Globalization or Nationalism?

[TJ in Oregon]

I believe nations should strive for peaceful, strong, productive relationships with each other, especially their neighbors. But I also do believe they ought to remain nations, not branch offices of a world state. I think the point of a healthy cosmopolitanism is that different cultures are actually different from each other, in terms of customs and beliefs. That doesn't mean there aren't truths that transcend cultural lines and unite all of humanity.

Distancing the officials from those they represent leads to added resentment and spite. I'm always amazed at some of the people I talk to in Madison who have no apparent understanding whatsoever of Trumpism despite being from rust belt places. I suspect the politicians (in both parties) traversing the DC cocktail circuit experience a similar disconnect. Removing the lines around the countries will likely make this worse not better.

I am of the view that being a part of the community in which you live is very important thing to do. If you have no community, you've cut yourself off from everyone besides yourself, or as Theresa May would say, "if you believe you are a citizen of the world, you’re a citizen of nowhere".