A brother of a very dear friend was killed in Iraq this week. As I recall, he was an eager young man with ideals and a calling to serve his country. He was an exemplary soldier and recognized as a leader. He was under 25 years old.
The leaders of this country have the awesome responsibility of placing soldiers in harms way for varying reasons. As soldiers, soldiers must trust the leadership to act prudently. As citizens, we must determine whether our leaders are acting responsibly and are taking action when we find that they are not. Furthermore, I must take responsibility for my actions as a consumer and I ask you to consider the cost of comfort.
My MBA studies teach that Globalization is about corporations expanding operations into other countries. Supposedly, it's a good thing because it offers a potential increase in the standard of living of these countries. Evidence, unfortunately, show differently -- take a look at the results of NAFTA.
What happens when countries want us to help in other ways than corporations care to-- like the sharing of technologies-- and really don't want us to exploit their resources? Do we have the right to take diamond fields by force? What lessons did we learn with the abolition of slavery? Don't corporations have a charter to provide for the public well-being?
I'm quite emotional in thought now so I'll leave you to your day. I have only 40 miles more to ride today and I will cry as I grieve for my fellow soldier. He was a man who died serving his country, a country who has many people full of greed and even more people brainwashed into fear.
We have an opportunity to change society for the better, to stop complacency. Please tell me how because I have energy and will work towards a better vision.
Peace Be With You, Deb.