• War is barbaric! The War in Iraq and now in Afghanistan have
not made people safe. We cannot continue this trend of military might
as solutions for peace. Defense has its place, but not the expanse we have allowed and encouraged. In this exciting age of global communication, we need to energize one another to believe in peace. Global
communication can't be what Americans use solely for entertainment. This wide communication network has ushered in greater opportunities for world
economies, and a common vision for peace. Peace doesn't happen without direction. It begins as people learn about their lives and culture in the context of others sharing the same planet. It grows as people learn to respect their similarities, and put less value on superficial differences. Peace is achievable when tolerance becomes part of thinking.
• Foreign policy must become more engaging. We cannot primarily rely on military might. Enemies around the world have grown, especially in places where poverty is extreme, and government repressive. Most acts of violence stem from desperation. Sharing energy resources and developing new resources is a common goal. All people want to feed themselves and enjoy life. All people need clean air and water to sustain their lives. There is no room for nations to horde our water, or contaminate our water, or pollute our air. Starting with basic rights all people have to food, water and air must be the groundwork for foreign diplomacy.
• Religion and Peace Initiatives could partner with foreign policy. Instead of concentrating on hopes in the after life, spiritual and humanitarian leaders need to foster hope in human solutions. Genuine stewardship of the planet calls for less greed and more concern about our commonalities. All foreign policy must support the common good. It makes life better for all in the here and now. We share one biosphere! No matter if you are religious or not, all life depends on what we do in our common space we call planet, earth.
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Foreign Policy