TJP

The Economy and National Security Hinge on Relationships

By Byron A. Ellis-November 29, 2008

The economic crisis has hit bottom and recovery has begun. Although doom and gloom pundits will continue to predict that the worse is yet to come, they’ve seldom got it right. Many predicted that the economy could absorb high crude oil prices and blamed the downturn on poor homeowners receiving sub prime mortgages

Lower gas prices will continue to stimulate the economy and the steady and deliberate leadership of the president elect Obama will continue to instill confidence public confidence.

Americans are to be commended for electing Barack Obama as president; they made a wise and prudent choice in choosing a new American vision. That new vision, however, must become a reality, not only for Americans but also for the rest of the world.

The American government must become more business-like and view nations as customers. Businesses prosper by understanding the needs of customers. Thus, the United States must understand the needs of nations, even those that the Bush administration perceive as adversaries, and devise collaborative strategies to advance shared socio-economic goals within a framework of mutual security and respect.

The belligerent-aggressor model does not work; it only creates costly and unnecessary friction. For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword (Matt 26:52).

Civilized nations should not be warring with one another. Rather, they should be using available technologies to advance productivity and friendship among all nations.

Nations and groups that use indiscriminant violence creates enemies around them and in their midst. Nations that show justice and support to adversaries will gain their confidence and be able to live in peace.

Certainly, the notion of loving and serving adversaries may seem naïve and simplistic, but for believers it is the message of Christ. For example we are told in Matt 5:44, that we should love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and do good to those who persecute us.

Christians miss the mark when they ignore this powerful teaching. Clearly, we cannot gather if we’ve no love, and we cannot be one with Christ if we’re selfish.

Therefore, it is paramount for the president elects not only to signal steadfastness in the economic system and in the nation and world’s security, but also in America’s willingness resolved differences with adversaries.

Relationships with adversaries, like the economy and security, cannot wait; good relationship is a fundamental element of the economic and security systems.

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