Personal Ways to Wage an Effective War on Terrorism While the USA responds to the terrorist acts of September 11th, let me suggest there are some things we can do on an individual level to wage an effective war against terrorism. For starters, here are three: 1.
Personal Ways to Wage an Effective War on Terrorism
While the USA responds to the terrorist acts of September 11th,
let me suggest there are some things we can do on an individual level to
wage an effective war against terrorism. For starters, here are three:
1. Cultivate a passion for geography
Pick any country you know little about; someplace that piques your
curiosity. Look for anything you can on it, i.e., books, videos, websites.
Take a course. Eat at ethnic restaurants. Go to lectures. Find an email
penpal in that country.
When you’re up to snuff on that country, choose another and start
the process all over again. Continue doing this for the rest of your life.
2. Travel more abroad
Instead of spending discretionary income on a room addition, or a
theme park vacation, why not earmark it for international travel? Go outside
your comfort zone. Visit countries where most of the people live at a lower
material standard of living than we do in the USA. Learn about their daily
life. Listen to different perspectives without pre-judging or dismissing
them. Consider making changes in your own life, to reflect what you learn.
While abroad, be wise and prudent, but also open and friendly. Walk
through downtown shopping precincts, along riverbanks, and through parks.
Visit museums, zoos, natural wonders, castles and palaces. Talk to the local
people wherever you go. Immerse yourself in their culture rather than just
hanging out with other Americans at touristy places.
3. Choose to think globally
Become a student of global political, economic, and environmental
issues. Research whether or not your personal lifestyle choices may have a
negative impact somewhere else in the world.
Find ways to be both a loyal patriot, and an informed,
contributing world citizen as well. Study diplomacy. See if you can discover
past treaties or foreign policy decisions which put weaker states at a
disadvantage. Determine to support fair dealing in the future. Stand behind
leaders who have an international perspective.
This is just the tip of the iceberg
Actually, there is no limit to the positive steps we can take as
individuals. In fact, it may well be the collective effort of millions of
individuals doing the little things, which could ultimately be the strongest
weapon against future terrorist acts.
At least that’s what I’d like to believe. Anyone else think so? Share your thoughts on the message board thread I’ve begun.
——–
Continue Exploring
Tales From the Road: Getting Up Close and Personal
How do you get beneath the skin of a country? Is it possible to experience the real place behind the tourist façade? What’s the best way to engage with local people? How can a deeper relationship with a place and its people benefit you? Here are the stories of travellers who have found ways to get up close and personal with the countries they have visited and how it has changed them. Helen Moat finds out from other travellers she has connected with.
Travel to Enlightenment
Edwin Harkness Spina believes travel is one of the fastest and most effective ways to gain insight into yourself and the world – an accelerated learning environment for personal
30 Places and 5 Ways to Learn More Through Travel
Winter vacation is upon us and spring break is coming. Professional educator, Stacey Ebert, discusses the ways to maximize education through holiday travel travel for your kids.
5 Ways to Build Community While Traveling
As the holidays approach many travelers miss home and feel the absence of loved ones deeply. Jenn Miller discusses five ways to build community as you travel and create family for yourself and others while on the road.
8 Ways to Cut Costs on Your RTW
When taking any trip – but particularly on a RTW trip – finding ways to cut costs means traveling longer. Adam Seper offers eight ways you can dramatically reduce your expenses while traveling long-term.