Comments on: Brazil’s Statesman at Large http://www.radioopensource.org/brazils-statesman-at-large/ Christopher Lydon in conversation on arts, ideas and politics Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:09:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: ideaguy http://www.radioopensource.org/brazils-statesman-at-large/#comment-92493 ideaguy Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:26:11 +0000 http://www.radioopensource.org/?p=1238#comment-92493 Chris - off-topic, this reminded me of your mayoral campaign. From the Times regarding Mailer and Buckley: "Both men poured these ideas into print — and might have left it at that. But by running for office — with all the attendant rigors — they elevated the tone of campaign rhetoric even as they immersed themselves in the gritty truths of electoral politics." Chris – off-topic, this reminded me of your mayoral campaign. From the Times regarding Mailer and Buckley: “Both men poured these ideas into print — and might have left it at that. But by running for office — with all the attendant rigors — they elevated the tone of campaign rhetoric even as they immersed themselves in the gritty truths of electoral politics.”

]]> By: Louie G http://www.radioopensource.org/brazils-statesman-at-large/#comment-92492 Louie G Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:51:21 +0000 http://www.radioopensource.org/?p=1238#comment-92492 I agree: a unified, non-hypocritical western front, in terms of the acceptance of social justice in the developing world, is critical. If core values are not put into clear focus and leave realms of discourse for reality in the west first, why would other nations sacrifice? Especially when considering the self-centered motives of developing countries as to date. But, if values are in practice, and an alternative route around them into realms of global power are blocked, these nations will be forced to enter into a 'common ground' with western nations. The problem I foresee is a central aspect of western economies is in exploitation of developing countries, and for these countries to be challenged, western countries will need to re-route this dependence onto globally responsible economies...I think. The big question is: how can this be done? I think the answer lies in sustainable local economies that take responsibility for their livelihood away from transnational cooperations and place it on themselves. I also agree that the cold-war mentality (America VS 'the enemy') is no longer applicable. I think that when Bush set out his 'axis of evil' he was trying to restore the notion of America being the only superpower. And for the next president to thoroughly fix the problems before America, they will need to undue the effects of this thinking. This will be difficult, because many Americans love this idea, and will not vote for a candidate who does not uphold it. I agree: a unified, non-hypocritical western front, in terms of the acceptance of social justice in the developing world, is critical. If core values are not put into clear focus and leave realms of discourse for reality in the west first, why would other nations sacrifice? Especially when considering the self-centered motives of developing countries as to date. But, if values are in practice, and an alternative route around them into realms of global power are blocked, these nations will be forced to enter into a ‘common ground’ with western nations. The problem I foresee is a central aspect of western economies is in exploitation of developing countries, and for these countries to be challenged, western countries will need to re-route this dependence onto globally responsible economies…I think. The big question is: how can this be done? I think the answer lies in sustainable local economies that take responsibility for their livelihood away from transnational cooperations and place it on themselves.

I also agree that the cold-war mentality (America VS ‘the enemy’) is no longer applicable. I think that when Bush set out his ‘axis of evil’ he was trying to restore the notion of America being the only superpower. And for the next president to thoroughly fix the problems before America, they will need to undue the effects of this thinking. This will be difficult, because many Americans love this idea, and will not vote for a candidate who does not uphold it.

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