11 Sep Guest Editorial: Keep Your Eyes on the World
American Stripes Forever welcomes guest contributors who bring new perspectives to light and open our minds to new ideas and the vital importance of ongoing education for each of us.
In the hyper-emotional atmosphere of U.S. Presidential elections, we have lost the bigger picture… the global chess game that is being played: democracy vs. authoritarianism. U.S. politics — local, state, and federal — keep us spooled up and divided. Yet, in the past four weeks, where are the headlines about China and the U.S. trading long-range missiles, China partnering with Russia on war games that our own elite military imply that we cannot win: https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/dod-war-games-predict-extremely-destabilizing-chinese-military-parity/, and Chinese dominance as a super-power financially.
The TV show, Madame Secretary, has a line where the actor who plays the Chinese Ambassador says that they will not have to militarily fire on us (the U.S.), they will just repossess us. Think about it: China is buying up debt across all continents, they are using their funds to put in infrastructure needs (roads, etc.) into Africa, Asia, South America, the Bahamas and other countries, they are putting military bases into Australia and building bases on top of coral reefs in the South China Sea, and controlling environmental resources that sustain global economies.
China will eventually want repayment. Political sanctions will be ineffective as we cannot financially control what global banks fund as they are too deeply in debt to China.
In our own backyard, who is the number #1 holder of U.S. real estate outside of the federal government? China. Who has bought our movie theaters, our golf courses? China. What and who is HSBC Bank? A credit card? A home mortgage company? It is wholly owned by Hong Kong-based The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, owned by China.
The billionaires who do business with China (Apple, FaceBook, Amazon, etc.) are okay with the status quo, but those of us who actually grew up with democracy and freedom that many in the world do not enjoy should be concerned that the country we thought our children would inherit may not exist one day. What can we do? Educate ourselves. Read beyond the network news and listen to different opinions and experts, question sources and look for a deeper understanding of global issues and impact. Knowledge gives us the potential to enact change.
The Internet has brought untold awareness of local and global situations and implications. If we only listen to media that selectively reassures us of our own opinions or that preys on our fears and separates us from our humanity, our best selves, then we are at risk from forces that are beyond U.S. politics.
If we are to be our best selves, educate yourself…listen, with respect to others, engage in civil discourse, and be aware of global chess players who do not think in terms of four-year cycles, but generational impact.
The citizens of the United States should be commended for voting en masse this election. Voting is a privilege, and the historic voter turnout should be rejoiced no matter who you chose. But now, also look at the big picture and although you may be overwhelmed with daily needs in this pandemic, take a moment to learn about what is influencing your world and your decisions in the long-term. Then keep lifting your voices in a discourse that raises all humanity.
Kofi Annan said, “Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name. It is the most effective form of defense spending there is.”
