Op-Ed Regarding The Importance of the Peaceful Transition of Power and why it is the reason American Democracy has worked for 240 years.

Op-Ed Regarding The Importance of the Peaceful Transition of Power and why it is the reason American Democracy has worked for 240 years.

As recorded via LIVE broadcast:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210271784611975&id=1261603564

By:  J. Dean Grimes
10/20/2016

It frightens me that presidential candidate Donald Trump incites mild violence at his rallies.  It frightens me that he is well known for being disrespectful to women, is pro repealing Rowe v. Wade, that he is a bully, and it frightens me that he is a misogynistic power hungry man who is only in the presidential race to please himself, not the American people.  However, I am absolutely petrified about the fact that on both September 30th, and then openly in the last presidential debate, Trump very plainly stated that he would contest the validity of the election results if he loses the election. 

Here’s why:
The peaceful transition of power from one president to the next is the foundation upon that which makes America’s democracy work.  Why?  Because American voters have the right to elections that are fair, that are peaceful, and that truly reflect the way that American democracy represents the people, for the people, and by the people.  We all know that the electoral college, and the supreme court have interfered in elections in our past [Bush / Gore], but despite whether we agreed as a nation about the outcome of controversial elections in our past, Americans have rallied around our new president because a peaceful transition of power has taken place. 

America is founded on the principle that all beings are created equal.  Creating divisiveness, openly stating that you will contest election results, asking supporters to incite mild or actual violence in protest of this principle will send our great nation into a time before the feudal system and the dark ages of kingships and autocratic rulers.  We all know what happened when Germany was thrown into chaos after World War I, and a new party called the Nazi party came into power, and a megalomaniac ruler that sent tens of thousands of people to death camps for no other reason than their ethnicity came into power. 

It is with the aforementioned thought in mind that I ask the American people this: 
Do we want to live in a new era of dictatorship led by a man who doesn’t believe in the core values of our constitution let alone understand them?  Further, if a man like this can come into such a powerful position of leadership, what does that say about America?  Are we falling into the same traps that ancient Rome fell into as they crumbled into oblivion?  Or are we going to stand up to the bullies and focus on our common belief that peace is in the best interest of everyone, that education brings purpose to all people, and that purpose creates prosperity not only for Americans, but people across the globe. 

It is with this in mind, as we move closer to election day, that I urge American’s to consider what and who they are really voting for, what the true outcome will be, and to consider that the foundations of our constitution are what truly make America great.  Additionally, I urge Americans to think about what separates the United States democratic system from any other governmental system in the world:  The peaceful transition of power from one president to another.  We must believe in our system.  We must unite.  We must believe in ourselves, believe in each other, and acknowledge that each American is afforded the right to voice their opinion ONLY because America is already great. 

In this election, it is essential that Americans come together and unite as one.  We must not only  believe that our democracy actually works because we have the guaranteed right to speak freely, elect our leaders freely, and allows for the opportuniy to shout with one loud voice!  Use your voice to stand up for your right to America’s brand of democracy – which allows for the peaceful transition of power, delivers a voice to all people, gives everyone an opportunity to prosper, and through the prosperity of these founding ideals, gives purpose to our domestic policies, and to our policies abroad.

This election your voice counts  because your voice will determine the outcome of our future as Americans more than any other time in our 240 year history. 

Get out and vote.  It counts.

I urge you to watch the entire third and final presidential debate here:

https://youtu.be/3lam80oE7to

Regarding Yemen as written for Prof. Brennan Legasse, Sierra Nevada College

Regarding Yemen’s History:

Yemen is located east of the Red Sea, South of Saudi Arabia, North of Somalia, West of Oman,
which I like to call “Oh Man!” because both states are located in a hotbed of terrorist activity, ruthless
oil regimes, a great fishing location, and an ideal port for US Naval ships (other countries such as Russia
also highly value Yemen for this reason as well), and an even better port for land invasions for any army
or military. The result is a history that has been plagued with invasion, corrupt governments, civil
unrest, terrorist activity, and a nation that has no true identity.
Regarding Population, GDP and other statistics.

Yemen is home to 26 million people, is a desert country, and the largest city is Sana’a, which is
the nation’s capital, and the primary seaport is Aden. Arabic is Yemen’s official language. Yemen has a
history of violent uprisings due to secessionists, unruly tribes, and Islamic extremists. President Ali
Abdullah Saleh was forced to resign in 2011 and power was transferred to Abd Rabbuh Mansur al-Hadi
(he was the VP in Saleh’s reign of power) in a 2012 election. Yemen currently relies on foreign aid as its
number one source of income, and as 54% business freedom, 57.1% labor freedom, 68.5% monetary
freedom, 77.6% trade freedom, 50% investment freedom, and 30% financial freedom.
Regarding a sustainable Yemen

Yemeni’s live in a dark triangle of fear, suppression, and a mixed religious culture. The country
has serious divisions among religion / ideologies as well. The result is a fractured nation with no real guiding compass. Therefore, a sustainable future depends on a combination of three things.

One, foreign aid and investment, Two, an increased state investment in community based natural resource
management (CBNRM) as well as other forms of education, and three, the indoctrination of common
core values and investment in a common cultural identity… in other words, Yemeni’s must create a
sovereign government that promotes sustainability, an understanding of the environment that the
Yemeni’s live in, and they must create a common economy that promotes prosperity from within.
Foreign aid investment is crucial to the outcome of a prosperous Yemen. In this regard, foreign
investment from the global north in education, education related resources, and educational planning
aid (this is for all aspects of education from CBNRM to traditional education) must be provided, and
USED for the purpose of creating a sustainable Yemeni future. Further, establishing a fair and equal
government through a prosperous educational environment will increase the ability for Yemeni’s to
recognize a prosperous future through equality and common values combined with providing a common
identity and a sense of togetherness, which is key to creating a Yemeni sustainable future. But, more
than these things, establishing an understanding that breaking through cultural barriers via education
will eliminate hostility among the Yemeni people and reduce outside influence such as terrorist groups,
and it will establish a common ground from which future Yemeni people will prosper.

Regarding Politics and Government:

A sustainable government depends on the foundation with which it is built. An economy, a
government, a body, group, or an organization of people cannot sustain itself if it is not built on a
foundation of cooperation among people, a wiliness to work with each other, and an understanding that
every community, state, organization, etc. begins upon the foundation of self, that is you. As in, there is
an I in US and that is U. Through this series of understandings a solid foundation can be built. Through
these principles, one can clearly see that a sustainable future for Yemen goes straight through a path of
a rebuilt education system. And, this cannot be a system of education that works for the US and/ or the global north… It cannot be an education system that works for Saudi Arabia or other neighboring  states… It must be an educational system that works for Yemen. A system built on the foundation of
unification, a common interest that is written by the people, representing the people, and system that
can benefit the people… not select groups, thugs, the privileged, or corrupt government officials.

Regarding Education:

Emphasis on vocational education such as farming and agriculture is the key to creating a new
successful education system in Yemen. Teaching vocational education in Yemen with emphasis on the
cultivation and exportation of the countries brightest assets (figs, bananas, mangos, almonds, walnuts,
pears, pomegranates all work well in Yemen’s fertile soil, therefore vocational education in agriculture
would enable Yemeni’s sustainable economic growth) is essential for a Yemen’s prosperous and
sustainable future. Fishing is also a major industry for Yemen, therefore an investment in vocational
education with emphasis on fishing could provide long term economic sustainability.

Vocational education is often misunderstood as being solely blue collar, but, is becoming a
doctor not becoming a vocation? If it is then, can education in Yemen set the stage for the future of
education across the globe by simply creating a vocational education that actually works? Education is
solely vocationally driven any way – That is, everyone works in one form of another, the result is,
everyone should get paid to perform their favorite profession. Starting at an early age, rural peoples
should be out in the fields learning farming, etc. with the opportunity for each child to attend state run
professional/ vocational schools, and / or the opportunity to attend a state run university that would or
could lead to further education depending on the profession an individual chooses. Vocational
education or as I would prefer to call it, Professional Education (PE) will create a sustainable future for
all nations, may as well start with Yemen.

A Conclusion of Sorts:

Vocational education is the path for a successful Yemeni future. This education must emphasize
sustainability, prosperity, and unity. No system of government can change overnight, and it is through
education that Yemeni’s can change the social consciousness of their state. Education can lift the spirits
of a people, change the course of a nation, and create a state that is for all people, not just the elite.
Education includes teaching community based resource management, HIV/AID/STD education,
professional education, vocational education, government/ political education, as well as education
about all things in all ways. These things, among others not discussed here, through the eyes
of sustainability, will create a prosperous Yemen.

International Terrorism and Peace Process

IRAN: SANCTIONS, and PROLIFERATION

International Terrorism and Peace Process

Issue description:

“Nation-state efforts to develop or acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, or their underlying technologies constitute a major threat to the security of the United States, it’s deployed  troops, and allies. ” Currently, Iran is an aggressively  emerging threat to US National security  as it  tries  to defy sanctions and develop nuclear technology under the guise of the development of nuclear energy.

Critical Information:

“…The Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) has temporarily inhibited further progress in [Iran’s] uranium enrichment and plutonium capabilities and effectively eliminated Iran’s stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium (Clapper).” However, Iran has plenty of motivation to continue developing ballistic missiles that are capable delivering WMD’s.

Analysis:

Despite US sanctions, Iran continues to be the largest nuclear proliferation threat because “Iran’s progress on space launch vehicles – along with its desire to deter the US and it’s allies – provides Tehran with the means and motivation to develop longer range missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)(Clapper).”

Conclusion:

Iran continues to defy US led sanctions, continues to build ballistic missiles, and is continuing to develop long range IBM which clearly threatens US interests in the Middle East, threatens US allies, threatens US National security,  and could potentially create instability  throughout the region which could draw the US into war with Iran.

Sources:

Worldwide Threat Assessment  of the US Intelligence  Community,  James R. Clapper

Critical issues regarding globalization

Issue Description:

Critical issues regarding globalization.

Critical aspects of globalization and its  implications to the International Community:

Globalization (the understanding that the world  is becoming economically intertwined on a global scale), is happening and it is an inevitable consequence of the fast paced interconnected world we currently live in. The critical macro issues surrounding globalization are political, economic and revolve around human rights, security, health/ environment and technology. On a micro level, these issues relate to population growth, food security, the development  and sustainability of natural  resources,  the spread of terrorism /ISIS/ISIL, the supersonic speed with which information and ideas can spread, and political alliances combined with nationalism.

What is being done to address impending globalization?
Currently the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and several other GO’S and NGO’s are working to provide a clear pathway to achieve economic sustainability through globalization.
What should be done to address globalization, and by whom?

There is no clear road to a sustainable  globalized  economy,  however,  globalization is inevitable. To find the root of these issues, we must first examine the positives, the negatives and the overall consequences  of globalization. 

To do this, I have created the following  pro vs. Con outline:

PROS
International Marketplace, better access to products and services from customers across the globe.
Augments manufacturing  on a global scale.
Stable cash flow that slowly lessens the difference of dollars
Slowly a global power is made, politics are unifying,  and advantageous risk can increase the flow of cash, and information throughout  the world.
Creates a universal  understanding  an fellowship  due to the intermingling  of culture  and shared common interests.

CONS
People in developed countries  are losing their jobs due to job outsourcing  to other nations.
A shift in wealth from a current leading nation economically may transfer superiority to other nations.
Potentially  leads to social degeneration  and communicable illness.
Risk of one business  ruling the whole world, potentially  leading to the loss of the cultural identity of a nation.

The result is clearly favorable  to globalization.  Globalization,  therefore has two ultimate conclusions. It can harm, and it can benefit the world. Nevertheless, globalization  is inevitable. Globalization  will change the collective consciousness,  it will change the way the world connects through technology,  through education,  through shared common values that spread from nation to nation, and through  the global understanding  that one world is a lot better than NONE.

Sources:
http://apecsec.org/globalization-pros-and-cons/

Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation Challenges to US National Security

Title:
Weapons of Mass Destructions (WMD) proliferation challenges to US national security.

Key elements of WMD Proliferation:
Definition of WMD`s: Chemical, Biological and Nuclear weapons. Chemical weapons have  chemical elements and can have explosive elements. Biological weapons contain a biological element combined with an explosive element, but can also be found in aerosol form. Nuclear can be used in explosive form and can be used as small, or dirty, bombs, and/or can be launched via missile.

Key elements of WMD non-proliferation:
Treaties, forms of politics, sanctions, inspections, and International Organizations (IO`s) such as the UN can be used to prevent the proliferation of WMD`s.

*Treaties, such as the Iran non-proliferation treaty (NPT), can be used to induce or relax sanctions, restrict or allow the enrichment of uranium for proposed power and public use, and to ensure that regular inspections can be made.

*Politics can be used to prevent WMD proliferation through meetings among leaders to stablish the foundations of agreement, the use of governmental decisions such as passing laws or agreeing on treaties or to enforce sanctions.

*Sanctions can be used to limit a state`s ability to prosper and flourish. In this regard, through politics, IO`s and through other means, sanctions can limit trade thereby making it even more difficult for a state to peruse WMD`s.

*Inspections performed through the UN via the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can also be used to prevent WMD proliferation.

Primary US security concerns:
Countries that have nuclear weapons: US, France, Russia, Pakistan, Israel, United Kingdom, China, India and North Korea.

Reasons why countries have nuclear weapons:

*Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)
*The potential for terrorists to gain control of WMD`s
*The impact of WMD`s on human beings and the environment.

Russia has them, China has them, north Korea has them, Pakistan has them, India has them which means the US must have them. And because China has them, India has them, because all of those countries have them, North Korea has them, and because of our relationship with Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, the US needs them to protect our assets and interests in the area.

International Organizations that proved key assistance in preventing WMD proliferation:

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations (UN), Governmental ( Congress, President, CIA, etc.).

North Korea and the recent nuclear test

North Korea set to use nuclear weapons at any time.

Issue Description:

"North Korea said [on Tuesday, September 22nd 2015] that it is Ready to use its nuclear weapons against the US at any time and that it's main nuclear facility was fully operational, allowing the country to improve both the quality and quantity of its nuclear weapons."  Although this statement followed preparations for the 70th anniversary of the Workers Party, Kim Jong Un seems to have his sights set on threatening the US due to what Un feels are unfair sanctions.  Further, on Thursday, September 8th,  2015, South Korean officials reported both a 5.3 earthquake in the area used by North Korea to test its nuclear weapons, and confirmed officially that North Korea had in fact successfully tested a nuclear weapon.

Critical Information:

This type of rhetoric and behavior is typical for the Kim regime, and experts believe that, "it's sending a message to the US that it's nuclear threat will only get worse if the country continues to be treated with sanctions and pressure rather than negotiations."  What makes this particular threat, and test unusual is that the 2015 threat was coupled with a pledge that North Korea will use missile technology that is banned by the UN Security Council.  Additionally,  North Korea's Atomic Energy Institute  issued a statement that the Kim regime has been improving, "the quality and quantity of its nuclear weapons," and has reopened Yongbyon nuclear facility.

Analysis:

Kim Jong Un,  and his regime have made it very  clear that economic sanctions and pressure from the Global Community  are not working, thusly proving that sanctions rarely work in cases where nuclear weapons are involved.  This is largely due to the fact that nuclear proliferation gives nations a large bargaining chip.  In fact, of the 18 nations that have been sanctioned for speaking out nuclear technology through 2007, only six have had successful outcomes.

Conclusion:

North Korea continues to be a nuclear threat to the United States.  This is mostly due to strength and power of a nuclear weapon.  Similar to a game of chess, the US must wary of Kim Jong Un's threats as well as continue to monitor North Korea's  nuclear activities. Further pressure must be applied, and although sanctions are having little effect, the must continue to be enforced.

Sources:

Bloomberg.com via foreignpolicy.com daily situation report 9/22/15
Bee, Ronald J. - Sanctions and Nonproliferation

Op-ed: foreign policy regarding Russia, Ukraine, and boots on the ground.

“Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges conceded to reporters Tuesday [March 17th, 2015] that arming Ukraine could help its fragile pro-Western government on the battlefield, at least in the short term. But he [also] said that it wouldn’t be enough to fundamentally ensure that Ukraine doesn’t lose any more territory to Russia in the wake of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea last year.” (Unknown, Web).

The aforementioned statement intrigues me as I have recently been giving a great deal of thought to the idea that the United States is headed straight into (knowingly or unknowingly) a humanity devastating, globally transitional, internationally recognized global war… that will ultimately lead to world unification, globalization of economic flows, and a total restructuring of civilization as we currently know it.  In other words, we’re headed for a social change toward unification resulting from overpopulation, war, lack of infrastructure, degrading infrastructure, and change in the collective consciousness of humankind that edges us closer to ,and eventually will become, a unified human race that ultimately pulls together to create a… New World Order.

Arming Ukraine citizens is edging us closer to world war (and eventual global unification) because, if America really is striving for peace among nations through the UN, foreign policy, etc., the United States has a responsibility to protect its allies.  At the same time, Russia is theoretically the US’ ally (through the P5+1, etc.) thusly putting American foreign policy in a sticky situation.  Officials must ask themselves, “Should we arm Ukraine and risk a global war to protect our allies?  Or, should we let Ukraine fend for itself and watch our other ally (Russia) destroy…” It seems to go on and on like this forever.  It’s easy to understand why even the highest echelon US officials are having trouble answering the armament question in Ukraine.  According to ForiegnPolicy.com, “‘Providing weapons is not a strategy,’ Hodges said. ‘There are great arguments for giving weapons to them to help raise the cost for the Russian’s.  I think that is a valid argument.  But saying that’s a valid argument is different from saying that this ought to be the policy.’” (Unknown, Web).

Officials are confused, American citizens are confused, Russia is very obviously confused, and Ukraine is caught in the middle of it.  And, foreign policy was still born out of this indecisiveness because in March, 2015, The US sent weapons and boots to Ukraine, even though - at the time - the media (including ForeignPolicy.com) reported that, “Hodges’s comments highlight the difficult policy choices facing the White House, where a growing number of senior military officials and civilian officials have publically said in recent weeks that the United States should arm Ukraine.” (Unknown, Web).

So what was the policy then?  Boots on the ground, arm the Ukraine citizens, and stay neutral.  But, how do we stay out of a war between friends?  “Here, take these guns Ukraine and , Russia, you already have weapons so, you’re on your own.”  Then what?  Should the US say, “OK.  We’re gonna drop these weapons in, but from the air – we’re not going in – but, we need to train these guys how to fight you with our weapons so, here… Don’t start fighting until AFTER we get out.  OK… Ready… Set… Go!”  Something like that? We should make a song – Get Neutral, kind of like, We are the World.  Everybody holding hands, sitting on the sidelines, order hot dogs and, who knows… Kebabs or falafel while we watch as, sort of, curious onlookers.  It would be nice… I can envision the pageantry… then… in a few months… New administration in. old administration heads out quietly and says, “we’re out of here, you’re on your own with that.”  I guess, that’s how it will go…  Pass the buck.

That said, if the buck keeps passing along, the world goes further into turmoil… Well…  THE BUCK WILL STOP AT MY DESK, and never leave (should I ever have the privilege of attaining such an amazing responsibility)… Until we finish what should be done now.   Here’s what I would do in this situation (were I President now, and not in 2020 as I am currently planning)… Hindsight- it’s my year.        ;-)

• One: Talk with both countries in a neutral place like – Bolivia.  I say Bolivia because we have a great deal of influence in that region, but it theoretically could be held anywhere outside of the EU, Russia, and the US. 

• Two.  Discuss the issues. Three, Review and Translate into foreign policy (FP) according to Smart, Moral and Legal (FP mainstay doctrine). 

• Three, defer to Congress, the United Nations, and relevant international organizations, revealing outcomes to said organizations PRIOR to consideration of further action.  If answers were needed immediately – as was the case on 9/11 – This process would need to be accomplished real time. 

• FOUR.  Ready the ships.  Prepare for large scale war.  Monitor Russia.  Study troop movements.  Plan for ground assaults.  Plan invasion tactics.  Be prepared for a military outcome. 

• FIVE.  Negotiate again.  Get back to the drawing board and put the negotiating brainiacs to work! 

• SIX.  Notify the press that the US is prepared to take action, but wants both sides to negotiate before it becomes involved.

• SEVEN. Review results, refer to SML, take action.

Essentially, the US foreign policy needs to be fluid enough to have real time action plans, long term action plans, and an action plan that sits somewhere in the middle.  These plans have to be working in conjunction with each other at all times.  In order for this functionality to occur, a system has to be established that can accomplish this task by using all forms of technology available known and yet undiscovered.  Obama’s administration has an uphill fight to accomplish this over the next year and a half.  For it is on his watch, that future foreign policy will be built, and a New World Oder will begin.  What that new world looks like, remains to be seen.  Russia, Ukraine, and the US’ reaction will undoubtedly play an integral part in humanity’s future outcome.
 
Works Cited
Unknown.
ForeignPolicy.com, http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/17/top-u-s-general-in-europe-arming-ukraine-isnt-a-strategy/ Web. 20015.