Transnationalism is a concept that crosses over the boundaries of nations
and joins people together for the betterment of the world. It includes political
movements, organizations, and issues that span the globe. Transnationalism,
or Globalism, creates a sense of loyalty toward the bigger picture. This concept
springs from human thought and global interaction. It offers an alternative
path to, and undermines nationalism.
Nationalism is the traditional belief that the nation is the core of political
loyalty. It follows that the nation should be the only object of political loyalty
that a person holds. Nationalism is the path that has been traditionally followed
in our world. This belief holds that citizens should feel loyal only to their nation.
It plays on cultural differences and uses them as a cohesive agent to bond the
citizens to the nation with a sense of identity.
In theory, I think that most of the factors involved in globalism are good for
all of us. I agree with the idea of reaching beyond the national boundaries and
assisting those in need. I also think that environmental issues that affect all of
us require a global effort if we are to reach solutions for these issues.
Globalism is a product of idealistic thought. This view is consistent with the
Economic International view .People who ascribe
to this way of thinking, see the possibility of humans living in harmony. They see
global cooperation as possible because they see it as a non zero sum game. There
doesn't have to be a winner and a loser where globalism is concerned. We are all
here, sharing the same planet, and it is to our benefit to assure the continuation of
life on this planet. In my opinion, this can only be done with global cooperation.
Nationalism, on the other hand, is more of a realist's belief. They see the world
from a zero sum aspect. They believe that in assisting others, they must put the
interests of their nation first. This view is more skeptical of human nature.
They see conflict as inherent in politics and wealth as a particular part of
the power involved in winning those conflicts.
Which do I consider more important to humanity's future.?
I think that it is in the best interest of humanity for the nations of the world to
work together to assure that our Earth remains capable of supporting life.
I think there are many areas of international relations in which there should
be no reference to the country you hail from. We should all cooperate to
assist in bringing the quality of life up to decent standards for people in every
country. I believe that we should, as humans, belong first to the species
Homo sapiens sapiens. We should all join in the efforts to make our world a better
place for all and a place were human beings can live in peace.
However, there is a skeptical side of me when it comes to national security
issues. I have to believe that until we perfect society to the point in which
all humans can be raised and socialized in a manner that creates only peaceable
beings, it is the job of the nation to protect its citizens from the
Saddam Hussein's
of the world. It is this belief that makes me disagree
with some of the
more radical arms control suggestions. I cannot imagine a
world in which
there is no longer a risk of leaders like Saddam Hussein rising
to power.
I hope that in my lifetime I get to see a world filled with peace.
But then again, there is that skeptic inside.
Perhaps we are working in the right direction. Through globalism in
various aspects of relations, we may be able to come up with the means in
which to assure protection on a global basis from the risks of leaders such
as Hussein. The thought of a world where everyone identifies with their
fellow man on the basis of their similarities and admires the differences that
make us all unique is truly a goal worth striving for.
Now, onto this illegal steel dumping matter...
So here you have it...I have spent most of my life living in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
Therfore, I understand the problems that have plagued the steel industry. They have been many,
but it has somehow struggled and survived somewhat in
tact. Today, the steel industry
faces a crisis that I can't see it pulling out of. I see before us, the end of the American
steel industry. And this troubles me for many reasons.
I am all for assisting those
countries that are not as fortunate as we are, but I truly believe that it must be dealt with
at the non-zero sum level. We cannot and MUST not sacrifice
ourselves for the good
of others. For who will help us when we can no longer help ourselves?
Do you know...???
That our government is allowing the illegal dumping of foreign steel in this country?
That your tax dollars have gone to countries such as Brazil to build the steel mills
that are dumping this illegal steel in our country? (45 million, I believe, to Brazil)
That our steel industry is suffering greatly in this matter?
That layoffs are beginning with little prospect of having a job to return to if our
government doesn't stop the dumping of this steel?
And did you know that our illustrious mr. president has done nothing to stop this dumping?
He has pretty much said that for the sake of these other countries,
it is alright to sacrifice our own steel industry. This is intolerable and he must,
once again, be held accountable for his actions.
There are laws concerning this dumping and Clinton refuses to enforce them.
Imagine that? Clinton paying no heed to laws?
This is a man that 'feels your pain'...but only when he's looking for your vote!
The unions contributed largely to his campaign fund and this is the way he thanks them?
A true friend to the end, eh? Your end, that is!
Clinton has again betrayed this country. I shudder to think what another four years
of democratic leadership will do to this country.
Europe said NO to this illegal dumping. They put their citizens first!
We must demand the same from our government!!
To sit idly by and watch as Clinton and his cohorts disable this country
from the core on which it was built is to do so at your own demise.
What next? The oil industry? The farmers? We had better alll stand up
and be heard on this matter. Truly, it could be your interests that are at stake
next time. If you don't stand up now, who will stand up with you when your turn comes?
United we stand and divided we fall?
This could become some catastrophic game of dominoes!