Community Affairs Consultants

ASIA TODAY ARCHIVES

.August 31, 2018

ASIA:

Toward Stability and Security - to Dismiss Incites to Violence

Humanity flourishes in environments of peace and stability. The developmental evolution of the human species is filled with history of the most beneficial advances during periods of stability, peace and cooperation. Conversely, blight and despair always meet the horrid times of war and instability.

Therefore, if our world is to sustain the advancing continuity of the human species, then peace and stability must reign throughout all the lands - void of destabilization and violence.

Yet, an event this week playing out since last Sunday in the state of Saxony, Germany, where right wing racists resorted to violence and attacks upon non-Germans based upon a flawed police report of the arrest of two immigrants for killing a German-Cuban man, and a revealed private conversation by United States (US) President Donald Trump with evangelical leaders referencing violence should his party lose the midterm elections, are real dangers of what incites to violence could trigger upon peaceful communities.

Protests continued into last night in Chemnitz, Germany, following Sunday's arrest of two migrants on manslaughter charges surrounding the stabbing death of a German-Cuban man, on the sidelines of a street festival, during a brawl between "multiple nationalities". A rumor had circulated that the dead man was slain protecting a woman, but German police have since dismissed the rumor. But the rumor had already spread among those oppose to migrants living in Germany and violence was pointed toward many non-German residents.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to the BBC-News, reminded Germans: "Hate in the streets has nothing to do with our constitutional state." The premiere of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, also implored: "The fact that we have a Syrian and an Iraqi suspect is no reason - no reason at all - for a general suspicion of all foreign residents."

And in the US, Trump's revealed reference of violence should the Democrats win the November 6, midterm elections, also serves as yet another example of how risky statements could envelope into regretted violence today, tomorrow or the next day.

Violence is counterproductive to civility and all development. All incites and irrational references to violence must hereby be dismissed in order to retain peace and stability.

August 30, 2018

ASIA:

A Return to Decency and Opportunity Rests with the Choices of the People

Wherever people may live under a declining culture of isolation, insecurity, indecency, corruption and social agitations, they should be reminded that any and all decisions toward a return to the norms of civility they once joyed that offered hope, optimism and global cooperation, squarely rests with their choices - the people's choice to rational governance.

Ultimately, if enough people demand a better social environment, then together they could affect that change. However, if some people who oppose the rancid atmosphere clouded over them, do fail to demand an amelioration of waning conditions, then the unwanted culture would continue and inevitably fester.

People are the community and the government of their societies and via their amassed numbers of a great majority, they are capable of rejecting indecency, corruption and social agitations, while embracing a return to hope and rational thought which were last present not too long ago.

With decency, opportunity and global integration as good ideals of community necessary for the continuity of the human species, citizens should opt for them over divisive racist rhetoric as a means to sustaining the Republic.

August 29, 2018

ASIA:

The Health of the U.S. Republic Rides on Midterm Elections

The health of the United States (US) Republic hangs upon the results of forthcoming midterm elections for the Congress - House of Representatives and Senate.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives are now controlled by Republicans. Under Republican control, both chambers of the US national legislature have given a free reign to President Donald Trump.

White House spars with traditional western allies - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU) have not been rebuffed in the Congress. A self-harming trade war started by Trump against China has not been pushed back upon in Congress. Trade penalties on NATO ally, Turkey, have not been opposed by the Congress. Backing out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change has not been defeated in the US Congress. And the separation of children from their asylum-seeking parents at the US border has not been legislated as inhumane by the Congress.But, in the meantime, Trump continues on a path of divisiveness within the Republic with no notable real checks upon his decision making.

In short, the Republic is ailing under Trump and the only foreseeable check to nursing the land of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Obama, back to its health, is for Democrats to take control of at least one of the chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, November 6, 2018. If Democrats fail to win control of the House or the Senate, then the American Republic that touts democracy as a principle, could decline into dictatorship.

August 28, 2018

ASIA:

A Return to Human Dignity - Ending Conflicts

It is preposterous that armed conflicts are still being executed in the year, 2018. Conflicts rob humanity of life and dignity and to this end, all conflicts should end.

"War is hell and hell is war", is a fitting adage. Yet, instead of ending and eradicating conflict and allotting its vital resources to ending hunger and curing diseases, humanity in 2018 is still confronted by the blight of Syrian atrocities, armed meddling in Ukraine and the gross humanity failing in Yemen.

Armed conflict is an ancient barbaric act that lacks any necessary and complied humanitarian controls to protecting innocents.

Yet, ideological partners continue to wage war in nations of poor people resulting in millions of innocent deaths and injuries to civilians, including too many children, while also creating millions of refugees, who flee to other nations, where they aggravate already thin and fragile socio-economic and political systems, thus giving a boost to far right agitators from Europe to the Americas.

So, conflicts should end. They should end because they are morally wrong. They should end as a measure to easing migration problems especially in Europe and in the United States (US). And they should end because the executors of such rancid violence are incapable of guaranteeing the safety of innocents.

Therefore, today's earlier reported finding by United Nations (UN) experts, who found that parties to the conflict in Yemen have perpetrated "and continue to perpetrate, possible war crimes under international law", though humanly sickening, should not come as any surprise since that conflict in Yemen has been hot for the past three-years.

All of humanity's alarm bells should be blaring on a conclusion from that UN finding that there is: "little evidence of any attempt by the parties to the conflict to minimize civilian casualties." In addition and demanding immediate condemnation is the further finding that: "individuals in the Government of Yemen, in the coalition, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the de facto authorities, have committed acts that may amount to international crimes."

While the UN finding calls upon the parties to the conflict in Yemen "to prioritize human dignity", a wider call and a more concerted global effort are all now fitting in order to return all of humanity's dignity via ending all conflicts.

August 27, 2018

ASIA:

The Self-Reliance Security of the Innocent, the Meek and the Stateless

Continuous failure by the state, by the church and by non-governmental organizations to protect and to safeguard the welfare of the innocent, the meek and the stateless, will force more and more victims into a necessary pact of self-reliance with regards to their own security.

As in the case of Syria and Yemen in the wake of humanity's failure to ameliorate conflict conditions for millions of people, there ought to be a wake up call to all victims to the reality that they must now grab hold of their own destinies and in doing so, they could utilize whatever means necessary to assure their survival, and that of their children.

With respect to the Rohingya people of Myanmar, a just released searing United Nations (UN) report recommending charges of crimes against humanity for the army's top brass responsible for allowing persecutions, is not a sure path to justice for the stateless people. The Rohingya people must find a way to rely upon their own sources and actions to demand and to win a homeland.

Moreover, the failure of the Catholic Church to weed out all elements of past and present abuse by priests of innocent children, will continue to diminish the church's congregation as victims and their families seek spiritual guidance outside of the church in a clear example of self-reliance.

Self-reliance therefore, is set to increase as a major coping mechanism for victims of many circumstances. Inevitably, victims, their families, supporters and sympathizers will form a solid coalition to stand even stronger against the pangs of humankind's evils.

August 26, 2018

ASIA:

An Icon of American Decency Dies - Senator John McCain

The maverick American Senator John McCain, 81, died yesterday after battling brain cancer. He was a six-term Republican Senator representing the people of Arizona. Our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May he travel well.

Senator McCain, a son, a hero, a gentleman, a leader, a husband and a father, was an icon of decency in American politics. Twice running unsuccessfully for president, he maintained a gentleman's quality of high decency and honor, even in defeat. His insistence that Republic/country be placed first over any man/or party will be part of his legacy, along with his ability to reach across party lines to encourage consensus for country over party.

Media reports today and tomorrow will rightfully and in honor speak more and better of his heroism, his service and his statesmanship than I could on this Blog.

Yet, I humbly submit that his passing, among other many things, represent an end to common decency in the United States (US) Congress. With the prior passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts and now of John McCain, the US congress is now virtually void of decorum. Since the advent of the Donald Trump era, decency has taken a beating on Capitol Hill. Country first has taken a back seat to support of a dividing White House and party.

So, Senator John McCain will be deeply missed. Maybe his passing will trigger a return to decency and honor in the halls of American politics.

That he has asked Presidents Barack Obama, a Democrat and George W. Bush, a Republican, to speak at his funeral service, is fitting of the unity Senator John McCain advocated for the US. He did not invite Donald Trump.

In honor of America, Senator John McCain will be remembered. We thank him for his service to the Republic. Amen.

August 25, 2018

ASIA:

A Caution to the Makers and Agitators of Division within the Republic

From a reckless assertion to Americans alleging the killing of white farmers in South Africa, to considerations of funding guns in schools in lieu of enhanced educational technology, to a 60-year-old white man in Grand Rapids, Michigan, urinating upon a five-year-old Black girl while calling her the 'n-word', the cruel seed of division has once again been sown within the American Republic.

Donald Trump tweeted the wrongful accusation about South Africa this week, Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos is said to be considering allowing school districts to use Federal Funds to buy guns, and a Michigan man has been arrested for urinating on a Black infant.

But those making and agitating division within the United States (US) must be cautioned as to the real dangerous posed by the ramifications of their actions.

This time, this year, this century - hold not the passivity of a bygone era. No rational live person will permit the past 400-year-old tragedy of racial subjugation and injustice to become today's norm. American protectors of peace, liberty and justice will fight to maintain the ideals of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Obama.

Moreover, I submit that those agitators in the US who are stoking division for political gain, will inevitably lose out. But until their ultimate defeat, these agitators and makers of division do pose a considerable threat to the Republic - a threat of enticing and inflaming violence that could engulf the lives of many innocent people.

With a view to protecting the Republic, it therefore becomes absolutely necessary that agitators and makers of division are made impotent forthwith before an intolerable atmosphere of cruelty and violence could envelope the entire land.

August 24, 2018

ASIA:

With Regards to Election "Meddling"

Credible reports surfaced this week revealing that Internet companies - Facebook, Google, Microsoft, etal, had stripped from their services, the sites of hundreds of entities believed to be "meddling" into the political, social and economic affairs of the United States (US), including the all important upcoming midterm elections for the US Congress - an election that could decide the fate of Donald Trump's era in Washington, D.C.

Many pundits applauded the action of the strategically important Internet companies for securing the integrity of real news across the world wide web. Russia and Iran were named as alleged state sponsors of the "meddling" sites. And earlier today, similar allegations were made against China and North Korea, as potential purveyors of future "meddling".

With regards to "meddling", perhaps each major election in the West and in the East in the modern era, has been meddled with. From opponent against opponent, to interest groups influencing voters in consideration of a particular candidate and to advocates of a particular agenda seeking to influence others to support their causes, "meddling" has always been a constant of the election process.

Deemed as illegal when conducted by a foreign power within a sovereign nation has not deterred "meddling" from the Americas to Africa to Asia and to Europe, either with direct or indirect sanctioning by foreign governments. There will always be outside "meddling" into elections as long as there are varying agendas and ideologies. However, collusion with a foreign power into influencing a local election, stands as the real and true threat to any election system.

An educated voter is the only real remedy to "meddling". The electorate has the responsibility inherited via citizenship of acquiring the right and fair information on all issues in order to cast a meaningful and informed vote.

August 23, 2018

ASIA:

Remembering the Slave Trade That it Shall Never be Repeated

Today, August 23, has been designated International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition by the Paris, France, based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to memorialize one of humanity's greatest tragedies - the transatlantic slave trade, which destroyed and altered the destiny of millions of Africans.

In remembering that multinational sanctioned tragedy, which brought cheap labor and great economic wealth to colonial powers on backs of the destruction of many souls, it is necessary to look back at, then look forward from the human tragedy, with a clear and an explicit view that that despicable policy be never repeated.

While the transatlantic slave trade is now history, its horrid effects still remain. Generations of Africans and their descendants still endure its associated stigma and continuing racism. Furthermore, cases of modern slavery remain current.

A fight is needed from today's humanity to eradicate any and all instances of slavery. To only wish present events away, is insufficient. As humanity remembers the horrid transatlantic slave trade, concerted actions must be demanded to prevent any repetition of one of humanity's greatest travesties.

August 22, 2018

ASIA:

Corruption Weakens the Republic

Corruption and those corrupted, who govern, will weaken any Republic, thus exposing the nation's national security to the same dangers posed by direct warfare. Moreover, and even more damning to the Republic, is the utilization of corruption to ascend to power within the sovereignty.

When corruption is used to gain power within the Republic, it maintains a clear and present danger over the Republic until all elements of such corruption are eradicated from governance.

Corruption and the illegality that it entailed to gain power within a Republic, will inevitable fester under a culture of corruption. Illegality built upon any initial illegalities will always pose a material threat to the honor and sovereignty of the Republic.

Therefore, corruption before the assumption of power and any subsequent corruption, including any and all efforts to disguise the initial corruption, are impeachable offenses that demand immediate review and actions since such crimes impact the national security and well being of the Republic.

The Republic must be made whole and free of any weaknesses and influences to its sovereign integrity. And since no man nor woman is greater than the Republic, it remains in the best interest and protection of the Republic that any and all traces of corruption of governance, be removed forthwith.

August 21, 2018

ASIA:

On Happiness...

Wherever the human species live on Planet Earth, it could be safely implied that we all have a resolve for happiness. Yet, despite the global resolve to be happy, it is likewise true that far too many people claim to be unhappy. 

While happiness can't be found in hunger, homelessness, statelessness, persecution, conflict and discrimination, some people, who are void of these tribulations, still claim feelings of unhappiness. Why? Simply, it boils down to an individual's definition of happiness.

Happiness remains as contentment with the accompaniment of good fortune, joy and pleasure. People who are blessed with these virtues, but yet continue to claim unhappiness, have fallibly aspired for greater yearnings that are outside of their own realms of fulfillment.

So, in order to attain the human resolve to happiness, it therefore becomes necessary for humanity to content with and to accept the basic things needed for happiness and not to covet the lustful things wanted. Happiness and peace to all.

August 20, 2018

ASIA:

Hope Lives

Hope is a beautiful thing. It is the building block that has fueled and inspired the development of the human species for thousands of years. Hope fills and it soothes while holding out the attainable opportunity of an even better and brighter tomorrow.

But as humanity's confidence has waned in recent times, hope also appeared to have taken a beating. The reality of conflict, statelessness, racism and political agitations amid a record 65-million people displaced worldwide, certainly painted a gloomy picture of hope.

Yet, the truth is that, Hope Lives. Earlier this morning, here in Washington, DC, I witnessed scores of examples confirming that Hope Lives.

In the inquiring adorable faces of hundreds of students, including my two Middle Schoolers, returning to classes to start the School Year 2018-19, I saw hope. I saw hope for our Republic, I saw hope for our environment, I saw hope for our Planet, I saw hope for humanity and I saw hope for a cohesive integrated multicultural world living in peace and shared by a vast kaleidoscope of many people of many tones.

In today's youth - the vanguard of all beneficial change in society, there is a resolve to be hopeful. The community of youth, who play, study, laugh and mingle together, is humanity's affirmation to continuity of the human species.

Wherever youth are assembled today from preschool, to elementary, to middle, to secondary and to the tertiary level, their glorious formations are confirmations that Hope Lives.

August 19, 2018

ASIA:

Toward a Return to Empathy - World Humanitarian Day 2018

Today, August 19, 2018, is designated World Humanitarian Day by the United Nations (UN) - a day, originally dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

But today, with 65 million people displaced around the world mainly because of conflict, this Humanitarian Day 2018, sadly recognizes the suffering of millions of civilians caught in conflict, especially in Syria, Yemen, Gaza and Myanmar.

Therefore, it is fitting that on this day that all humanity heed the call to a return to empathy to identify with the feelings, thoughts and attitudes of a multitude of other people.

Action toward kindness becomes necessary amid the present state of humanity. As UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres observed in a statement marking World Humanitarian Day and posted on un.org: "Around the world, conflict is forcing record numbers of people from their homes, with over 65 million people now displaced. Children are recruited by armed groups and used to fight. Women are abused and humiliated. As humanitarian workers deliver aid and medical workers provide for those in need, they are all too often targeted or treated as threats."

Such humanitarian abuses must not stand. Humanity must return to empathy with a view to ending conflict and human divisions.

August 18, 2018

ASIA:

Toward Peace and Stability - to Love and Happiness

Peace and stability yield love and happiness - and wherever humans live on Planet Earth, these desires are the wishes of all rational people.

From the Americas to Europe and to Asia, places I've visited in recent years, I've found that all the individuals on the respective continents, are very much alike and wanting similar things - peace, stability, love and happiness - all attainable cravings.

However, humanity continues to fall short of satisfying these living desires because of divisions and wedges they allow to be placed between them by a greedy unhappy minority, who are miserable and dying and wish unkind things to all others.

But the spirited segment of humanity must stop yielding and falling prey to hate and division - those obstacles to happiness.

Hate should be replaced by peace, love and happiness. And with the promotion of these wonderful desires, humanity could then maintain and widen greater community appeal toward stronger family commitment and broader international cooperation, along a path to full stability and security. [A wishful hope offered on a Saturday in August, 2018.]

August 17, 2018

ASIA:

The Winds of Change are Coming

Via the cool refreshing winds of Autumn or on the gales of political discontent, the winds of change will come to the United States (US) soon.

The political, social and economic strains that are bearing down upon the land of perceived liberty, equality and rule of law, cannot be sustained. A healthy environment must return to the traditional stalwart of democracy.

Either by rational negotiations to abate economic uncertainty, or by a new-found reasoning of the importance and the respect needed to be accorded to allies, or by a blue-wave of political assertion in the races for the US Congress, the integrity of the American Republic will return soon.

August 16, 2018

ASIA:

In Full Support of the American Free Press

This Blog stands in solidarity with the Free Press across the United States (US), and in answer to a Boston Globe Newspaper call upon the American Press to re-affirm freedom of the Press.

Assaults on the Press from US President Donald Trump and from those who speak on his behalf, must not stand. They must be condemned.

That the Press would not allow its responsibility to independence to be bullied into submission, nor that they would not concur with what is determined to be wrong, are certainly not worthy of the distinction as "enemy of the people", as Donald Trump has grossly claimed of the American Press.

The Press is the People...The people are the Press - together, they act democratically to impede authoritarianism while promoting freedom, equality and the rule of law - the tenets of democracy and the principles of the Founding Fathers of the Republic.

Therefore, on this 16th Day of August, in the year 2018, in Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America, I hereby affirm full support of the American Press and I emphatically denounce all attacks upon the Press from the traditionally honorable Oval Office led by Donald Trump.

August 15, 2018

ASIA:

To Mending Strained Alliances

The alliances that have sustained considerable global security, development and economic advances are in dire need of mending. A reboot of relationships is, therefore required to avert any pending world calamities.

First and foremost, the actor responsible for inflicting today's strained alliances, must bear the burden of initiating dialogue toward repairing the relationships gravely needed to sustain further human development and peace.

In lieu of the responsible actor not fulfilling the onus to easing global strife, economic insecurity and environmental protections, then that actor must shoulder full blame for all ramifications caused by his transgressions.

In other words, full support for NATO and the European Union (EU) must be affirmed; the Paris Climate Change Agreement must be honored, respect and recognition of the traditional pact between allies must be confirmed; the Iran Nuclear Agreement should be recognized; unimpeded trade should be allowed to flourish; and the ideals of the American democracy must be practiced as they were intended and exercised for many years.

Should these objectives be concluded, then global economic, political and security health could return to sustainable levels.

August 14, 2018

ASIA:

...Now Turkey - to Lose a NATO Ally, Trump's Tariff Wars

As if Donald Trump's unprecedented tariff spats against traditional allies - the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico, along with an ongoing feud with trading behemoth - China, are not enough to cast a shadow over world economic outlook, then the United States (US) president's most recent tariff fight with long standing NATO ally, Turkey, affirms even deeper uncertainty over present and future global economic health and security.

Even though the antics and authoritarian style leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have raised numerous human rights questions in the past two years, Turkey still stands as a strategic member of NATO, having the second largest standing army within the organization, outnumbered only by the US.

Hence, Trump's decision to slap a 50-percent and 25-percent tariff on steel and aluminum from Turkey was shocking. Despite the ongoing diplomatic rift over a jailed American in Turkey, Trump's decision to penalize Turkey was abrupt causing the Turkish Lira to lose 10-percent of its value in one day and declining against the US dollar by more than 30-percent since January, this year.

That Erdogan's fiscal management has been iffy and unconventional since he acted against all economic wisdom and failed to raise interest rates in the face of growing inflation, has clearly exposed Turkey to the worse of economic probabilities from the impact of Trump's tariffs. Will Erdogan's retaliation to ban all American imported electronics help mitigate Turkey's economic impact from Trump's tariffs?

Reports suggest that Turkey might be entering a closer relationship with Iran and Russia in order to hedge US penalties. Whatever the result, the US could lose a NATO ally.

Moreover, Trump's tariff wars against a growing number of allies and non-allies could force all his foes into a new coalition, thus reducing US global influence while quickening US world isolation.

August 13, 2018

ASIA:

Denouncing Hate - Mother Nature, Strong Opposition and Minimal Support End a White Supremacist Event in Washington, D.C.

One-year-ago, their blatant, hateful, violent and racist agitations caused death on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia. Given the opportunity yesterday by the United States (US) Park Service, via a permit, to repeat their hateful event, this time, on the streets of Washington, DC, white supremacists were quickly chased out of town by Mother Nature, minimal support and strong opposition.

Mother Nature - acting through the elements of heavy rain, lightning and thunder, and joined by throngs of counter-hate demonstrators, yesterday, proved to be too much to facilitate a rally by a handful of 24 white supremacists, at Lafayette Park, just outside the White House.

While counter protesters, who outnumbered the white supremacists by more than 25-1, jeered and booed the racists upon their arrival at a DC Metro Station, a police escort separating the supremacists from the opposition, was not enough to guarantee that any message of hate would circulate on the streets of the nation's Capital.

The 24 white supremacists were met with heavy rains, rolling thunder and sharp zaps of lightning at Lafayette Park close to their 5:00 p.m. event start. By 5:05 p.m., the handful of hate inciters had abandoned their intent and were escorted back to a metro station and out of the District of Columbia.

In the end, nature and unity proponents had defeated racists rhetoric in a non-violent environment. Hate was denounced in a non-violent setting, thus reaffirming the ideal of the US as a nation, indivisible.

August 12, 2018

ASIA:

On this International Youth Day 2018...

Today, August 12, 2018, is the United Nations (UN) declared: International Youth Day. This year's declaration, interestingly themed "Safe Spaces for Youth", is fitting amid declining places where youth are safe and secure in the exercise of their lives.

Traditional places of safety, especially in the United States (US) that once included schools, churches and recreation venues, have now become ground zero for deadly gun attacks upon youth and other people. Protest marches and the common streets remain dangerous places for youth accounting for a real decline in safe places for the nation's young people.

Moreover, increase racist rhetoric and agitations which have not been forcefully condemned by the the US executive branch, also translate into a further decline of safe spaces for youth in America.

Across the globe, a seemingly perpetual war in Syria, a continuing conflict in Yemen, the stifling of Palestinian rights in Gaza and denying statehood for the Rohingya people in Myanmar, along with other rights violations and violence, all contribute to the declining safe spaces for the world's youth.

But youth is the vanguard of all change in society and to this end, young people must demand greater governance, accountability and consideration from their aging leaders.

Youth must maintain constant pressure upon the present caretakers with a view to reminding them that they are charged and responsible with protecting all facets of our Planet, including the environment, to ensure a healthy and safe pass over in the future. In other words, old people must protect all systems our youth will inevitably inherit.

August 11, 2018

ASIA:

...on defining the American Republic

Defining the United States (US) used to be an easy task - a Republic, cemented in the tenets of democracy with a defined character of freedom, opportunity, equality and the rule of law, accorded to all people.

However, that definition, which was easily construed as reasonable and true during the times of Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Carter, Clinton, Obama and even during the terms of both Bush presidents, remains questionable in 2018.

Bigotry and hate that once consumed the US, are now sadly real again. Racist rhetoric, lewd and irrational actions, threaten to force the US back into the stone ages. Spats and splits with allies and mega trading partners, threaten to segregate the Republic into a declining isolated nation.

But the US must not be allowed to descend into the abyss of national despair and international isolation. The clearly defined character of the US which offers hope, freedom, justice and happiness to all peoples, must be protected by all means from the foes of progress. The definition of American must always include "all" the people.

August 10, 2018

ASIA:

A Shame on Humanity - Existing Conflicts and Statelessness

The Saudi Arabia led coalition waging war in Yemen, bombed a school bus this week, killing many innocent children. Reports of the event numbered the dead as 50, including 29 children, while the number injured is said to be 77, in yet another example of humanity's continuing shame for allowing the execution of violent conflicts and the calamity of innocent death for far too many innocent souls.

For three years, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, etal, have waged war against the local Yemeni Houthi group. The Arab coalition has been attempting to reinstate the internationally recognized government of Abu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, whose forces and presidency were ousted by Houthi rebels in 2014. Some 10,000 people have died in the three years of war, to which no end is within sight.

That international and regional organizations have been unable or unwilling to end the war in Yemen, speaks heavily of humanity's impotency to ameliorate human tragedy. Another human depleting conflict continues into the eighth year in Syria, and that war also is showing no signs of ending. Other conflicts continue in Gaza and in Ukraine.

Humanity has also been unsuccessful in delivering a home to the Rohingya people of Myanmar. Displaced families have been persecuted, uprooted and forced into neighboring Bangladesh.

It is clear that conflicts and statelessness are not diminishing. Sadly, new conflicts and other agitations are on the horizon. Remedies for present and developing shames upon humanity are needed in order to sustain humanity's continuity.

August 09, 2018

ASIA:

America's Real Problem - the Emboldened Prevalence of Racist Hate

In spite of some real and concocted distractions dominating the national front in the United States (US) these days, including a trade war with China and the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran, there is a true, present and dangerous problem facing the Republic: to wit - the emboldened prevalence of non condemned racist hate.

Almost one-year-ago, manifestations of such racist hate was borne in the tragic events of a white supremacist agitation in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a car was willfully driven into anti-hate marchers - who were countering the racists, killing Heather Heyer, 32, and injuring many others. Many other anti-hate demonstrators were injured that fateful day in skirmishes with hate monger protestors on the streets of a Virginia college-town. Yet, the leadership of the US failed to forcefully condemn the fascist violence of the white supremacist, but instead blame both sides for the stark violence.

Since taking office in 2017, President Donald Trump's version of America has witnessed alarming events of blatant racist hate perpetrated by hate mongers under the fallible slogan of "Make America Great Again". From a racist calling the police to dismantle a kid's lemonade stand, to calls to police to chase non whites from barbecuing in a park, to continued questionable police killings of minorities, to confessed racists seeking local and national political office, racist groups have become emboldened lured by Trump's non forceful condemnation of hate groups. Adding to the divide has been the Trump administration's racist and rights violating practice of severing children from asylum seeking Latino parents at the US-Mexican border.

On Sunday, the racist elements from the Charlottesville, Virginia tragedy of one-year-ago, will take to the streets again to air their racist holdings, this time, closer to the White House at Lafayette Park, Washington, DC. Counter protests are also planned. Will the White House take the opportunity to finally forcefully denounce racist hate, once and for all?

Until it is obliterated from American society, racist hate - a clear, present and true danger, must be fought on all fronts, including the US Executive Branch.

August 08, 2018

ASIA:

China Strikes Back to Trump Tariffs - a Chinese Resolve to Continuing Rising

United States (US) President Donald Trump's intent to penalize China with more tariffs on Chinese products has been met by China retaliating with its own tariffs on US$16 billion of American imports.

In pushing back against Trump's continuing efforts to punish China, Beijing has demonstrated a strong resolve to continuing China's developmental rise in spite of new adversity from the controversial US president.

Trump's decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on US$50 billion of Chinese imports on August 23, is the latest from the Washington administration aimed at China, which has experienced globe-leading development in the past 40-years.

The US, China and the international community once enjoyed unimpeded trade and cooperation prior to Trump taking the White House. However, ever since 2017, Trump has targeted and singled out China for tariff penalties, thus raising the question as to the true intent of Trump's motives.

If he intends to derail China's economic rise, its global appeal and influence, then Trump will fail, and fail miserably.

China is an enduring great civilization that the likes of Trump would never understand its simple method to success. Having visited China this past summer - four provinces, six cities and two villages, I can now affirm that there's nothing capable of derailing China's rise. China is deserving and fully qualified to sit and to lead any table on international well being.

Moreover, while the impact of some tariff penalties might cause anxiety in some of China's major cities, greater Chinese society, via strong community involvement, sound family values and subsistence farming, are more than sufficient and capable of weathering any Trump action. China appears resolute in its bid for peace and prosperity.

Therefore, a return to pre-2017 rationality in governance and in trade is needed before another economic calamity befalls many people.

August 07, 2018

ASIA:

The USA Re-Imposition of Sanction on Iran - a Test of Trump's Global Influence

Even though nuclear examiners and European nations found no evidence Iran violated the Nuclear Deal it signed with world powers during the rational years of global governance prior to 2017, United States (US) President Donald Trump bowed out of the international treaty. He has now re-imposed harsh sanctions on Iran.

But will the controversial Trump get international agreement to go along with his unitary decision to penalize Iran? Will the European Union (EU), China and Russia join Trump?

The Trump re-imposition of sanctions on a violation-less Iran per nuclear armaments and programs should be a test of a believed waning global influence of the US president. Against no evidence of any Iranian violation of the Nuclear Deal signed during the Presidency of Barack Obama, Trump's desire to punish Iran appears to be an appeasement of Israel, which offered documents purporting to show Iran's prior nuclear ambition.

Trump's punishment of Iran re-weaponizes a strategic geopolitical region that could witness Tehran go underground to acquire the said technology and goods it is being punished for abiding without.

The EU and China will have to decide whether to side with the erratic Trump or to boldly strike a balance toward global security by promoting an adhesive program of cooperative engagement with Iran in a bid for peace and economic well being.

August 06, 2018

ASIA:

Deadly Temperatures, Wildfires, Floods and Rumblings from Nature - Our Stressed Environment

As if flawed political, social and economic policies are not enough sources of stress in this post November 8, 2016 era, then Mother Nature's recent events of soaring deadly temperatures, wildfires, floods and earthquakes should be more than ample evidence to confirm to humanity that all is not well across the full spectrum of our planetary environment.

Irrational political rhetoric, a human rights violating policy of ripping children away from asylum-seeking parents, the initiating of a trade war and a roll back of environmental protection measures in the United States (US), are being executed amid a rancid political atmosphere, while within the Republic and across the globe, explicit events linked to the debilitating effects of climate change, are wreaking havoc upon the natural environment.

As the Donald Trump administration continues to roll back President Barack Obama era's environment protection measures, deadly wildfires continue in the western part of the US. 

CNN reported: "Drought in Europe has turned verdant land barren, while people in Japan and Korea are dying from record-breaking heat." In addition, flooding has inundated many communities and Indonesia has suffered two major earthquakes in less than a week with more than 80 deaths reported. Wildfires have also scorched Sweden and Greece 

Japan has reported deaths of at least 119 from soaring heat, South Korea reported 29 killed in similar heat. Canada reported 70 deaths from heat, while 92 people were killed in wildfires in Greece and eight so far from continuing wildfires in California. Heat waves this past weekend also killed people in Spain and in Portugal.

Yet, some decision makers continue to deny the reality of Climate Change. CNN's report on its website: cnn.com titled: Our climate plans are in pieces as killer summer shreds records, and written by Angela Dewan, best describes our reality: "Climate change is here and is affecting the entire globe - not just the polar bears or tiny islands vulnerable to rising sea levels - scientists say. It is on the doorsteps of everyday Americans, Europeans and Asians, and the best evidence shows it will get much worse."

Europe, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia are seriously addressing the problem of climate change. China is growing thousands of new trees to fight climate change and I have witnessed this fact with my own eyes. Sadly, the Trump administration continues to roll back protections on the environment. A rational return to good governance is needed to cooperate in the global fight against climate change.

August 05, 2018

ASIA:

A Delay in China Energy Imports from the USA - a Reality of Trade Disruption

Energy is a highly valuable good. It is crucial to the mainstay and well being of all economies, while being the lifeline of many corporations, their stockholders, workers and home states in the United States (US). Disruptions in energy exports from Texas and other states will create an economic difficulty for state as well as the national economies. 

President Donald Trump's initiated trade war with China has exposed both the US economy and that of China to serious adverse consequences. While both nations had been making remarkable economic strides prior to 2016, Trump's insistence on a nationalistic agenda to appease his political base, has created a dangerous avenue of economic certainty that could force world financial markets and economies into a downward spiral. There could be no winners in any trade war between two such large economies as the US and China. However, there will be a number of losers.

And those losers, along with the average consumers both in the East and in the West, could also extend to farmers and to industrial producers, especially amid new reports that China's largest refiner will delay making any new purchases of US oil. The delay comes as Beijing contemplates tariffs on American crude in reaction to Trump's new round of penalties to raise tariffs to 25 percent on Chinese products. The South China Morning Post reported earlier today that Sinopec's purchase delay comes after the largest Chinese oil refiner bought a record volume of energy from the US in June.

China's reported suspension of importing US energy should be a signal to the Trump administration that the economic health of the Republic is on the line and that there is an urgent need to return to rational times of unimpeded international trade. 

If a decline in China energy imports from the US is not sufficient to abate Trump's trade war, then, I fear global economic health will suffer a great tragedy.

August 04, 2018

ASIA:

A Return to Rationality - a Return to Global Cooperation and Unimpeded Trade

That rational governance and global cooperation were able to weather and to overcome the financial crisis of 2007-08, clearly affirms the present-day need for similar leadership in order to stem the rising discord and distrust supplanted since 2016.

It will not be sufficient to await political changes that might, or might not come in 2020. Now is the hour for rational national leaders to adhere to the policies of cooperation, logic and peace that have brought back prosperity to many nations, while pointing others toward similar good tidings.

Systems of international trade that have allowed for the unimpeded easy transfer of good and services between nations, should be fostered and encouraged instead of being used as political fodder to support any flawed nationalistic agenda. 

Peace and economic gains flourish in the absence of political turmoil. Therefore, in order to recapture global economic and social advances, it might become necessary for rational global leaders to isolate bash and destabilizing leaders and all ally-busting measures that have been touted.

August 03, 2018

ASIA:

Safeguard of Community Necessities - a Key to Humanity's Continuity

Humanity's continuity rests with the delivery of safeguards of the basic necessities of community - food, clothing and shelter. And in spite of the dynamism and modern mode of many developed countries and their cities, the fundamentals of securing an enduring society remain firmly fixed to good governance delivering the basics of community.

However, in recent years, delivery of these basic goods to the people have become marred in the race to promote, to use and to utilize technology too broadly for the narrow purpose of entertainment. As a result, human innovation, creativity and production toward bettering the delivery of community's necessities, are lagging way behind personal entertainment. In other words, humankind is serving technology rather than allowing technology to work best toward the benefit of the human species.

Thus, human entertainment is overshadowing agricultural development and diversification as well as climate and environment protections. Not enough innovation is being earmarked to solutions to combat the bad effects of human influences upon the environment. Yet, unprecedented heat continues across Europe and Asia while record setting rains, fires and drought disrupt life in the Americas. These events will all have adverse secondary effects from crop failures to crop rot. What will tomorrow bring?

Human personal entertainment should yield to greater scientific innovation toward tackling humanity's present and forthcoming problems. Technology must be enhanced to ensure the safeguard of delivering community necessities in order to sustain humanity's continuity.

August 02, 2018

ASIA:

An Evolving Thought on Democracy

Ever since the stark results of political events in 2016, inherent flaws within democratic systems have become clearer. 

From the fallacy of majority rule demonstrated by Hillary R. Clinton lost in the United States (US) Presidential Election to Donald J.Trump, even though Clinton received 2,864,903 more votes than Trump; to a misinformed United Kingdom (UK) electorate voting to leave the European Union (EU), even though many voters had no inkling of the ramifications of their exercised Brexit vote, are all exposes of weaknesses within democracies.

Moreover, the behavior of the leader of the world's strongest democracy infects a widespread bad taste, doubt and uncertainty over the once trusted and respected democratic system of government. Thus, existing alternative forms of government that have been successful in delivering services and security to the people, are now more than worthy of respect and of contemplation. 

That any government purported to be democratic could have the audacity to criticize a communist system for human rights abuses while that said democracy detains and separates asylum seekers from their children at its borders, is preposterous.

Parliamentary democracy appears superior to the Republican or Presidential forms because it bears the mechanisms to ousting a corrupt leader more easily than in the form in place in the US. That privileged individuals and groups could continue to tweak and to preserve adulterated forms of democracy in order to retain their longstanding grip on power, remains hypocritical, and even more so as they criticize other better performing types of governance.  

While democracy remains a sound proven platform to liberty and the rule of law, it is safe to assume that democracy, as it is exercised today, is limited in scope to ever becoming universally accepted in the absence of a Utopian society. And imported systems of governments will never supplant the tried and functioning forms of government that deliver peace, prosperity and happiness to the people.  

August 01, 2018

ASIA:

Great Civilizations Will Endure - With or Without Tariff Penalties

A number of global events occurred in the past six-weeks during my self-imposed "time out", which could have forced my return to writing this Blog. However, I remained silent as asylum seekers were ripped of their children at the United States (US) border and as President Donald Trump, again, displayed a disdain for allies in an apparent deference to Russian President Vladimir Putin and initiating a trade war with China.

I remained silent while undergoing a much needed reflection on humanity and of purpose, while attaining a renewed enlightenment I very much sought. These objectives I gained nestled securely within the the provinces, cities and villages of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

As a result, today, I could now firmly submit without recall that Great Civilizations Will Endure - With or Without Tariff Penalties: to wit: continuous attempts to penalize China via trade will not dislodge China's rise. What I discovered during 22-days of living and traveling within China's provinces, cities and villages, is that the strength of family and of community, is too heavily ingrained into the fabric of Chinese society to be altered by any imported entity. China has withstood wars, intervention, occupation and isolation. Yet, from what I have witnessed forehand, China's civilization remains intact to last in excess of another 5,000-years. I thank the people of the PRC for hosting me during my visit.

Some of my intelligence and academic colleagues with whom I've briefed on my travels in China have jokingly claimed that I've returned home a "Marxist", but if having a truer and a clearer understanding of humanity's purpose, of government's best obligation to its people and of community's measure of content, makes me a Marxist, then I must be a "Marxist".

Notwithstanding, China is a Great Civilization and it will not be disrupted by foreign action. Chinese people desire the same things as all other peoples: peace, stability, prosperity and happiness. 

I'm in the process of writing a book on my travels within China and within each of my forthcoming Blogs, including this present one, are remarks that I will include in the future literary work, along with pictures.

I bid all of you peace and prosperity.

July 28, 2018

ASIA:

My August 1st Return

Greetings friends! It's been a while since I've published a Blog, but I shall return to writing a daily Blog starting on August 1, 2018.

The past few weeks have been a very educational and renewal period. And yes, I did have that reflection and I did find that renewed hope in humanity, which I sought per my last Blog, June 06, 2018. 

I found my new enlightenment atop the Great Wall of China just outside of Beijing during my recent visit across many cities, provinces and villages within China. I was emotionally touched by the people of China and by the deep community and family virtues of the people of the Great Chinese Civilization. Thus, I'm in the process of writing a very positive book on my travels within China.

My first few Blogs, on and after August 1st, will offer a few hints as to the glorious travels my family and I enjoyed as guests of the people of China - not by members of the government of China, but by the people who are bonded to that Great Civilization by community, by family and by the land. Anyone expecting to read of any negative views in these Blogs should not read any of my posts, for I assure you, my experiences within China and my new view of China, are all very, very positive. See you on Wednesday.

June 06, 2018

ASIA:

A Timeout for Reflection in the Quest for Affirmation

My dearly beloved fellow humans, I hereby inform that as of today, June 06, 2018, I will take a timeout from writing this daily Blog. I hope to return in mid-August. However, should there be any major world event in the interim, I'll return from wherever I might be.

My much needed break amid a rapidly changing international socio-political and economic environment, hopefully, should accord me the opportunity to reflect on my love and service to humanity as well as to find the much needed affirmation of ideals I seek.

When I started this exhaustive and costly project in 2013 during the second-term of United States (US) President Barack Obama, I was eager, hopeful and very optimistic of spreading democracy, denouncing tyranny, protecting and supporting the rights of humankind, promoting equality, encouraging international peace and cooperation and protecting the environment. 

Five-years later, I stand deeply troubled of many reversals of progress accomplished by the human species and I am especially concerned of a "bad moon" rising over the global horizon. 

The human species has weathered many challenges during our history in order to reach this 2018. The overwhelming theme that has bonded men and women in the East and in the West toward the continuity of life on Planet Earth over the years, has been the development of community - locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Inequality, division, isolation and arrogance are enemies of all communities. Functioning communities hold the key to humankind's existence.

Some French communes, Chinese villages, German towns, African villages and English hamlets are among various places, I believe, where there are yet still some ideal models of functioning communities - places void of divisiveness, strife and selfishness. In one of these places, I hope to find the affirmation I seek. So I will look, I will rest and I shall soon return to my service to humanity.

Be well, be safe and love thy neighbor. Happy Summer!

June 05, 2018

ASIA:

From Hope and Pride to Uncertainty and Frustration - the United States Post Barack Obama

The United States (US), under the rational and international leadership of President Barack Obama, successfully emerged out of the misery and despair of the financial crisis of 2007-08 and its lingering after years effects. 

Critical banking and business industries were supported, streamlined and mended to weather the crisis. As employment gathered steam and profitability returned to US industries, President Obama maintained a healthy, robust, engaging and cooperative allied relationship with all tradition US friends in Canada, Mexico and Europe. Pride, respect and hope glared from Obama's Oval Office to across the US and reaching the international community.

That was then. Today, under Donald Trump, the US has adopted a policy of isolationism with a blatant disregard of any consideration to allies amid a torrid and acid approach to immigration matters and a questionable human rights handling of asylum seekers. Farmers and businesses are uncertain of the results of a Trump first-shot trade war with allies and with China. 

Moreover, rancid attacks on people and the institutions that allow for the faithful execution of the democratic process in the US, affirm the existence of an unprecedented and questionable presidency in the US in 2018.

Yet, academia and intelligence associates with whom I meet twice-a-week here in Washington, DC, remind me to remain resolute with the knowledge that the Republic will triumph over any individual and that I should not veer from my ideals of democracy, freedom and the rights of humankind. So far, I have kept the faith. 

But soon, I will take a month-long break from writing this Blog. I hope to spend time with family and to visit some of civilizations oldest cultural sites and places, hopefully to serve as a reminder of humankind's achievements and contributions completed in ideal cooperative communities, and not under such divisive conditions hovering over Trump's White House.

June 04, 2018

ASIA:

The Induced Coma of Democracy in America

If Russia, or China, or North Korea, or some other non-western nation deployed the damning humanitarian action of separating asylum seeking parents from their children at their borders, then much of civil society and rights groups would be inflamed in condemning such a practice. Yet the humanitarian-blighting practice is in effect in today's United States (US). 

That the Republic of George Washington, the Land of Abraham Lincoln, the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt, the Beacon of Ronald Reagan and the Hope of Barack Obama, has been reduced to the terms of separating desperate liberty-seeking families at the border, must therefore be a testament of an induced coma of democracy in America.

Moreover, that a sitting US president would seek to start a trade war with traditional allies, must yet be another example of a sleeping democracy. Also, the voiding of international agreements, criticisms and meddling into the operations of justice and investigative agencies, are yet additional examples of the induced coma of democracy in the US.

In most parliamentary democracies, a no confidence vote against the vector of the current government would suffice to reawaken democracy, but under the republican form of government, which Donald Trump heads, it seems as though democracy will have to continue sleeping for far too long of a period. 

Therefore, I can no longer be critical of any other governments because the blemish upon my own is far too shaming. I will ever be reminded of the adage: " You must first clean the cold from your eye before criticizing someone else's."  

June 03, 2018