Identity Politics--"He's my man!"--vs. Self-Identity--"I'm a union man!"

 I hope that Bernie Sanders gets the unions going in industry and business as they were in the 1950s--but without the corruption.

The Middle Class really has no spokesman, except to rely upon some autocrat-populist who seeks their vote, no matter how he enriches his set of cronies and himself (which he seemingly regards as "none of their ((i.e., the voters')) business!" 

Some analysts have contended that the unions can't stand up to management because of immigration.  The companies keep wages down by hiring the foreign-born immigrants.  And it is true, seemingly, that in Japan as well as in the US, wages in factory jobs are kept down by hiring those that don't speak English or some other native language.

I took a temp job over one Christmas season with a company that hired both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking workers.  Trouble was that once a supervisor was hired that preferred not to speak English, gradually workers under him were no longer speaking English either, and finally, all the English-speakers left.  We had little choice in the matter.  Go on construction sites; and many times you'll find they're hired as a team--yep, a group of Latino workers.     

With the union label no longer attached to workers in a plant, a wage-earner may feel a loss of identity.  He can't stand up to the giant of his corporation.  He wants a voice--ah, "That's my man!"--his politician.  He looks the other way at the deeds the politician may be doing, nefarious though some of these might be; so long as he's working and making money to pay his bills.  Sadly, he may be impervious to the harm the working there might be doing to his health in the long run (like in professional football or in boxing).

Bernie, help the worker in search of his own self-identity!

Ukrainian President Zelensky's Losing Fight over Corruption

The Economist is reporting (p.48 of 11/14th/2020 issue) that the Ukrainian President is losing in the courts to corruption.  No doubt the corrupt governmental officials are being supported by Russia.

The Russian Federation's Constitution (in effect now) suffered a similar fate in the Russian judicial system over a period of 10 years when it was installed, but especially after President Putin got into office.  It's a common practice of would-be autocrats to control the courts, even as we witnessed in the US through the antics of President Trump.

The way to get to corruption in the federal government is through a free and unencumbered press, of course--the Fourth Estate.  A dictator naturally is drawn to a policy of eliminating any critical press person.  

Another way is to go underworld and try one's luck there.  But that's illegal, too.  It's trying to fight fire with the tools firemen use, but not being trained or allowed legally to use them.  I don't recommend it!  

President Zelensky could call upon NATO to help him come up with ideas.  And that's legal and may do the trick!

Mr. Johnson's Taking On Constitutional Reform

 I think there's a danger in thinking that 1) all people are equals and thereby entitled to full respect, 2) the rule of law is a necessary condition for justice, and 3) democracy is a natural longing of mankind--that these three assumptions are given descriptions of one's condition in nature; though indeed these may be what he or she wishes to be the case in his life.  For we know that individuals who take these as truths may in the course of one's lifetime have to die for believing them.

There is yet another assumption that we should grant as a prima facie truth:  we are born into a particular culture and are indeed not just a member of the human species but a Englishman, an American or a Chinese.  Now, the Chinese contend there are certain responsibilities that accrue to our being members of a particular culture.  These come forth in the Chinese disagreements with the Australians, as of late. 

For the Chinese government contends, as Chinese, we ought to serve the interests of our native land.  So that, if in business, we ought to be prosperous, even if it be as a result of accepting monetary subsidies from  the government to realize that prosperity.   

Now, as Americans, we don't recognize this as a presumptive given.  Certainly not.  Then, how should our diplomats talk with the Chinese whenever in our discussions with them they seek to convince us?  Or do we walk away and vow to limit our trade with them, if we continue to trade with them at all?

Clearly, we both--Chinese and American--look to trade with our trading partners to better our lives.  We want product-A; they produce product-A in which we have short supply, so we want to trade with them, if feasible.

But that is just the point.  When I was in China, in Beijing, talking with Chinese people I looked for common ground, in which we both share an interest and I was ready to make my point.  I found there was persecution of Christians; and sought in the Christian life some quality that the Chinese respected and could find of use of service to the government.  It was that a Christian Chinese was a good worker and known not be a slouch.  So, he was of value to the state.

I understand there are over 140 million Christians in China, today.     

Zambia's descent toward autocratic rule

 A debt problem of 120% of GDP.  Economist (11/14/20 issue)  Another country headed down to autocratic dominion over its populace: the lord of the fray, President Edgar Lungu.  

Zambia becomes like the many lately falling into debt, in the hands of a despot profligate.  Those who don't commit to his rule are driven to migrate somewhere else, where their hopes for survival might be greater.

Venezuela, you remember the country, still being ruled by Nicolas Madero.  Opposition Presidential candidate support weakening over time, even as numbers of those leaving the country grows.  Did the some 50 countries who endorsed him originally offer plans for reorganizing the government that would once again make it a prosperous nation?

One man rule.  Country looking up to him for direction that improves the fate of his people, especially his poor.

Does he know enough?  Are those that run his administration professionals, trained in their positions at some university or college from around the world? 

Why should some citizen submit to his rule?  Obvious.  Else that citizen will be dealt with by the military tribunal or some such with the authority of the state government.  And, they will be professionals, maybe.

Currently in Africa, Zambia and 5 other countries are woefully in arrears to the IMF.

     

Brookings: Discussion on topic ''The Future of Asia''

On 12/17/20 Brookings held an online discussion on "The Future of Asia" from 10-11:30 AM. The panel was introduced by Brookings' President John R. Allen and moderator was Ms. Mireya Solis.  Discussants: Richard Bush, Rush Doshi, Lindsey Ford, and Ryan Hass of Brookings.

While China is but one nation among the entire host of nations in Asia, it took a central place in the discussion.  First off, however, Ryan Hass acknowledged that due thanks was bestowed upon the US military for its crucial role in maintaining 40 years of worldwide peace with no major wars occurring, a fact recently alluded to by the present Queen of England in a recent address to her people.  

For not only has the US maintained bases and installations in over 150 nations but is performing yeoman service in assisting the Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression and leading in NATO to protect European countries.  However, several nations facing economic hard times have wondered aloud why the US does not do more economically for its friends the world over. e.g., providing expertise and grants and loans to upgrade infrastructures in their homelands.  While Trump is yanking US troops out of Afghanistan, Iraq and making Iran poverty-stricken, the new Administration in Washington may regard the few troops required to enable these countries to live in peace and free of war may be worth the monetary cost. 

At that juncture, talk may turn from what the US has done in the past to help its friends as to its seeming pulling back from providing much-needed foreign aid to augment commitments through the UN.  For China was entered the international scene primarily in the economic sphere, doing the construction of infrastructure primarily with their laborers from China, and making loans and providing grants to nations in need of its help.  

Now, it is the case that countries of Asia know China and have been trading with China for centuries. What is new is the political power China has gained on the world stage.  Several panelists noted that these neighboring nations are yet suspicious of China, because it's all so new that China is doing so much by way of manufacturing goods and extending monetary aid and displaying technical acumen and advanced knowledge.  Indeed, China is offering their technical achievements through their frequently government-subsidized corporations to companies throughout Asia that bring these countries up to speed!

And, withal, where is American business?  Is it still committed to the project, begun in the Renaissance, Globalization?  Does it intend to aid the poorer countries of the world to join 5G networks, for instance?

President Trump made clear these past 4 years of his Presidency that he does not support any such romantic notion.  He proved he was about US interests primarily.  But how about the Biden Presidency?

Several panelists alluded to the current way to bind trading countries together is in making coalitions whereby expertise and trading benefits are mutually exchanged. The TPP and coalitional trading groups are forming in the Asian region; and hopefully, US companies, perhaps with Chinese introductions, will come to enjoy some new-found trading partners from Asia.   

  

         

Brookings: Seminar Panels on Schools During Pandemic

 On December 15, 2020, 1:30 P.M. at the Brookings, Washington DC, an online presentation occurred bringing together educators in various positions of administration and teaching in the US schools to assess primarily the school system of grades K-12--as to how they're doing during the Pandemic in meeting educative goals.  There were so many participants, the discussants were divided into two panels moderated by Brookings people in the Brown Center for Education Policy: Douglas Harris and Jon Valant, moderators.

The participants willingly  imparted their views as to what's going on in the schools and by whom, etc.--a veritable outpouring of ideas and assessments of current trends throughout the country.  Significantly, they seemed to concur in assessing new trends.

1. There's plenty of educational institutions now given the green light for government support: the public schools, the charter schools, private schools--Catholic, and religious offerings in the elementary and high school levels.  Loads of options implied thereby for children whatever their backgrounds or native language.  These schools offer usually a lunch program and have available modest medical care on site.  There may be after-school activities conducted, too.  They veritably function as a home away from home--except the kids sleep at home!

2.  Virtual learning is available in cities and towns, but in rural areas, students may not have access to a computer--may not be given one to use while in school.  One participant pointed out that virtual learning usually is not led by a teacher specifically trained in the special features that online learning afford.  Possibly, the teacher in a virtual learning atmosphere functions more like a sports coach, say, in football, than as a dispenser of knowledge and truth--the traditional classroom role.  

3.  As the discussions proceeded in each panel, I was made aware that fundamentally the teachers in these schools fall back upon the children's parents for the authority of their presence and conduct in the schools.  This is made clear in the selection process of the school to which the parents decide to send each of their children: whether to a traditional school or charter, for example.  

That being implied, it would behoove the schools to establish a rapport with the parents--reach out to them for their ideas and comments.  In a tutor situation, for instance, the tutored child's parents could be visited in their home, one day when a child was accompanied with his tutor for a at-home visit.  One person voiced the opinion that the students should be involved in the designs of the educative experiences at the school.

Another participant claimed from her experience that the native language of the child should be taught additionally to the language spoken where he resides, whenever possible, to make the cultural transition smooth.

4.  Emphasis was given to the need to translate employment opportunity into curriculum offerings and topics to make meaningful the economics involved in learning new knowledge and skills, especially, computer programs irrespective of student social backgrounds.

5.  The need for accountability regarding what is offered in the classroom that will be useful to the students and the groups that should do the school and curricula evaluations was taken up.  Colleges and universities tend to be relied upon as the traditional evaluators of whether the educative experience of grades K-12 is valuable to students is now conjoined with the community colleges who are mindful of what talents and skills should be developed in the lower grades as emphasized through their technical programs, developed with business people.

All-in-all, I found the two-hour presentation chuck-full of ideas and thoughts as fodder for future planning sessions of how schools can meet the needs of learning what will be useful to their students turned adults.    

On the Inhumane treatment of Muslims in China's Xinjiang Province; areas in France

I've studied the situation in China on trips to Beijing and I'm familiar with the problems the Muslims have had in various areas around the world.  I've contended the major block to peaceful acceptance of the Muslims worldwide are the actions of the jihadists to establish a religious kingdom on earth--a doctrine that inspired early Muslims many centuries ago.  Any government who has to tackle the declarations of an independent state on their territory must take military action to thwart such jihadist hostile attempts, even as Mr. Macron has stated should there be such an uprising in France. 

I am a Christian and upon visiting Beijing some years ago, I was told many stories from those who had witnessed persecution of the Christians.  That was the time when religious services were held in worshipers' homes.  I talked with representatives of the Beijing government about the conditions under which there would be open practice of the Christian religion in China.

The major point they wished to make was that whether or not a Chinese was a Christian was of little importance to the government compared to his essential affirmation that he was Chinese and therefore subject to the rule and the laws of China--first and foremost.  

For my part, I stressed that Chinese Christians have the reputation of being hard workers, dedicated to their country and wish to contribute with their labor to the good of the Chinese way of life, as spelled out in various revered governmental documents.

I tried to stress that there need be no conflict for a Chinese citizen in good standing to also be a devout Christian, to practice Christian values in his daily activities for the good of the country and the Chinese people.

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I read many years ago the plight of the Mormons who first came to  this country to practice their religion.

They were harassed and persecuted from one settlement to the next; and finally ended up in Illinois.  But there too, the persecution continued.  One night after apparently having supper or at least sitting down for the meal, they got from the dinner and took off!  --To claim as their final territory where they would practice their religion in Utah, near the Salt Flats.

And look how proud the country is today of those Mormons who have served their country over the Centuries.  In my visits to Salt Lake City, I marvel how they have reached out to the poor and the aimless in the West with the hope for a bright future ahead--yes, offering as part of their vision a blessing from that community of believers.  It has proven to change lives, forsaking a lonely destitution.

The point I wish to make is to me an obvious declaration:  With God's help I shall fulfill my duties as a citizen of the United States, even as I regard my Chinese friends in China similarly dedicated to the Chinese Republic.  For I recognize myself as an American possessing a spiritual dimension. 

The Essential Essence of Globalization

 In the October 10th issue of the Economist there's an insert Special Report on the World Economy.  It's worth reason for the fair evaluation it makes of the international project going since the Renaissance known as GLOBALIZATION.  

What's the current fundamental reason for the project on today's economic scene?  Simply, to unite all peoples on the globe for the sake of preservation of the human race.  To prevent the race's self-destruction.

Few intelligensia are aware of the near conflicts erupting during the 1960s and 1970s--the "have-not nations of the world" vs. the advanced "haves."  Then, Nixon was President and minutiae wars were being conducted in Afghanistan, the Koreas and Indochina regions.  But there were rumblings from social "flames" occurring in Africa. Globalization, a movement really begun by the mercantile class, continued colonization of the poor countries around the globe, and countries The Netherlands, England were prominent movers of goods and people in their ships, colonizing where the ships landed.

The world was recovering from World Wars where ruling thugs were hell-bent on stealing the riches from the European trade giants who made out like bandits raking in the riches of the New World in previous Centuries.  

Globalization, plotting along around the world as an intellectual revolution of its own meant that the complaining, envious "have-not" nations could be mollified with promises of their countries' development soon as could be arranged, promises given to disparate interracial mobs wherever they gathered.  Communism, even, was taken seriously as an alternative governmental structure to resolve the glaring economic disparity between the two factions on the world scene.  To prevent robbing blindly the wealthy nations, the poor were told that a religious miracle would bring about a change in the world that righted the wrongs which only luck had distributed poverty to those who had not benefited from the plunders of the great powers--excluding the United States.

Where we have learned to respect those in poverty and sought to rewrite their cultural histories to restore their dignity as human beings, through the use of globalization, much good is coming as a long-awaited result of the project. But just as frequently, we have seen these "have-not" nations lapse into famine and disease with no hope of  trusting to promises of the "haves."  

But here is the point I want to make.  Amid all this talk of "Yes, Yes, Yes" we will stand with you, made by the "haves" through such financial institutions as their IMF, particularly to South American countries, and the World Bank, nevertheless, through the efforts of the Roguish President Richard Nixon, China has grown into an international giant, tangibly offering to especially the African "have-nots"--though nearly to every have-not nation around the globe--economic relief through trade and commerce with them--China.

This surd in history has not met well with the kingpins of roulette, particularly, in the Trump Camp.  I quote from the Economist: "America's share of Chinese imports and exports fell to its lowest in 27 years (recently), before (its)WTO entry.  America circumvented and then sabotaged the WTO, stopping the nomination of judges to its appeal board and thus its ability to adjudicate trade disputes." p. 7 of insert.  So that, China became the trader of the world, while other nations that once were big in world trade came under the rule of the pandemic!  Trump's retort, "We've WON!" 

    

What the Pandemic's major lesson is to us all!

The importance of living in a community that's livable!

 We have come to realize the importance of stores in our neighborhood that meet our needs.  Of having in close proximity a hospital, a church or place of worship, convenient transportation and above all, people around us in time of need and of personal grief and sorrow.

China is moving its citizenry off vacated farmlands into places known as "village consolidations."  It's forced upon the people of that area  But we have come to know that it's not wise simply to let people go it alone--unaware of what disasters they are foisting on themselves and their loved ones.  

I remember teaching at Ohio University in the midst of poverty, as a result of the closure of the coal mines in Southeastern Ohio.  The residents who stayed on past the heyday of the industry seemed so lost and bewildered by all the vacant homes about theirs.  We need to have concern for one another, to help each other relocate to places livable for us humans--not simply exist in a shack with an outhouse out back.  You can see them still in the aerial shots of the western states on TV. 

I hope President-Elect Biden and his team will reach out into the very byways of our country with a message of mercy and care for one another.  When I was working in the computer industry many years ago, I learned early on to know the signs of a company I was working for about to go under; and would beat it out to better opportunities.  That is to say, I'd search for a "village consolidation" where I could prosper by reaching out--networking  through friends and professional organizations for leads to a livable and sustaining community.

Never should the human being "have no choice bu to move into these (forced) settlements!" p. 34 of the October 3rd Economist issue, regarding the present-day Chinese experience of the poor.

Here, the Army Corps of Engineers and the civilian administration should make part of its infrastructure upgrade agenda beautifying the country by getting rid of the slums in the inter-city and the shacks and junk of bygone years left to rot at the locales where they once were part of a thriving and prosperous vicinity.

LIVE AMONG PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT YOU--I think.  

  

   

Fareed Zakaria's Plea for Restructuring the federal government to be more democratic!

Today, Sunday, December 6, 2020, on CNN's program GPS, Fareed urged that the country should learn from the experience of Donald Trump's one term as President of the United States: the lesson: The US should be even more democratic! 

I couldn't agree more!

But, we need an institution within the federal government that serves as the continuing presence of democracy to assure the federal government is actively promoting democracy internally and externally (e.g., through membership in international  cooperative institutions). 

Compare the United States with Great Britain.  I have argued that the Commonwealth of Nations of the UK is just such that institution; and should be recognized for its yeoman service for the democracy's cause among nations.

It's easy to do.  Currently, elections of the Venezuelan parliament are underway.  They are crying for international observers to be on the scene.  None there, even no way to shame its government into allowing nonpartisan control of the elections.

The point is, as nations in Africa are attempting to embrace democratic practices, there must be concerted effort among the seasoned democracies to help the neophytes.

As things stand now, a dictator can assure his power so long as he lives.  Then another dictator can have his sway.  Where are the people's democratic governments to give succor to those countries wishing that their own citizens could lead a life democracy affords to the citizens of democratic countries?  

Meanwhile, the world would suffer under the brandishment of the sword of just another "live it up, Jack, for tomorrow I'm no longer around!" tyrant.    

    

Democracy's troubling aspects within the conduct of American policy today

Nearly every analyst of the practices of democracy in the conduct of American policy alludes to two central problems in making democracy work as it should within US polity.  But with the appearance of President D. Trump on the political scene the problems of maintaining a democratic belief in the will of the people to formulate American legislation has come into jeopardy.  The problem arises with the instrument known as an executive order.  It has been reinforced by the Senate's majority leader's privilege of setting the agenda for Senate consideration of proposed legislation, such that the Senate might not be given opportunity to consider a legislative proposal without the Majority Leader's placement of the item on its agenda.

But the first, the fundamental claw, at the powers of Congress is the executive order granted to the President.  A president of the US need not turn to Congress to gain approval for a policy he wishes to become law of the land.

One man in the administration is granted the right to set tariffs, to determine the international organizations and documents that the United States becomes a participant in or resigns from, etc.  We have already witnessed how the current President has sustained a trade war with China, instituted and maintained by his will alone, seemingly, no matter its consequences to the economy at home or abroad.

This goes against the grain of a democracy in everyday action to promote the will of the people in the policies of government. 

   

 

Crises in Ethiopia: A truly democratic Constitution in the hands of a demagogue

What I think is happening in Ethiopia: a remarkable "advanced" democratic constitution has been adopted.  It bears resemblance in features to we tried to bring to Russia in its new constitution, still in effect, adopted in the 1990s. As reported in the November 7th issue of the Economist, the Ethiopian constitution in effect "guarantees self-rule for each of Ethiopia's ten ethnically based states--and even the right to secede." (p. 40)  In these respects, it contains items I was pushing for in 1989 in Moscow for their new constitution.  

The point is that with powerful and traditionally maintained ethnic cultures within the nation's provinces, it makes sense at the national level to grant local autonomy.  I frequently point to Canada, where Quebec is an integral part of the whole of Canada, but is permitted autonomy at the provincial level of government.

Would that Russia would grant to the region in its territory that is predominantly Muslim!  But Putin would not, preferring to reduce Muslim citizens in the area to the status of slaves to the state.  So too, in China.  

In Ethiopia, the central government wants iron control over its 10 ethnic states.  It will permit no self-rule that exists that might allow departure from the rule by law laid forth by its dictator-head.

...Until there comes another after him--assuming during his reign, he can fight off all the ethnic groups that take him on.