New World Disorder [View all]

[H2O Man]

On September 11, 1990, President Geoege H. W. Bush spoke of a “new world order.” At the time, many critics assumed it was a clumpy attempt by a poor public speaker to sound inspirational in describing the promise that the post-Cold War held. In fact, it marked one of the very few times Bush spoke honestly, although he attempted to make the plan sound beneficial to everyone, especially US and Soviet citizens.

A quarter of a century later, it is evident that this new world order has not brought stability, much less security, to the world at large. It has helped a tiny minority to prosper. And it is in this context that we should view the TPP -- for it is nothing, if not an agreement by the wealthy elite, disguised as an international trade deal.

Bush attempted to sound like Woodrow Wilson advocating for the United Nations. But Wilson’s post-WW1 attempt to prevent the international tensions that led to warfare was sincere, and based upon both the rule of law, and respect for every nation’s sovereignty. The TPP is distinct: it is an attempt to over-ride governments, and institute the authority of multi-national corporations.

After WW2, a new reality was created in the United States -- a strong middle class. Although looking back, we can see that this was primarily the territory of white men, it would provide opportunity for others to struggle for social justice. And, for several decades, it allowed US citizens to live in a level of material comfort that had not been experienced by human beings in the past. Indeed, it created a lifestyle that most global inhabitants today do not have.

A solid case can be made for the concept that this lifestyle did not improve the quality of life -- except in material comfort -- for many people. This is evidenced by the rates of mental illness, especially depressive disorders; suicide; violence, including but not exclusively gun-related; and rates of drug dependence, abuse, and addiction. This includes, of course, both illegal and legal substances, even those prescribed by a doctor.

America’s military might allowed it to exploit the resources -- human and material -- from much of the world. Exploitation by corporations, including the military-industrial complex, was greatest in “Third-World” nations. Likewise, the USSR had sections of the world it exploited, and competed with Uncle Sam for access to the Third World.

Times changed. The Soviet Union came apart at the seams. US corporations began to cooperate with foreign businesses in manners that displayed a total lack of anything that could be mistaken for patriotism, excepting only their commercials and ads. The leaders of various nations were primarily fronting for these corporations.

As a rule, American presidents talk about their desire for peace. Yet, it would be difficult to identify when we haven’t been involved in wardare -- though not in the manner identified by the Constitution of the United States, nor against specific nations. But a general policy that involves violence of the type that benefits powerful US corporate interests -- including, of course, those of the military-industrial complex.

Indeed, although the general public was distracted, there was even a shift between the exclusive use of the US military, to hiring “private contractors” -- with tax dollars, and without Congressional oversight. These “private contractors” began as the “security” forces of various corporations, which sometimes morphed into a corporate identity of their own. But hey, corporations ARE people. Just ask the US Supreme Court.

While Americans are busy fighting about “social issues” -- primarily rooted in one group’s attempting to prove their church employs the biggest god on earth -- corporations have focused on purchasing the best politicians that money can buy. That’s not to say that all politicians are corporate lap dogs. But most are. And the few who aren’t willing to “rise above their principles” for the good of the team get run over, one way or another.

Non-US corporate elitists know that their populations require a higher standard of living, in order to insure that they can be more fully exploited. And US corporations are willing partners. Heck, they are eager to pay workers less money, not have to deal with unions, or obey pesky environmental laws. And, as we have witnessed, there is a corresponding decrease in US citizens’ living standards. That “middle class” ain’t what it used to be.

We have options. One is to do nothing, and just accept this new world disorder. Another would be to focus entirely upon which candidate favors our positions on social issues; indeed, they are important. A third option would be to exercise the rights, and live up to the responsibilities, that the Constitution provides for. And that obviously includes actively supporting those politicians who aren’t owned by corporate interests.

Peace,
H2O Man