RIVERA SUN – While the stories of nonviolence news are often plentiful (see the Nonviolence News Research Archive for 73 articles), several of them are also an invitation to reflect in greater depth than nonviolence news usually does. This week Rivera Sun takes some time to reflect thoughtfully with readers and followers about a few themes of accountability and integrity.
Tag: accountability
Reimagining U.S. Priorities: How Canada’s Costed Platforms Could Shift Spending from Military to Human Services
MICHAEL MORRILL – “Costed platforms” refer to election platforms where the proposed policies and promises have been analyzed for their financial impact, usually including detailed budget estimates. When a party proposes universal childcare or climate reform, they are required to submit their plans to the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Independent economists test each promise: How much will it cost? Who pays? What is saved? It isn’t perfect system, but it’s a compass. It points away from fantasy, toward responsibility.
The Independent Private Contractor Military is Now in Control
MARTI HIKEN AND LUKE HIKEN – A funny thing happened on the way to the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The U.S. military became privatized. Private contractors, i.e. mercenaries, are now the predominant military force comprising the armamentarium of the United States. In effect, private contractors supplanted the U.S. military as the primary decision-makers and fighting force of the U.S. government.