From Awake!-May22,2002
Since the Battle in Seattle in 99, antiglobalization demonstrations have escalated in size and intensity. In some cases, world leaders now endeavor to hold their summits in isolated areas where protesters will be hard-pressed to disrupt the proceedings.
What exactly is Globalization?
It is the term used to describe the growing worldwide interdependence of people and countries.
This has produced a whole series or consequences-economic, political, cultural, and environmental.
ARGUGMENTS IN FAVOR> *The Human Development Report 1999 says that,
globalization "offers enormous potential to eradicate poverty in the 21st century."
* More interaction among people also has the potential for improving global solidarity.
* Human rights organizations have been able to tap the resources of the Internet to promote their causes effectively. Such as,
The 1997 international treaty outlawing land mines was achieved in part by using electronic mail to mobilize diverse support groups throughout the world.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
+Widens the gulf between haves and the have-nots. Wealth is concentrated in fewer hands and fewer countries.
+The Environment-Economic globalization has been fueled by market forces that have much more interest in profits than in the protection of the planet.
+Jobs and income have become more precarious, as global mergers and intense competition pressure companies into streamlining their operations.
+Money markets are a destabilized-
Investors withdraw sums when economic outlook worsens.
CAN GLOBALIZATION REALLY SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS?
Fatima lives in a large African city in a cemetery. "Too many people moving in," she complains, "especially here in the tombs."
About ten miles from her home lies an exclusive new housing complex,complete with elegant restaurants and a 27-hole golf course. The cost of one round of golf is more than the per capita monthly wage in this African country.
Will people turn off their TV's, throw away their cell phones, destroy their computers, and stop traveling to other lands?
One of the major causes of this huge social divide is financial self-interest.
THE GLOBALIZATION OF CULTURE
Another area of concern involves clashes of culture and the spread of materialistic values. HOLLYWOOD, the world's principle factory of make-believe, promotes materialism, violence, and immorality.
Western culture also promotes fast food and soft drinks. Invasive Western culture affects people's hopes and desires.
A GLOBALIZATION THAT WILL BENEFIT YOU
"If globalization is to succeed, it must succeed for poor and rich alike. It must deliver rights no less than riches. It must provide social justice and equity no less than econmic prosperity and enhanced communication."-Kofi Annan, Sec-Gen of U.N.
Human rights and social equity have lagged far behind technical and material progress.
The principal problem is that economic globalization is driven by the desire to make money. The profit motive rarely takes into account the poor and the disadvantaged or the long-term needs of the planet.
Will the governments of the world be able to regulate the global economy in such a way that it provides social justice?
That seems unlikely. So far, governments have found it difficult to solve any global problem-whether it be global crime, global warming, or global poverty. "Collective action is needed to safeguard global interest," explains Annan,"but in today's globalized world, the mechanisms available for global action are hardly more than embryonic."
Global mechanisms for handling global problems are not the only requirement. The Commission on Global Governance argues that the world also needs ethical values. "Without a global ethic," their report points out, "the frictions and tensions of living in the global neighborhood with multiply; without leadership, even the best-designed institutions and strategies will fail."
What sort of global ethic did they recommend? "People should treat others as they themselves wish to be treated," the report stated. Jesus Christ, the greatest leader the world has ever known, taught this standard of behavior some two thousand years ago(Matthew 7:12)
A GLOBAL SOLUTION OF A DIFFERENT KIND
The Bible foretells that in the near future, a global government will unite mankind on the basis of unselfishness rather than money or technology. It will be successful because it has the power and the mechanisms for taking global action in behalf of all mankind. Jesus Christ himself focused on this global government when he taught his followers to pray for 'God's Kingdom to com and for God's will to be done on the earth.'-Matt. 6:10
God's Kingdom, a heavenly government in the hands of Jesus Christ, will exemplify a new global ethic, the same one that Jesus himself taught when on earth. Love of God and love of neighbor will be the guiding principles.(Matthew 22:37-39)
Many prophecies in the Bible outline what this new government will do. Regarding its Ruler, Jesus Christ, the Bible promises:"He
shall judge the poor with justice and defend the humble in the land with equity."(Isaiah 11:4, The New English Bible)
The rich and the powerful will not exploit the disadvantaged. Jesus will "feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one...From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul."-Psalm 72:13,14
Environmental problems will be addressed promptly. Instead of creeping desertification, "the desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands."(Isaiah 35:1,Today's English Version)
Instead of food shortages, "there will come to be plenty of grain on the earth."-
Psalm 72:16.
God's Kingdom unites people of all backgrounds. This includes a common set of moral and religious values, which is uniting people now.
Thanks to worldwide travel facilities, Jehovah's Witnesses regularly hold large international conventions, which strengthen ties between different racial, national, and cultural groups. These conventions are living proof of unity that involve hearts and minds, rather than technology and commerce.
Instead of creating problems, as human globalization has, a global government installed by God will provide solutions. We have every reason to be confident in this heavenly administration. "I am making a new earth," God promises. "The events of the past will be completely forgotten. Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create."
(Isaiah 65:17,18,TEV)
God's "new earth" will truly benefit people globally.
---If anyone has questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me, Elliot-----