History's Perspective

The wages of our times are products of history. Realizing that the rise of the "American Superpower" cannot be separated from the trends which go back in time indefinitely gives understanding to today's events and to tomorrow's possibilities. The Superpower cannot dominate the trends and their effects. And, the less the Superpower recognizes them, the less She will be effective. The United States as Superpower is attempting the impossible by seeking to dominate the earth's human organization, the global economy, and the United States will fail.

That is the conclusion from the historical perspective Joseph Gerson presented at talks in Olympia on October 30th. The United States has grasped hold of (or is attempting to grab all of it) the Middle East as the equivalent of all the historical gold, silver, and resource wealth claimed by previous powers. Gerson prresent this as the great prize as a result of WWII. In this process the United States annually expends over half a trillion dollars on military hardware and forces, more than all other nations together. In addition, the United States debt to Japan, China, and Europe exceeds a trillion. This is matched by personal debt of its citizens. At some point these loaners will cash in their chips. "The Great Game" will take another step in its progression. However, the earth's resources are now nearing exhaustion. With this global climate change, the effects of peak oil, environmental destruction, human unwillingness to find another way than destructive and wasteful war making will change "the Great Game" in my opinion. This is Gerson's analysis simplified by yours truly for the sake of presentation.

Joseph Gerson's well thought out and articulated views are presented in his new book, EMPIRE and THE BOMB, How the U.S. Uses Nuclear Weapons to Dominate the World.

His action responses to the present reality encourage organizing to interact with the military and Congressional representatives to prevent war against Iran. "The Iraq War was the worst decision in United States governmental history." Gerson shakes his head with down cast eyes when responding to the possible effects of the waring against Iran as the U.S. is now postured to do. That is the immediate focus.

In the broader context of world developments I just came across the book, PARADIGM WARS, Indigenous Peoples Resistance to Globalization, by Jerry Mander and Victoria Tauli-Corpuz. Here are presented the developments of indigenous peoples, especially in Latin America, which counter the historical attacks and exploitation by colonial powers. Indigenous people seek to salvage their sustainable heritage. Merton presented the folly of the West's colonial domination ("domination without understanding") in his introduction to Gandhi and Non-Violence. Again, I carried this valuable tome with me on the Walk last summer to keep before my eyes "the crisis" of the West, indeed, of the world now that the East is emulating the West. Paradigm Wars is a flesh and blood response to this historical overshoot. Gerson too takes note of these developments.