Chapters 22, 23 and 24 - Thanks for the history lessons.

Chapter 22       The Rise and Fall of World Communism 1917 Present

The cold war was a threat to both United States and the Soviet Union bringing social impacts for both nations.  After World War II, the world saw what 25 million casualties in Russia could do to a social structure, World War II had above 60 million total casualties and the US and Soviet Union needed to recover, rebuild and redefine this relationship as world leaders.  Communist and capitalist ideals were at the heart of the conflict.  Global arms development was a real threat and the US and Soviet.  In 1991, Christmas, the gift to the world was the end of the cold war by the Communist Party banned in Russian and their own leaders involved in a coup.    

Chapter 23       Independence and Development in the Global South 1914-Present

I am most touched by Nelson Mandela and the grace he has taught me.  I appreciate his spirit and work in civil rights for Africa.  As this chapter looks at “Independence and Development in the Global South” it is the work of Nelson Mandela that lifts up the spirit from human to humanity.  To see a government like South Africa come from out from under apartheid and raise up to 1994, when blacks and white could vote and voted for Mr. Mandela to be the first black African president in South Africa.  This movement in South Africa is an interesting study in independence.  As liberation and equal rights entered South Africa, colonial empires ended and with every step towards independence, South Africa needed to recreate its identity. This country struggles with leadership, poverty and economic development.  Mr. Mandela was a great civil rights leader and a humanitarian.  News reports state he is near death and he will be gone soon.  The world looks back in shame as this great leader was incarcerated for so many years when South Africa could have used his greatness.

Chapter 24       Accelerating Global Interaction Since 1945

As we look to world history we see the veins of humanity in the heart of hope look out from the eyes of despair.  There is so much pain and injustice in our world, that in every civilization’s history, we find hope.  We step back with the sensation that man has the unique ability to live through war, create economic development through a recession, turn murdering war sites into memorial of reminders for a need for peace.  What a gift God gave us, to have a world of recourses, life with emotional intelligence and kindness of heart.  Yet like the spoiled child, we tear at the seams of humanity, break open the seal of trust and mask the laughter under the screams of the horror of wars.  Globalization is what is occurring today and it is the hammer that will level the playing field on the table we call humankind,  It is the best way for everyone to have a bit more of the hope life offers even this has a backlash.  As lower levels of development makes greater jumps into the economic role of life, the biggest movements still come from the top and we all hope there is a trickle-down theory.  What I see is a kick-down society emerging.  More millionaires turn to billionaires and the average worker is caught in a spinning wheel of no money, no education and very little advancement.  Maybe there will be a kick-down in the form of economic trade, loans or special programs.  The cost to these type of gifts or subsidies are often not fully understood until we look back at history and way justice measured against a Company’s quarterly results in our global companies portfolios.