Reliability and world partnership

In the aftermath of WWII, the United States was recognized as a global leader and a reliable neighbor in the rebuilding of Europe through the Marshall Plan. We were the good guys. We were trustworthy trade partners. The global stage was set for the second half of the twentieth century.

 In 1947, Secretary of State General George Marshall, “proposed that the United States provide economic assistance to restore the economic infrastructure of post war Europe.” Europe was devastated in the aftermath of war. The US knew the responsibility of its leadership role on the world stage. Recognizing the rich resources of this country, and the mutual benefit it would provide if Europe were rebuilt, the project was a win-win for the world.

 From 1947 to 1951, over thirteen billion dollars of aid helped restore industry, agriculture, and financial stability in Europe. The funds went to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and western Germany.

 In April of 1948, President Harry Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act and extended it in 1949 to include less developed countries throughout the world. Thus began the practice of foreign aid and the graciousness of living an ethic of giving out of the plenty of the US. Despite our own economic stresses following the war, being good and unselfish neighbors was a priority. It made us stronger and it made us thankful to be Americans. This is why so many people wanted to migrate here.

 We recognized the interdependency of nations, and the fact that when one of us benefits, all of us benefit.

 The recent headline in the New York Times read, “One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade that Excludes the US.”  The story said, “a growing number of countries, including American allies, are striking trade deals as the Trump administration erects a higher fence around global commerce.” Our America First position is quickly becoming America Only. Let’s hear one rousing chorus of “the cheese stands alone.”

 “By punishing longtime allies with tariffs, Mr. Trump is encouraging other nations to form trading blocs and networks that exclude the United States.” China and Russia are chomping at the bit. Some of the goodwill capital we in America we have held is being eroded before our very eyes and it may be hard to recoup. Ever.

 Real world leadership involves co-operation, mutuality, and unity. The bully is not a leader, he’s just the one with the biggest stick. Fear, cruelty, retribution are a sorry way to operate. That may be okay with half of us, but it’s not okay with me. Soft values that hold a fragile world tenderly and with grace and charity are the world I want and will work for. I don’t think I am alone in thinking this.

 The shock and awe of the first few weeks of this administration are disheartening and disgusting. Incompetent, unelected and unconfirmed people are doing damage. Real people are being hurt. Markets are being disrupted and supermarket prices are still high. The actual problems facing the country and the world will not be corrected by political posturing and rancor. Makes me wonder what the real intent is.

 After WWII, the intent was rebuilding a stronger Europe and growing US prosperity. The phrase “with liberty and justice for all” is not yet realized, and in fact is retreating into a selfishness that is hard to watch. Destruction of the state seems to be the intent. This is Trump’s America now. Unless and until Republicans have had a belly full, life will continue this way.

 When I shattered a favorite piece of pottery, I glued it back together. The crack lines showed, and the usefulness of the bowl changed. I had to be careful with what I put in it. I thought it was lost as a valuable, beautiful piece of art. I thought it lost its utility. We are seeing cracks in our world order.

 There is a line of thought in spiritual circles that says we grow strong in broken places. Our scars may show going forward, but we can get through this to the other side. There will be pain and hurt and damage to our world reputation. We may end up laughingstock and cartoon. Still, those of us who did not vote for all this upheaval to happen will work to create safe spaces and generous hearts as we move into the world with hope. The sun still rises; the tides change. In the middle of the chaos, all is well.

 Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com