The Current Discussion:Is there a growing global agenda -- that is, an agenda of issues being discussed that affects the world rather than individual countries? Or are local concerns still paramount?
I have a grown-up daughter who has lived in London for two years. She is now nearing the age of Jesus Christ in the year the crucifixion. Almost thirty years ago I told her after dinner at the kitchen table, “Anna, dear, either you get some ice cream, or you can have a piece of chocolate.” She thought for a while, then asked, “Can’t I have both?”
This is how I am looking at the dilemma in the question. More and more global issues are there and affect all of us living on this planet, which is full of problems. And, more and more local concerns are there too. What’s the point of choosing one set of problems or the other? Many of them threaten human lives; others just threaten the quality of living for people. Each should be solved before the earth becomes a truly uncomfortable place for humankind.
Instead of stressing about the local concerns or on the ones that could be regarded as international, I think we should make a list of those that are the most urgent to cope with. I would put on my list the three “big Ws” first: Wars, Warming and Water. What can be said about them that has not been said yet? And, what can be said? I wonder if after the presidential elections in the U.S. some related measures could be found on the agenda of the glorious winner. That is the most important question in my opinion.
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