Once Upon a Time...

That title could begin many a blog. Especially if it is like this one, a daily journal of life meeting life…a journal documenting the search for meaning as it unfolds. The title could summon memories of very young youth, or early smites of love, or career moments of clarity; you get the idea. A look into the past.

Or the title could conjure views at laying out a story of exemplary meaning. Totally made up to illustrate a point.

But there is a third way of using the title. This is the one I choose to use today.

Once upon a time we saw the world directly and simply. We did not construct diabolical plot lines suggesting vast enemy forces pitted against us personally or our way of life. As time edged forward, and as we exited each of the world wars in the last century, Americans began to understand the world as dangerous.  Pitfalls were many. We built defenses against each of them, or at least as many as we could handle.

Over time these pitfalls took on heroic plotlines that engineered fascinating sci-fi novels and movies. The Bourne Identity is one such story line made into a successful line of novels and an even more successful series of thriller movies. We became enamored with ‘mission impossible’ themes. We identified with the hero. We assumed the mantle of righteousness and victory over evil. It birthed the whole America as Superhero persona.

Now where are we? Where do we see ourselves fitting in? Do we believe the hype that the world awaits our savior act? That failure to take action in the face of evil is a sign of weakness?

Or do we follow a path which will actualize international forces to act in unison against evil?

The 1950’s are long gone. They are part of our past and the foundation in believing in ourselves as heroes. Superman comics came not only of age, but of TV fame as Clark Kent and Lois Lane lived in the real world, saw the evil, and called upon Superman to fix things; miraculously, but predictably. All was well after just 29 minutes of story and ads.

But those days were unsophisticated. Dawning chic maybe, but still quite unsophisticated. As we learned more about our enemies, their cultures and belief systems, their personalities and strengths, we grew in diplomacy. The British had taught the world a lot about international relationships and how an ambassador was to perform his/her duties. But as we learned more we also came to the realization that diplomacy serves the nation of action, not the nation of targeted interest. The Brits wanted oil supplies, or strategic transportation and trade routes. They sought countervailing political strengths that would avoid war or instigate it for specific purposes. They became world actors with ulterior motives. And the British suspense novel became a genre on its own!

Later as the United Nations was formed and peace became the number one goal of the organization, world regimes and diplomats had to contend with a vast learning curve.  Who were we individually on this stage of influence? What roles were we expected to play? How could we manipulate our roles to achieve desired outcomes? Both for our nation and allies? As well as for magnifying the world’s view of our prestige and future influence?

How much was the UN focused on peace? How much was it aimed at prevailing influence and amalgamation of power? How much of the organization was, in fact, perverted to evil purposes? If any? Indeed?

There are those throughout the world and among our own countrymen that argue vehemently that the UN has become not only perverted, but promiscuous! That it is evil and working at cross purposes to the USA. There are many who point to the UN as an enemy force within our borders and that we should resign our membership. After all our dues pays the majority of the UN’s operating budget. But then we would be slipping into a very tired and worn argument.

The UN is not about America. It isn’t about China, or Russia or Germany or the Middle East or even of Africa. No. The UN is about peace. Defining it. Finding it. Working towards it. In a sea of immense distrust and cultural mismatching. The odds are stacked against the world in regards to peace. It is an enormous task to find, nurture and keep it.

Yes, peace is a universal good. Only very good things come from Peace. The opposite is also true. During periods of no peace, evil struggles into view. It does what it will for the selfish ends of a few powers or ideologies. Chaos is the devil’s workshop, they say. And one can see how that would work.

Operating from our own camp, as one does in most nations, it is easy to wonder what others think of our nation, what it might be up to, what designs it may have on you. The mind works up many scenarios. Eventually one either has to believe the theme of fear, or sets out to learn the facts. Diplomacy does that, or is supposed to.  If successful most emissaries will learn these startling facts:

• People around the globe seek harmony for themselves and their families
• People seek food, shelter and safety for themselves and their families
• When basic needs are met, higher aims are pursued
• Health care and healthy life styles are pursued
• Education is engaged and lives are broadened along with minds
• Cultures are plumbed for meaning and cogency
• Artistic expressions are encountered, embraced and meaning sought
• Understanding between two or more cultures and their peoples grows
• Both of these yearn for shared understanding and life experiences
• Sharing of assets for common goals emerge
• Peace spontaneously has a chance to break out!

Well this may be a little rosy but you see where this is going. Staying alone and apart in our own neighborhood makes us edgy and fearful and maybe a little paranoid. Encountering people where they live in their neighborhood tears down barriers to understanding. The journey itself helps build commonality and peace results.

The UN is a useful organization. Its role is idealistically purposeful and good. Maintaining that role is the important message here. We must stay engaged in the world. We must help it be all that it can be. Not for ulterior motives, but for peace. Peace that we all can enjoy and prosper in.

Peace is not the only reward. Common understanding and strivings worked on among the global community brings maximum benefits. We learn to enjoy the little things; and the big ones, too. Most importantly we learn to value each other and what we can do for each other. Sharing leads to peace, I think. But first we must remain engaged. No big sticks please. Leave them at home. Just bring your open mind and your goodwill.

And hope. It begets peace nicely. It’s worth our continuing efforts.

June 12, 2012