The World - Going to Hell in a Handbasket?

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 102) December 9, 2015

A few weeks ago I got a message from a well-informed reader who mused about the world’s political landscape, he observed “…how much the world has changed in the last 50 years….not sure if it’s because we have instant reports from around the globe or if it’s actually going down the drain…either way, it can be tough remaining optimistic.”  While I whole heartedly agree with the reader’s observations, my views go a step further and are much more ominous of what is likely to be if reasons aren’t determined and solutions not found.

As to the reasons for the present struggles, wars and general mayhem there is little doubt in my mind, there are five realities that are quite evident today and didn’t exist 50 years ago, realities that must be addressed in very short order:

1.   The war against ISIS in the middle-east must be upgraded, if for no other reason, to contain the spread of ISIS as an Islamic State.  Canada’s decision to withdraw its fighter jets from the war zone is a mistake that must be compensated for by offering much more support to US led coalition forces.

2.   The war against domestic terrorism must be upgraded to include   Muslim community efforts to eliminate radicalization measures.  Canada’s Security Measures Act (C-51) must be used with determination and close supervision by parliament.

3.   Individual rights and freedoms opposite a citizen’s obligation to the state must be clearly defined with parameters and well clearly promulgated to the nation.  Hate speech and the promotion of hate speech should be considered an indictable offence.

4.   Nation building initiatives are sorely lacking in Canada.  To build a nation that is more secure and sustainable opposite selling off assets to other nations, or allowing other nations to invest in Canada on their terms is unacceptable.  Clearly define what it means to be a Canadian.  Review the Trans Partnership (TPP) agreement and determine what is best for Canada in light of some very dangerous economic forces and trends.

5.    Climate change measures being formulated and agreed to internationally must be agreed to domestically as well.  The standards set over the next while should be incorporated into any and all past, present, future agreements.  The Trans Pacific Partnership agreement should incorporate the “wished for targets” set at the Paris Climate Change Conference, and that means opening up the TPP for further negotiations.