Order and Trust

Routines and protocols emerge over time. This is true in my life, most likely yours as well, and most of us in general. Our institutions work this way, too. And governments.

Well established protocols keep processes working smoothly regardless of changes in the environment. As leaders come and go – bosses and co-workers, too – process keeps us humming efficiently until goals and methods are changed.

Most change comes after serious analysis, consideration of alternatives, as well as outcomes re-thought. An effective organization becomes so through careful thought and analysis. They know their subject matter well, have historical perspective as well, and are well acquainted with what is realistic and what is not.

International affairs thrive on this. How we manage relationships among friends, enemies and everyone else is handled by protocols. These procedures are done for effectiveness and realism, not politeness. Being polite, of course, is a good thing. Friends, however, usually employ casual methods to transact business and agreements. Politeness helps and is encouraged, but not always necessary.

Over decades and generations, we come to know each other well, trust our relationships and respect order and process. All of this provides a solid basis of knowledge and forward motion in our relationships.

Style and personality sometimes enter these relationships. Protocols and process may be interrupted from old patterns. But the work still gets done. Relationships are retained and nourished. Trust is deepened and relied upon.

Until something breaks the rhythm and cracks the trust.

That is what we are confronted with currently. American style and personality, long relied upon as a communication enhancer and builder of trust, is suspended. US relations with Mexico are in tatters. Same with Canada and the leaders of the European Union community. Harsh words, mean name calling and bumptious behavior have unsettled trust with our long-time allies.

What now? A very good question.

As upsetting as this may be, something else should be noticed. The work needing to get done keeps getting done. People tasked with roles and routines continue to perform them. Transactions are completed. Conversations and polite greetings, as well. Life goes on with most routines uninterrupted.

Schools continue to teach. Banks operate as before. Music, concerts, plays and art exhibits are held and planned. Businesses function as before. And people continue to think, act and behave as usual.

Life goes on. The world continues on its path around the sun.  People all over the globe continue their life patterns as though nothing has happened. 

And charities do their work, healing the sick, comforting the frightened, housing the homeless and feeding the hungry. 

Each of us continues to live our lives. In doing that trust is built among each other. New friends are made at home and abroad because each of us is our own ambassador of goodwill. That builds relationships of trust. 

There will always be troublemakers. We can either cower or move on to do the work that matters. I choose the latter. If enough of us do, perhaps the troublemakers will take notice?

With those ideas in mind, what kind of world community could we construct?

June 15, 2018