Gordy speaks

"Values free." The two strongest terms in Gordy's speech today. That's right, Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, spoke to a joint session of Congress today and, quite frankly, did a fine job. First of all, it was an absolute pleasure to simply listen to him speak. As I have stated before, we have drifted too far from our language, plain old English, and Gordon Brown again accentuated the need to uphold it each day in our schools and our companies (http://spotonwithtrivedi.blogspot.com/2008/11/return-of-kings-english.html). Second, the common heritage that we share, us and the Brits and so many others in the Commonwealth, is undeniable and unbreakable. Third, Mr. Brown asserts throughout his speech, both directly and indirectly that we can live free - markets, nations, and peoples - but we cannot and shall not live "values free." Finally, Mr. Brown, similar to Mr. Obama (Mr. Obamer?) positions the multi-pronged investments in energy, education, and human talent (by extension, health care/welfare) front and center in his global New Deal. Banner fine idea, lads. Who is going to pay for it? That comes later, of course. Regardless of the painful realities, it was a fine speech - a speech that still leaves me with a bit of doubt. Read on.

This common heritage, and indeed this common language, should be utilized to lift us out of our murky and sordid economic woes. Tied to this common heritage are many other peoples and languages. From the islands of the West Indies to the peaks of the Himalayas, in times of world war and fleeting peace, the Americans and the Britons have influenced a great many peoples. What I heard in Mr. Brown's polemic was that all this is quite good and certainly deserves the recognition. He goes on to say that "we must build tomorrow today" and that the events of the day "have forced us all to think anew." I agree.

What bothers me is that the common heritage of our two countries had been mired in imperialism, rogue influence peddling, and, finally and most recently, supporting incalcitrant and disingenuous war mongers. So, in thinking anew, we must seek out a values-based commonality. The almighty quid or dollar is not our Lord and Savior (in this house, we say "paisu maro parmeshwar ane hoon enu das" - Money is my God and I his Servant). I have a great deal of hope but I lack faith in these words.

Can we move ahead towards freedom and free markets girded by core values? Can we truly, as Mr. Brown suggests, invent our way of this chasm? Can we do so without always being led by money? Can we distance ourselves from our history in such a way that we do not repeat its most expensive mistakes? For all of our convictions, our piety, and our words, we often -I often - do "pass by on the other side." Our values-free approach has done much to dampen the hearts and minds of our peoples. Has it gone too far?

Mr. Brown, in his attempt to serve as an inspiration, did give me hope. In our renewed desire to better education, preserve our environment, and invest in our general welfare, we must show leadership. We must not get so absorbed with who pays what (though necessity will demand that debts be repaid). Environmental dominion - our reign over the earth - requires leadership. Who gives a rat's ass whether or not there is global warming? Taking care of the earth should be tantamount to anything else! Taking care of her people comes next.

I'm slowly changing, folks. Many know me as a pretty strong advocate of laissez-faire economics and bold initiatives in taxation. And to a great degree, I still am that advocate. But, there is more to life than economics. Thank you, Mr. Brown and friends alike, for continuing to show me a different perspective.

As always, be thankful for what you have, buy only what you need, and work diligently for peace. I shall try to do the same. From across the pond and by the river, I bid you a good night and a glorious Thursday. Cheers.