A General Commentary on the Past and Present

Generally, we should have learned a great deal from our past experiences, but it seems that all that we have learned from history do not conform to factors that govern our lives today. However, there are some subtle nuances of past experiences that could have been used as a model for certain aspects of government that could be applied to the present.  Indeed, there were many unforgettable events in the past on which we could reflect, more or less in terms of global relationships. Of course, one might argue that the political climate then was different and there might be nothing that we could materially learn from the past that could fit in the scheme of our relationships with some of the nations of the world today.  This is not entirely true. There are many things that are applicable, and could be used as a basis for good government.  

A case in point:  In the wake of World War II, parts of Europe, outside the Soviet Union, were more receptive to our thinking, as well as much more flexible and ideologically pliable, than they seem to be today.  Of course, the ubiquitous specter of Al Quida was non-existent at the time. It was a different era  when there was a common unity of purpose.  Even when the rest of Europe and other parts of the world continued to agonize under the heels of communism, there was a pervasive sense of calm, and much less panic. There was a coalescent force that served to propel our political thinking, which in turn, favored our economy in terms of how we conducted our affairs globally.

Nowadays, we have to be politically correct before we say or do anything that might be misunderstood.  So, what is left for us to do, other than being politically correct?   The answer is, nothing, except try to be as diplomatic as possible in our relationship with other nations, and if this fails to yield the results that we expect, we should reserve our views and opinions for consumption within our borders.