Picking Schoolyard Fights

Like a bully does, schoolyard fights begin small. Taunting. Name calling. Childish. Threatening. Demeaning.


It doesn’t take much to spark a reaction. Then a push or poke. And a punch. The fight begins; small at first but growing quickly. Others may join in. Chaos soon reigns.


Authorities may appear to stop the skirmishing. In many places such bosses are not available. Especially in dark alleys and poorly lit hallways. The bully knows where these places are. Perfect for picking a fight with no supervision. Maximum damage that way. Pure satisfaction deep somewhere inside.


The bully is perpetrator. The place is anywhere poorly viewed. The victim always present; this is the way of the world. You and I are followers of rules. We believe in respecting the other person. We try to be kind most of the time. We avoid trouble best we can. Too often, though, trouble finds us. The bully always knows who is vulnerable.


Does any of this resonate with your view of the world? Today? How about Syria, or Iraq? Iran come to mind? Or Afghanistan, Libya, Korea or Japan? What do you think of China and Russia? Are they the victims? Hardly. And the US? What about our role now and in the past?


China has its own agenda. So does Russia. But of the two, Russia spoils for a fight. China does not. It is positioning itself for regional hegemony, not political power. Russia, on the other hand, is a spoiler and trouble maker. It seems to think being the bully or nasty kid on the block, earns her street creds. Of course it doesn’t.


But the bully plays his own game close to his vest. And America has its own bully. He struts the world stage as though he is all powerful. He isn’t. knowledge is the true power. He doesn’t have much of that.


Yes, tRump is the bully here. Worse, he plays bully in his own country, his own neighborhood, and then ventures foolishly out into the world community. Friends and foes alike are dealt with little distinction. Showy displays of power. Smirks and insults tossed. Where this will end, no one knows. Certainly not him.


I’d rather have a trade war than a shooting war. Much less dangerous. And less costly. But damaging just the same.


Best we engage diplomacy and intellect here. Cool the jets. Return naval fleets to home ports. Put a lid on the missiles. Keep the troops home. Don’t even hint at an armed conflict unless someone starts it. Then, let’s get back to the bargaining table and hammer out trade agreements:

1.      Agricultural products traded globally feed the most people at lowest cost for best health of many

2.      Manufactured goods traded globally meet the needs of the most people at lowest cost for the best gain

3.      Intellectual property can be used at a cost, but not traded. Ownership remains in country of origin. IOP is safeguarded. It remains with the nation who nurtures and researches the major advancement of mankind. China, make your own. You too, Russia.

4.      Trade minerals and raw materials with those who can do the most good with them for the commongood of all people everywhere

Those are the rules. Now keep them and settle disputes among you with intelligence and good nature.

Bullies not allowed. Here at home or abroad. They make for nasty playmates.


May 16, 2019