Pandemic and other threats. Re-thinking Globalization

Discussion in 'Political Opinions & Beliefs' started by Mike12, Mar 29, 2020.

  1. Mike12

    Mike12 Well-Known Member

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    We are seeing the problems globalization creates in these trying times.

    With a Country so dependent on cheap labor abroad, the U.S. is ill prepared to handle shortages of essential manufactured goods/equipment during times of world wars or pandemics. Look at how China is even donating equipment to countries like Italy and we, struggling and needing to invoke the defense production act to force companies to manufacture what is required.

    The dependency on other Countries economically also creates major problems during pandemics, when shutting off a foreign Country completely is not a viable option.

    Had the United States had a bigger manufacturing capacity, a protected manufacturing industry, it would not be so dependent on Countries like China, for essential goods. Had the United States not depended so much on Global supply chain, we could've cut off all travel and fared better.

    it is not all about making profits, industries needed during times of war or pandemics need to be protected. Japan does this to a certain extent, U.S. does not. We need to make sure we can produce our own energy resources, food and manufacture all essential equipment/goods necessary for basic existence.

    We should've cut off China completely early on and the rest of the world as-well, we could've prevented even 1 single case in U.S. Now we have 100k> and will probably turn into millions.

    This pandemic will make us re-think our approach to globalization. When some speak of nationalism and re-building our manufacturing industry and making us energy independent, it is not racism or isolationism. It is a basic and prudent approach, to make sure U.S. is not too dependent on other Countries during times of world wars and pandemics. Time to re-brand 'nationalism' as inherently American and morally right. Time to make sure that we protect our manufacturing industries going forward, re-build our decimated manufacturing industry. Time to look at Globalization in a different light, being too dependent on the rest of the world can be devastating during times of world crisis.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2020
  2. stone6

    stone6 Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    I understand your point, but our "globalization" today is mostly based on economics, not political organization. We may either "retreat" behind our own borders and live with what I believe would turn out to b e a false sense of security, or bring our political organizations up to date to match a globalized economy.

    Years ago, it was common thought to recognize that "free trade" had certain acceptable exceptions: 1) new start-up industries and 2) national security. The latter touches on your point and you are right. There use to be a "critical materials list," that required the maintenance of a critical materials industrial base. Would be interesting to research what happened to that list? It may still exist, but I doubt it includes medical supplies or many new materials necessary to new technologies. "Free trade" theory seems to have eliminated the exceptions. Two reasons I can think of: 1) low cost labor via off-shore contracting and 2) the development of foreign overseas markets, via corporate and financial globalization.

    Not quite sure how you get to "nationalism" as inherently "American and morally right?" I think you have to at least be open to the thought that "nationalism" may be antiquated and a step back into the past.
     
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  3. Oh Yeah

    Oh Yeah Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Globalism is a utopians dream. You know. Why can't we all just get along? We're all in this together. It takes a village. We're our brothers keeper. Teach 'em how to fish. Only $19 a day. We are the world. Pass it on. Love one another. For the children's sake. Ad nauseum, Ad nauseum, Ad nauseum. We have a slogan for everything. So why isn't working? A couple thoughts. Feel free to opine.

    1. Tribalism

    2. Religion

    3. Power

    4. Territory

    5. Politics

    6. Culture

    7. Envy

    8. Race

    9. Independence

    10. Socialism
     
  4. Daniel Light

    Daniel Light Well-Known Member

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    Have to disagree on some levels - after a thousand years of war between the great nations of Europe and Asia, we now have relative peace, in great part because nations have become more dependent on each other for trade and tourism dollars. The world is a much safer place overall than it was 80 years ago - and the trend has steadily been improving.
     
  5. jdog

    jdog Banned

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    While I agree with you stance on globalism, you need to understand the problem goes much deeper, and the problem cannot be solved until you solve the root problem which are corporations.
    When the US began, men like Thomas Jefferson wrote about the dangers of corporations, having seen the damage and the evil they were capable of in Europe.
    In fact, corporations were not allowed in the US except for large public projects and then only for as long as it took to complete the project.
    You see the forefathers knew that the purpose of corporations were to create a legal entity that allowed men to do unethical and illegal things without fear of prosecution. They knew that corporations once established would one day own the government and nullify the rights and control of the people.
    That is exactly the situation we have today. Corporations own all government from cities, and counties, up to the President, and Supreme Court.
    The Federal Reserve who creates our money and loans it to our government is a corporation.
    You will never be able to combat the problems of globalism until you address the underlying problem of corporation, because it is the corporation who are behind the globalist agenda.
     
  6. Oh Yeah

    Oh Yeah Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    When it comes to history Dan a small period of peace isn't much. There use to be peace in Lebanon and Palistine and beautiful places to visit but not today. The whole Mideast is only one misstep away from blowing up. Russia has her eyes on Poland and the Baltics and Ukraine again. The U.K has withdrawn from the EU and their is discord even there between Great Britain and Scotland and Ireland. There are other countries watching the UK and they are in the market to also leave. North Korea and Japan are just one missile going astray from being at war. China, Russia and Iran are waging war through cyberspace. (We would deny it but I think we are also) South America and Africa has turmoil and strife dotted all over the landscape. Then again the younger generations I'm sure are tired of it all and we can always be hopeful for the future.
     

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