Monday, October 22, 2007

Reciprocity

Reciprocity is such a wonderfully simple word. Much like the Golden Rule, it should be the fundamental law of the land in the United States. If it were, things would be so much simpler and fair. Do unto others as they do unto you may not be the best way to handle one’s personal dealings. However, it is a sane and fair way to conduct affairs of governance and business. I like to think of it as a perfect mirror, reflecting actions back to shine upon those responsible for them. This mirror could bring a world of possible solutions to many of the problems and issues that we face every day. Dealing with others in the same fashion that they deal with you.

The fact that we do not has been used against us so many times. The terrorists who atttacked our country and continue to desire to harm us exploit this weakness every day. We would not want to carry this to the extreme of cutting off their heads with dull knives if they happen to be captured. Nor should we coddle them and treat them like American citizens. We certainly should not court martial an officer who applies the threat of force to uncover thwart the plans of said individuals to kill the officer's men and women.

Reciprocity would work wonders in the fight against illegal immigration. The Mexican government routinely publishes literature that details the best ways to enter the United States illegally and exploit our generousity and goodwill. If we applied Mexico’s immigration law upon its citizen’s who choose to violate our national sovereignty, the problem would begin to improve almost immediately.

China enjoys the freedom to engage in almost every opportunity imaginable with regard to trade and business, including purchasing major stakes in our financial institutions. Yet we do not have the same ability to acquire an equivalent level of interest in theirs. Reciprocity would get results.

Would the government of Saudi Arabia allow a foreign government to set up a “Christian” School in Mecca, Medina, or anywhere in their country? Yet, we have a Saudi sponsored school in northern Virginia that teaches Wahhabism. Female American military personnel can’t even drive cars in Saudi Arabia because it offends the sensibilities of the society. Yet, we permit, protect and even encourage the presence of institutions that are fundamentally at odds with our society. Once again, a little reciprocity would go a long way.

I believe in freedom and free markets if they are truly free. But if one side takes advantage of the other such that reciprocity does not exist, then it is up to the government to take whatever action is necessary to “level the playing field” whether it is in business or international relations. It would be a very compelling type of diplomacy that few diplomats would embrace.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I would suggest perhaps going even farther…let's call it "reciprocity plus". Quick caveat: as you noted this is not necessarily how one should run his own life but rather reserved for functions of the Federal Government.

If an individual, organization, or country hurts us or our interests in our nation or anywhere abroad, we do MORE than respond in kind. If we get a bloody nose, they get knocked out and knocked down. Also, if a natural disaster strikes and they want our help, they better make sure they're saying nice things about us and helping promote our interests. Otherwise, have fun on your own since we're so awful.

Conversely, if an individual, organization, or country is our friend and helps further our national interests in any way they can, we will respond with even more gratitude. They give us a hamburger, we give them a steak.

In other words, we just get the State Department to adopt the military's slogan: "No greater friend, no worse enemy" Yeah right…

LoneVoice said...

I think that sums it up nicely! But I doubt that the State Department would like it. Especially if certain recent events and policies are any indication. I wonder at times just which side the folks at State are on. For that matter, I question the allegiance of a large number of our government officials who seem to be more interested in weakening our country and ensuring the triumph of our enemies than upholding the Constitution and living up to their oaths of office. The latest example is that of the Congress doing everything it can to alienate Turkey and thus cut off our lines of supply in Iraq. I guess that does not qualify as aid and comfort to the enemy.