We are facing a unique time in history where globalization has made the world a very small place. With each country having it's own plans to survive in this new world, we find ourselves faced in competitive situations with almost every nation. We are the most successful and powerful country in the world. One prize for this position power is the envy and resentment of countries less fortunate. This stature also challenges us with the responsibility of guiding the worlds future.
Today we see many counties and cultures focused on our way of life, our values and our religions. Many see us a greedy and materialistic. I say all humans are greedy and materialistic to a degree. It's built into our nature. To survive we have developed a never ending desire for more. I see these characteristics in every race, age, religion, culture and sex. It's part survival. The rules of survival do not abide by any morals or ethics. It's simple, the winner takes all, winners set the rules and write and rewrite history.
It worries me that every country vies for our position or at least to be closer to it, but who can blame them. How long will we be able to stay number one and what price will we pay? How many of us will die to keep our way of life and what options do we have? After all, we are one of the most free and culturally advanced civilizations ever to exist. Would any of you want to see how other countries would behave in our position? Do you think they would do better? And finally, does everyone realize that to be in this position we will likely have to fight and fight and fight.
I hope there comes a day where we can transcend our predicament, learn new ways to sustain our world so that we can all live here peacefully without destroying our earth and all the people in it. I really want this for my children. The american indians believed a parent should leave the world better for their children than it was for them. I am embarrassed and ashamed that I have have not done more personally.
I recently explained to my son how China artificially pegs their currency to always be substanctially less valuable than the US dollar. By doing this it helps keep their products affordable to americans and provides us with inexpensive imports that can be found at any Wal-Mart. While we temporarily benefit from inexpensive and convenient products, we lose jobs for our citizens and contribute to China's growth surge. As they grow they increasingly compete with us for fuel, raw materials and food. China then takes their profits and loans them back to us. This cycle will be dissasterous for us if it is not dealt with.
I think the next revolution should take place on an individual level where we will spend our time and money to guide our world to a better existence. We need to change our values to where what we do and what we give is the measure of our worth and not what we have.