Battling Negatives

Joe Biden has been under attack on two fronts: domestic and foreign. The domestic is intentional and political, waged by republicans to unseat the president and gain the White House for themselves.

The other is foreign. Yes, it is intentional although unlikely to be targeting Joe Biden. Rather it is an attack on the US and the White House, whoever is sitting in the Oval Office.

Beating back the US is an objective of Russia, China, the Middle East and scores of other nations who simply do not like the top dog. These people resent America as the model of strength and leadership.

Truth is, America ceased being a leader long ago. We opened the dialogue to others intentionally. Leading the Free World is not an enviable position. It is costly in military and economic aid. The free world ought to be able to sustain itself on its own without relying on one nation with a large purse.

So, America shared the leadership role with England, France, Germany, Scandinavia, South America and Africa. The Middle East has its inroads but so far, they have kept it the muddle east. And yes, we invited both Russia and China into this global leadership task.

The larger reality of international relations, however, have been viewed by Russia and China as military. Instead of being defensive with their military, they are offensive in design. First or second strike is their aim as witnessed by their weaponry. Nuclear armaments are their crown jewels.

Little have they realized what an awesome responsibility those missiles are. If used in a frenzy of first upmanship, they stand to destroy everything they wish to control and own. No one wins such a power battle. In fact, the ‘winner’ will be saddled with human aid and nation rebuilding for generations. Nothing will be normal; nothing wished for.

Rather than military folly, the true objective should be major economic engagement with winning in key industries, technologies and regions. This is the prize to fight over. And with tools of peace and investment, not war.

Global leadership ought not be the goal for any nation. Recognized standing and respect, yes; being the sole leader, no.

Collaboration is the tool all nations should use in building technology, education, and cultural position in the global community. Each nation has a role to play. Each nation has prizes to gain. All nations working together win in every direction of their investment. This is the way forward for all of us.

China and Russia seem to feel otherwise. More’s the pity in that. They waste economic assets buying and inventing that which destroys. Better if they focused on what brings quality of life to their own people. Best if they realize they are just like everyone else on the planet trying to work, live, love and laugh.

My grandfather used to say, “the simplest is the best and cheapest. Try that first.”

June 7, 2022

 

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