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Phillip

Joined: Mar 2, 2004
Posts: 7
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I challenge the youth of TIG to consider this ....
August 7, 2004 - 02:58 AM

Although there are times when refugees result from natural events, I believe a clear majority arise from human conflict. Some people believe we must wage war to stop the "bad guys", and even I will concede there are times when conflict is necessary. Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela avoided the death penalty in South Africa by successfully arguing that he and his peers were left with no option but violence in the struggle for freedom and equality. And I would have favored an intervention to stop the bloodshed in Rwanda. But these are exceptions. I believe that much of the aggression which forces people from their homes and communities is fomented and/or sustained by the two primary means for conducting foreign policy ... the projection of diplomatic and military presence around the globe. Think about it. Diplomacy is between governments and is often conducted without regard to the interests of the populations they serve. It involves alliances and compromises ... it is not fundamentally focused on elevating the standards of living of affected inhabitants or, for that matter, even ensuring they have shelter, water, food, access to education, sanitation or health services and so on. In fact, governments often take a "blind eye" toward the ongoing persecution and maltreatment of the citizens of a nation with which it is negotiating or collaborating (if not it's own). As for military initiatives ... while sometimes (as indicated) necessary ... it must be recognized that they are inherently destructive, often planting the seeds for future conflicts by producing immediate death and suffering. Here is my question to the youth of TIG ... why is no one strongly advocating for a third primary vessel through which foreign policy would, and should, be prosecuted? Why are there no national "Departments of International Development" granted equal stature and influence with "Departments of State" and "Departments of Defense"? Why are nations not allocating an equal portion of energy, enthusiasm, funding and other resources to prosecute foreign policy in purely constructive ways addressing the needs of humans in underserved communities around the globe? Wouldn't this be a far less expensive way to fight terror? ... by eliminating the breeding grounds of terror and conflict by elevating the standards of living of people all over the globe? Please visit The Rhythm of Hope in Brazil web page to see two exciting web films that help to make this point. Go to http://www.iei.net/~pwagner/brazilhome.htm , then click on PageReset in the upper frame and then on the gallery button (flag) for the web films. Think ... respond ... vote (whenever you have elections)!

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caesar

Joined: Sep 21, 2003
Posts: 6
Poster Rank: Soft-spoken
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Gender & Age: Male, 29
Country: Uganda
City: Kampala
For sure, Phillip...U're right.
August 31, 2004 - 04:30 AM

Thanks Phillip for levelling the truth...I totally agree with you on this issue. It's so irritating that sometimes one feels so hesitant on writing about someone's plight well-knowing that he/she will not do much to improve the situation.

I also think TIG would be of great influence regarding this crisis that most governments shockingly keep a 'blind eye' and 'pretentious posture' on. Well, let's see what the TIG advisory group has to comment on this.My suggestions are evident from my post on the discussion board.

Let's hope the questions you put forward are answered in due course.

Thanks for raising awareness.
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