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As we work our way into the 21st Century, some of us wonder how our systems of governance can best be integrated to optimize the areas of local, county, state, federal, and international jurisdiction which are already in place, so that a more harmonious relationship can develop amongst these various agencies. Mutual respect for each entity's importance in the governing process will lead us toward gradual unification of vision and implementation of our various programs. When conflicts arise, refocusing our attention on those broad areas of agreement increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome for all participants. How might this approach aid governmental development in the Mideast? A search for areas of commonality reveals surprisingly few areas of disagreement--mostly territorial in nature, compared to a much larger area of shared vision for development. When viewed through the lens of commonality, borders become less of a wedge issue and areas of mutual benefit emerge. Similarly, NAFTA agreements benefit all party's shared vision of a brighter tomorrow through cooperation that is able to springboard over boundary issues. As the various governing entities work together on common unifying themes, age-old barriers give way to more constructive and hopeful agendas. Examples abound, but a comparison between Canadian, Mexican and US border issues will suffice to illustrate this principle. The overarching reason behind Mexican-US border disputes is economics, which almost is not an issue on the Canadian-US border. Can anyone seriously dispute the contention that Mexican-US border clashes would fade to insignificance, were the economics to resemble the Canadian-US border? Certainly this all takes time, but the truth of this principle is obvious. Ignoring all the history of territorial disputes, and focusing on economic solutions for all parties should then be the central and unifying theme, not just for North and South America, but for the Mideast, Africa, and other negatively-charged political regions. Dialogue and zones of economic cooperation should perhaps be attempted first at the local level between area bureaucrats and business leaders. Surely there are enough shared interests in common achievable programs such as agriculture and fair-exchange trade agreements, shared transportation links, and other border-neutral pursuits. News agencies can help to encourage this process by refusing to publish hate-mongering interviews, and by focusing instead on unifying themes of a human-interest nature. Tony Blair's patient resolve will bear fruit that will be remembered long after his terms as prime minister have faded into history. Unity, solidarity, shared faith and a determined hope for a brighter tomorrow will produce a bountiful harvest of mideastern peace. Great Britain is famous for fostering and maintaining trade and diplomatic relations with a diverse group of nations long after other relationships have soured. Best wishes to Ambassador Blair in his continuing efforts of goodwill in a troubled region. When great minds unite to maximize the common benefits, lesser minds are subdued by the force of the new reality implanted.
Mark Overt Skilbred
