TheDudeBrands family of websites are devoted to integrity, our planet, and successful life. The largest enemy of integrity, our world, and success – in fact life itself – is war.
I am afraid. I am troubled that war is not only likely, but imminent, unless the power structures around the planet (and the little people) use the current financial crisis as a wake-up call. Pressures tend to lead to conflict, to warfare, to resolution, and finally to renewed stability. Those at the helm around the world know this recipe, and therefore we the people must realize this formula as well. For we the people have the ultimate responsibility – through a coalition of conscience – to keep the ‘powers that be’ accountable and away from inciting war.
Financial tensions affect relationships on the micro level and on the macro level. Just as a family will be shaken by an interruption of income or financial crisis, our “national family” is traumatized by economic instability. The parents in the challenged family must discover a solution, lest they fall victim to ruin. The leaders of nations must ascertain financial answers, lest the world fall victim to devastation.
Financial power mongers more than any other factor have placed men (primarily) in their political offices. These politicians are hesitant to turn against the powerful interests that made their career success possible. In fact, very seldom are these “insider” relationships ever exposed for what they really are; special alliances, preferential treatment, huge contracts, covert funds, and so much more…are certainly all involved in these “clandestine” dealings. Absolute power corrupts, as we all know. It seems that the citizens of the United States did not heed the precise warnings asserted by President Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation.
So as tensions heat up, those at the center seek to shift the spotlight away from acceptance and accountability. What typically follows is war. Then too, there must always be a patsy, a victim. Most often this scapegoat – when exploited – serves the interests of the ruling class. Who and what will this be next time?
Historically, war is the financial and social solution to hardship and intense tensions. And, invariably there are incredible casualties and collateral damages. In this age of nuclear weapons it is war that is the clear enemy. We must end the proven cycle of history.
I am afraid and yet hopeful. I pray that the integrity of the collective conscience will wake up and find peaceful solutions to the tensions of our times and succeed in making lasting and abundant peace and prosperity.


