with flavoured soju as the alcohol.

“Let me know how much everything is tonight and we’ll split the cost.” You told him as you took a sip.

“It’s okay, (y/n). It’s my treat, just enjoy yourself.” Wonwoo smiled. He clinked his glass with yours. Although this wasn’t your exact idea of relaxing, you were glad that the noise and the crowd made the place too loud that you didn’t need to start sharing your feelings. Wonwoo was a good friend but you just weren’t used to sharing so much about yourself with others.

After some drinks, you excused yourself to go to the toilet. But of course, there was a line. About 15 minutes went by without the line moving. You were about to give up when someone grabbed your wrist.

“(y/n) sshi?” You looked at the familiar face.

“Oh... Uh...”

“Yoongi.” He said, letting you go. You nodded your head. Other people in the line now had their attention on you and Yoongi.

“Come.” He nodded over to follow him. You didn’t know why you just went along, not even asking why he wanted you to go with him. You came before a staircase with two guards. But they parted ways upon seeing Yoongi.

“Sir.” They bowed respectfully as Yoongi cooly walked up, hands tucked into his pockets. You quickly bowed your heads back to the guards and caught up to Yoongi.

“You can use this bathroom instead. It’s cleaner and safer.” Yoongi stopped before a door.

“A-Are you sure?”

“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have went down to fish you out of the crowd. Take all the time you need. This is our own private bathroom so no one else is allowed to use it.” He explained. You nodded, bowing gratefully to him before entering the restroom.

The bathroom was a lot more opulent and grand, with black granite and gold trims. Like Yoongi said, it was very clean, unlike a usual club bathroom. It was definitely a boys bathroom with urinals but you just used one of the stalls.

“Hyung, why can’t I use the bathroom? I really need to go!” You heard voices outside as you were washing your hands.

“Only the 7 of us use it anyway. Unless... Do you have a secret guest in there?!” The person talking to Yoongi gasped as if he just uncovered something scandalous.

“Watch your mouth.” You heard Yoongi threaten.

“Sorry, I’m done.” You opened the door. But you didn’t expect Yoongi to be standing so close that you ended up bumping into his back.

“Oh, no wonder hyung was guarding the bathroom.” The male said. He didn’t mind you and just brushed past to use the bathroom. Yoongi moved you away from the bathroom door, not wanting you to accidentally get hit.

“Thank you. Is it okay if I just stay here for a few more minutes? You can go back to what you were doing before.” You asked timidly. Yoongi took one look at you and nodded. You didn’t need to tell him anything for him to know what you were thinking. The club was getting overwhelming. Yoongi never really liked coming too unless his brothers make him.

“Why did you come if you don’t like it?”

“A friend brought me here as a distraction. Plus, I’ve never really come to a club before.” You replied. Yoongi nodded his head.

“You don’t need to stay and accompany me. I’ll go back down in a bit.” You said.

“It’s okay.” He leaned against the opposite wall. You took your phone out to send Wonwoo a text, assuring him that you were safe and that he could go home first. But you didn’t tell him where you were and who you were with.

“Actually... I wanted to apologise. My brothers told me I shouldn’t have offered you a smoke the other time. I just thought it would help.” Yoongi looked at you.

“It’s fine. I honestly didn’t think too much about it. There were other things to think about.” You shook your head.

“Understandable. I’m sure you have your fair share of confusion and questions that come along with it. This is just the start.” Yoongi said. You didn’t let his straightforward tone faze you, nodding your head glumly.

“Well, I should go. Thanks for letting me hang here.” You straightened up.

“No worries. I’ll walk you down.” Yoongi followed suit. You walked behind him, not sure of the way to the exit. With your insistence, Wonwoo had gone home on his own. You did feel bad for abandoning him when he was the one that invited you out but you also didn’t want him to wait.

“Do you have a ride home?” Yoongi asked.

“I told my friend to go home first so I guess I can get a cab home.” You waved him off, getting your phone out. But Yoongi stopped you, his hand grasping your phone and covering the screen.

“It’s not safe and cheap to get a cab from here at this time. I drank a little so I shouldn’t drive. Hang on.” Yoongi waved over one of the bouncers.

“Use the company car and send her home then report back.” Yoongi ordered.

“Yoongi sshi, it’s really okay.”

“Get the address from her and make sure you see her entering the house before coming back.” Yoongi ignored you. The bouncer nodded and bowed, running off the get the car.

“(y/n) sshi, hyung.” You both turned to see Taehyung jogging over. He had a big, square-ish grin as he waved.

“Jimin said you were here and that Yoongi hyung was with you. Are you driving her home, hyung?” Taehyung tilted his head.

“I drank. So was gonna get one of the workers to drive her back.” Yoongi explained, standing back as he lit a cigarette to smoke. Taehyung nodded his head.

“I’ll drive you home. I didn’t drink since I am the designated driver tonight. Bring my car instead.” Taehyung called out. The worker bowed and ran back into the club. Yoongi decided to go in first after his cigarette was done, not liking being out in the cold. He shot you a nod while you bowed gratefully to him. While waiting, Taehyung put his jacket over your shoulders.

“Did you come alone?” Taehyung asked.

“No... I came with a friend but I abandoned him. Yoongi sshi was kind enough to let me hang out in the quiet area. So I told my friend to go home first.” You said. You didn’t know why you were explaining so much to him.

“This isn’t you scene, is it?” He teased. You pursed your lips and shook your head. The noise and the crowd just wasn’t comfortable.

“Sir.” The car stopped right in front of you. The worker came out, bowing and passing Taehyung’s keys to him.

“Here you go. Watch your head.” Taehyung opened the car door for you to enter. You sat inside, keeping the sides of his jacket close to you so it wouldn’t get caught in the door.

Taehyung confirmed your address before starting to drive. One hand held his head, elbow resting on the door next to him while the other hand was on the steering wheel. During the quiet ride, you fiddled with the hem of the dress, pulling it down every now and then.

“Are you cold?” He asked.

“No, I’m good. Thank you.” You replied softly. With your head leaning against the headrest, you looked out the window. The only reason you would be out this late usually was because you were working.

“Thanks for dropping me off again.” You said as Taehyung pulled up outside of your house.

“Any time.” Taehyung smiled. You unbluckled your seatbelt and got out of the car. But before you could walk further, Taehyung rolled down the window.

“Goodnight, (y/n)!”

“G-Goodnight, Taehyung sshi.” A small smile formed on your lips as you bowed your head and entered the house. Like the other day, Taehyung only drove off after he was sure you had entered the house.

Only after you entered the house and you heard Taehyung drive off, that you realised you had forgotten the return him his jacket. You removed it carefully, as if any movement would cause it to tear like tissue. You inspected it, trying to figure out if you should wash it on your own, and risk ruining the expensive material, or just send it for dry cleaning.

“Hi, Wonwoo. Did you make it home safe?”

“Oh, (y/n). Yes, I am home. I went home after you sent me that text. Are you alright? You scared me.”

“Yes, I am alright. I just found a quiet space to chill for a while so I didn’t want you to wait for me. I just got home. Sorry for ruining the night. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” You said, putting your shoes away.

“Don’t say that, (y/n). I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy yourself.”

“I did enjoy myself, Wonwoo. Thank you for bringing me out to feel better.” You laughed. After wishing each other good night, you hung up.

You took a shower and was feeling peckish so you made yourself some ramyeon. There was always ramyeon in the kitchen for when you or your mother needed a late night snack after working.

“I’ll have to drop the jacket off at the dry cleaners tomorrow.” You groaned tiredly, looking at the blazer that rested over the back of the chair.

Hoseok was one of the first ones to wake up. After a day of working and a night of drinking, the boys all usually slept in during the weekends. The moment his foot touched the bottom of the stairs, a maid ran over to him, bowing her head in fear.

“What is it?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Your workers are here, sir. They said that it is important for you to see them immediately.” She relayed timidly, afraid of making him angry.

“Send them in. And get my breakfast.” Hoseok shooed her away before shuffling to the dining room. Like any other normal person, he didn’t like having to work on the weekends.

“Good morning, Boss.” The 3 men put the crate that they were carrying down and bowed to Hoseok.

“This better be important for you to be here on a Saturday morning.” Hoseok said, not even looking up at them. He was more focused on the tray of food that the butler had placed down in front of him.

“The shipment is here early. We thought you would want to check it right away.” One of the men informed. Hoseok put his napkin on the table and stood up.

“Show me.” He commanded as he walked over. The men opened the box, revealing the contents inside.

“Very nice...” He picked up one of the items.

“Business on a Saturday morning, Hobah?” Yoongi came in. Hoseok’s workers bowed upon seeing the pale man enter the dining room. But of course, he didn’t even spare them a glance. He sat down in his allocated seat, waiting for the staff to serve him his breakfast. His breakfast was usually an iced coffee then his food 20 minutes later.

“Can’t help it, hyung. You want the best, you’ve got to work when others aren’t.” Hoseok laughed while Yoongi snorted at his comment. He placed the items back into the crate.

“Leave this here. I’ll show the others to see what they think. Good work. We’ll discuss the rest on Monday.” Hoseok said.

“Of course, boss. Have a nice weekend.” The 3 bowed, moving the crate to the side of the room before leaving the mansion. Hoseok took his seat across Yoongi.

“So hyung, I heard you had a little moment with the girl.” Hoseok asked.

“What moment?” Yoongi asked back, no emotion on his face as he sipped the last bit of his coffee.

“Jimin said you loyally guarded the door for her as she used our toilet. Even stayed with her in the hallway after to comfort her.” He explained. Yoongi rolled his eyes, his brothers really needed better things to talk about.

“I saw her the moment she entered, I’m surprised you guys didn’t considering how high our booth is. She needed to use a toilet and the queue was insane so I offered her to use ours. And I wasn’t comforting her, she needed a quiet place and I stayed with her. That’s all.” Yoongi explained.

“Well, that’s a lot more interaction than what the rest have got. Looks like she’ll warm up to you first.” Hoseok said.

“No, she’ll warm up to Taehyung first. He was the one that sent her home.” Yoongi dug into his food on the tray that the butler brought him. Hoseok hummed but couldn’t help the giggle that escaped him.

“What’s Hobi laughing about?” Namjoon came in. He had been awake for a while, opting to sit in his room to read the newspaper rather than come downstairs right away.

“No idea.” Yoongi replied, putting a chopstick of rice into his mouth.

“Ah, seriously, Hobi. I thought we established that we are not going to bring work into the dining room?” Namjoon tsked at the crate in the room.

“It’s fine, Namjoon ah. I’ll move it after breakfast. The boys needed me to inspect the goods, that’s all. Even risked bothering me on a Saturday to do it.” Hoseok waved the leader off. Namjoon shook his head with a sigh.

“Bring my breakfast.” He ordered as he took his seat at the head of the table. The butler bowed and left.

“I’m done. Going back to sleep.” Yoongi stood up and shuffled out of the room. The weekend was for Yoongi to catch up on sleep, it was normal to not see him for the entirety of the two days because he was just sleeping or resting in bed. Jin and Taehyung were the last ones that had breakfast. Jungkook and Jimin would sleep in until dinner time.

“Here. Take what is yours and leave the rest. I told you I would get things done.” Jin dropped the stack of files on the table. Namjoon, Hoseok and Taehyung shrugged, going through the pile to retrieve their things.

“So, hyung, did you find out anymore information about (y/n) when you did your stalking?” Taehyung asked.

“Yah, Taehyung! That was supposed to be confidential.” Jin hissed at the younger exposing him to the rest. However, the younger just shrugged.

“You’re running a check on her?” Namjoon raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not running a check on her... Well, at least not the background checks I usually do. I just wanted to find out about her to maybe try to connect with her in some way. She is a closed book.” Jin explained.

“So what if she is a closed book, I’m sure you can still find whatever you need on her.” Hosoek laughed.

“That’s the thing... She does not have much of a record except for her birth certificate and basic school details. Everything else either doesn’t exist or has been wiped.” Jin informed.

“Wait, you’re telling me there is actually information that you can’t find?”

“How do you know information has been wiped? She could have just not had that much of an eventful life so far. I doubt she can wipe her own records and she doesn’t seem to have a reason to do that.” Namjoon said. He didn’t know you but you didn’t seem like a skillful hacker that could wipe records.

“I know information has been wiped because I am the one who wiped them...” Jin admitted with his head slightly hung.

“What?”

“Boss wanted me to wipe them. He was paranoid, especially when it came to her. So my task was to regularly wipe her records that were 'not relevant’. Hospital visits, stuff like that...” Jin gulped.

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