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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Global Security By Bridge Building: Navy Admiral and NATO Supreme Allied Commander

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millau_Viaduct

 "When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him." 
Jonathan Swift

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Dear A,

If you're not familiar with TED Talks, here's good opportunity to check them out. http://www.ted.com/talks/james_stavridis_how_nato_s_supreme_commander_thinks_about_global_security.html

In this talk, Navy Admiral, James Stavridis (who also serves as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and Commander of the US European Command), gives his thoughts on Global Security.

"Imagine global security driven by collaboration -- among agencies, government, the private sector and the public." That's not just the distant hope of open-source fans, it's the vision of James Stavridis, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of the US European Command. Stavridis shares vivid moments from recent military history to explain why security of the future should be built with bridges rather than walls."

"What will 21st-century security look like? Navy Admiral James Stavridis suggests that dialogue and openness will be the game-changers."  Full bio

According to Stavridis, “Walls don't work. … Instead of building walls to create security, we need to build bridges.” 

The admiral confirms my longstanding belief that peacemaking is at least as important as warmaking, and that service is the cornerstone of peace. 

Without the development of post-tribal service orientation -- whether "tribe" is defined ethnically or religiously -- untenable divisions will continue to grow within The Human Family.

As remedy, I support two years of obligatory national service - years when young people will choose to serve in a radically re-defined "War Corps," or in a radically re-defined "Peace Corps." 

The recent triumph of rugged individualism over communitarianism (at most formal, political levels) spotlights America's decline toward "failed statehood."

Universal, post-tribal service can reverse this trend.

"Conservatives" will oppose this service because they prefer their children pay undistracted attention to personal profitability. 

"Liberals" will oppose such service because, in their own way, they too have despaired of government as an agency for good. 

Despite bipartisan opposition, obligatory national service is a good idea.

Reflecting on the World War II draft, it is clear (to me at least) that obligatory national service was the specific mechanism that made "The Greatest Generation" the greatest. 

Pax on both houses

Alan

PS Obligatory national service would also achieve "single payer" health coverage by sweeping everyone under the VA umbrella.


                                                                    Bridge Building

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