From: Robert Owen (rowen@technologist.com)
Date: Sat Mar 18 2000 - 17:40:51 MST
john grigg wrote:
> Robert Owen wrote:
> Seriously, what territories have you acquired lately that were worth the
> effort. Sure, it's good politics to conquer Western Europe, write your
> version of "The Gallic Wars", cross the Rubicon and trip on a narcissistic
> high at each "Hail Spudboy".What's coming are the Huns, the Vandals, the
> Goths and the Visigoths, and worst of all, the knife twisted by your
> bestfriend. Is this not an adequate metaphor for "The Wages of Imperialism"?
> (end)
>
> Robert, imperialism in the classic sense may be gone, but that is because
> it's too expensive and make's for poor public relations! We now live in the
> age of neo-colonialism.
I quite agree, although; as I recall, Zero Powers does not.
> Our global corporate CEO's are the new conquering Ceasers who write their
> version of the 'Gallic Wars' as business self-help manuals! And they are
> too hailed as great defenders of their respective way of life.
I would have unhesitating agreed five years ago. Not, I not so sure that
the heroes of corporate imperialism are popular due to the exportation of
jobs and the importation of low-quality merchandise. But most importantly,
because the public profoundly fears "internationalism" in any form. I know
Michael Lorrey believes that because I see some value in internationalism
(e.g. the expansion of international law, improved balance of trade arrange-
ment through international offices, etc.) that I am ready to sell-out our
country's ideals motivated by some sinister will-to-power or commercial
gain by progressive seduction of populations.
Michael would, I think, prefer to allow our military to secure the benefits
of corporate capitalism for leaders and shareholders.
> And the 'barbarian hordes' of our day would be India and China who want
> desperately the technological and economic type of power we possess.
Don't overlook ideological fanaticism. And beyond this, the unstable balance
of power in the Near East and Asia inclines me to consider Iran and North
Korea as the greatest threats to our global position.
> Where does the knife-twisting come from in our
> age? Our own government, ourselves?
Since I have, perhaps discourteously, represented Michael's opinion
[with whom I disagree but whose right to which I am willing, as one is,
to defend to the human limit, as my military record will attest -- no
hyperbole here] it would be interesting to read his response to your
question.
> I hope in time we can get beyond this thinking and nationalistic concern in
> all camps concerned. What will the 'wages of neo-colonialism' ultimately
> be?
I am doing a White Paper on this subject even as we speak; while I cannot
reproduce my response in this document, perhaps we could discuss this
later. Your question is, in my view, of the highest importance.
Bob
=======================
Robert M. Owen
Director
The Orion Institute
57 W. Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712-3659 USA
=======================
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