Ministry of Immigration -- Lamatama

[Lamatama]

The Not-Campaign thread of Lamatama

[Lamatama]

It's something that I'm still learning about, but to my current understanding campaigning and even allowing myself to be nominated for a position of political power is a no-no.  Since this is more of a educational hobby for myself there are certain rules that I am going to bend.  

"Active support of an individual who has announced his candidacy for political office is not permissible to Baháís. "
(Universal House of Justice, May 25, 1992)

I was not aware of this when I previously publicly endorsed a candidate for the U.S. presidency.  Oh, well.  :P

I found this during my readings on 'positive campaigning':

"The problem with combining elections and even positive discourse about persons is that it provides institutional incentives for individual ego- [page 31] and self-promotion. Such incentives would undermine the virtues of character that the Bahá’í writings portray as helping to constitute the spiritual perfection and nobility of human beings. Invoking the same “dust” that metaphorically grounds the fundamental moral equality of persons, the Hidden Words warn:
O Son of Dust! Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother. Say: O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning." --Baha'u'llah--

Democratic Elections without Campaigns? Normative Foundations of National Baha'i Elections
by Arash Abizadeh
published in World Order, 37:1, pages 7-49
2005

Which I am basically understanding from this article on the philosophical foundations and core values of Baha’i elections is that even in a positive sense, campaigning is the promotion of the ego.  

"Bahá’ís do not seek political power. They will not accept political posts in their respective governments, whatever the particular system in place, though they will take up positions which they deem to be purely administrative in nature. They will not affiliate themselves with political parties, become entangled in partisan issues, or participate in programmes tied to the divisive agendas of any group or faction."

(Universal House of Justice, To the Bahá’ís of Iran, 2 March 2013)

So, it is ultimately a question of whether the post is purely administrative or not.  We can distinguish between such posts and functions as are either diplomatic or political from those that are purely administrative and which under no circumstances are affected by the changes and chances of political activities and party governments:

"It is their duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as they possibly can, and if needed with the aid of their elected representative, such posts and functions as are either diplomatic or political from those that are purely administrative in character, and which under no circumstances are affected by the changes and chances that political activities and party government, in every land, must necessarily involve."
(Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p. 448)

These have mostly been the words of the Universal House of Justice, who are responsible for implementing and elaborating on certain issues that have been left for them to decide on.  We view their guidance as infallible. By this definition of "purely administrative", I would consider holding this office permissible.

This is my personal conclusion.

[Lamatama]

Good day fellow SLUans,

I thought that perhaps I could release a short statement declaring my goals. Something humble and constructive.

The Social Liberal Union is unique in that I do not feel like there is a necessity to campaign. The citizens vote for the nation/individual that they believe would serve the region best. Our history of strong regional government is a minaret for other regions; something that entails responsibilities.

My intention is to fulfill these responsibilities outlined in the Government Reorganization Act, Section Three for the Ministry of Immigration. That we may ensure the standards and growth of the Social Liberal Union making it a place where everyone can thrive. Personal bias is my enemy. The best of my ability is my goal.

Thank you.

P.S. If there are any questions, feel free to post on this thread or private message me.