Labor Day Plus

I’m not going to write about Labor Day. We all work or did. We insist on fair and dignified working conditions. That should be automatic for everyone. If it is not, then jail the employers involved. Simple and to the point. Oh, and another thing, work from home is often better for most workers and employers. Saves time and expense for everyone. There are other adaptive options to use in building team experiences. And staff competitiveness.

Now, the real thing I want to mull over is international affairs and what Harris needs to focus on in her administration. Biden had a load of crap to deal with because of Trump’s chaotic policies dealing with the rest of the world. But Biden knows that we are solid citizens of the global community and must act like it. If we have more resources than everyone else, then we should expect to provide ample resources to the efforts of everyone else in making this a peaceful world.

Now, how to do that.

First, re-examine use of tariffs. They usually do more damage than good. Eliminate them as much as possible. Watch trade grow as a result.

Second, improve relations with Cuba. Attempt making it an ally and friend.

Third, work very hard to establish a Palestinian state. Provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and insist Israel change its stance. We are not in the driver’s seat on this one, but we do write huge checks to Israel. Insist on better outcomes or reduce those checks.

Fourth, support Ukraine and its military needs. Period. Putin is on his own and it is not an enviable position for him.

Fifth, work with China to develop as much ally stance as possible. Make it costly for them to alienate us with Taiwan and South China Sea militarization. They have much to gain from an alliance with the USA. Make that more apparent. Continue foreign trade and educational exchanges to improve the relationship.

Sixth, establish major South American foreign relations activity. Improving trade with their nations will improve stability of their governance. Aim for better quality of life in their nations to reduce our southern border instability with Mexico.

Seventh, continue to help the European Union build strength and stability to withstand Russian bully tactics. NATO will remain strong if all are strong.

These are all very complicated issues. Much more complicated than the simple statements from the above. Focusing on outcomes will help strengthen our approach and results. Ask for help from partners to make success more probable.

Chaos destroys partnerships and trust among nations. That is Trump’s strategy. It didn’t work for him, and it hurt us. Restore strong relationships and work for peace by improving quality of life in education, healthcare and economics. Peace. It is what we all want. And need.

September 2, 2024

 

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