Global Patriot — Patriotism Without Borders

Spending Your Tax Dollars

by Global Patriot on June 22, 2009

In a recent poll readers were asked what services the Federal Government should be involved with, or better stated, how their tax dollars should be spent. The results were quite interesting, with support ranging from 39% to 89% for individual subjects. A few topics failed to meet the 50% threshold, and no category achieved unanimous approval.

While the poll was directed toward Americans, the debate on this topic is intense the world over, with opinions ranging from “let the government do it all” to “minimize government involvement”. In some cases the discussion is about what’s practical; for example, it’s simply not possible for each individual to maintain an army. Other views are more concerned with self determination, such as citizens not wanting their government to be involved with their health care or education system.

Treasury Photo by David Reyna

What’s Most Important

The services which gained the top three spots tell a story of citizens who are seeking protection from criminal elements, both national and global in nature, while at the same time addressing a desire for ongoing negotiation between governments. And while the numbers are high, it is must be noted that none were unanimously supported. What would America and the world look like if there were no military forces or FBI? That’s a fascinating topic for future discussion.

Maintain Military Forces (DOD) (89.0%)
Maintain Federal Law Enforcement (FBI) (89.0%)
Conduct Foreign Policy (86.0%)

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What Services Should Our Government Provide?

by Global Patriot on June 13, 2009

There has been much controversy surrounding the topic of what services our federal government should provide to its citizens. While the question has much international relevance, the poll in this post is directed toward those living in the United Sates.

With full realization that these topics are very complex and don’t always lend themselves to a clear “yes or no” reply, the intent is to specify which services the Federal government should be involved in, as opposed to letting State/City governments or individuals address them at a local level.

Express your thoughts as to when the federal government should, or should not, get involved.

Please check the boxes for a “yes” answer - you can check as few or as many as you would like.

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Global Patriot Mission Statement

by Global Patriot on June 6, 2009

We promote the belief that everyone deserves to live on a healthy planet, in peace and prosperity, using sustainability, compassion and respect as our guiding principles.

In support of this belief Global Patriot will engage in the following activities:

Generate awareness of the many issues that prevent this belief from manifesting
Honor those individuals, NGOs & non-profits who are dedicated to positive change
Work with individuals, NGOs & non-profits to raise funds in support of their causes
Sponsor new programs, campaigns and initiatives which seek to improve our planet
Identify ways in which individuals can change their lifestyle to support sustainability
Participate in conferences, events, and discussions that support these basic principles
Utilize social and traditional media to support these goals and ideals within all cultures
Encourage business & government leaders to incorporate socially responsible practices

Courtesy of ExperienceLA

Every business needs a mission statement, and properly written, it succinctly defines the reason that business began in the first place.

While Global Patriot is a movement, as opposed to a business venture, defining this reason for being is an important part of the process.

The passion to create Global Patriot came from an examination of world events and an honest look at the current state of humanity.

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Epic Change - Ideablob Finalist

by Global Patriot on May 27, 2009

I first became aware of Epic Change after meeting with Stacey Monk in March during the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas. It’s an organization that has developed a unique approach to changing the world:

“We help people in need share their “epic” true stories in innovative, creative & profitable ways to help them acquire the financial resources they need to create positive “change” in their communities.”

The Epic Change 4-step model:

Raise seed money: We accept donations from people like you!
Invest in a change: We make loans to support grassroots community improvement projects across the globe.
Share the story: To facilitate loan payback, we work with our partners to develop products for sale based on their stories.
Pay it forward: We recycle repaid loans to fund new projects.

Epic Change is now a finalist in the Ideablob contest and Global Patriot is proud to support their efforts to expand a locally-led primary school in Tanzania. Please read the following post from the Epic Change blog and help their cause by voting for Epic Change!

Tanzania Votes - The Hard Way

Just imagine how difficult it is to vote online in Arusha - to secure transport to an internet cafe, pay for web access, hope the spotty power grid is working, and use connections that are effectively at dial-up speeds to access heavy websites created primarily for Western audiences.

Many haven’t used the internet before; most didn’t have email accounts; English is a second language. In this case, classrooms of children have to wait patiently in line outside for their opportunity to use the computer. But hope is something they do have, and hard work is par for the course.