We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. - Winston Churchill
In today’s world, it is a little known fact that voting is the last step in the democratic process of westernized states. Democracy requires that we actively participate in all aspects of any public debate, and this is especially true when it comes to our national and international security policy. For without participation, we are all subject to having our lives shaped by those who have not heard our thoughts or who would see their own objectives fulfilled at our own expense.
These past few days I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with a substantial group of people who came together to present their thoughts and ideas on some of today’s most critical national security issues at the 2007 Intelligence Summit (http://www.intelligencesummit.org) held in St. Petersburg, Florida. These individuals, at their own expense, entered into and participated in the public debate on a wide range of topics that encompassed the international landscape, global terrorism, and homeland security. These speakers came from a diverse range of intelligence and military analysts, researchers and academics, as well as experts in counter-terrorism that freely offered their perspectives to anyone wanting to understand the perils that western civilization now faces.
What I discovered at this year’s Summit was a renewed sense of humanity that there are indeed people who both understand the bigger dynamic of world politics and national security as well as a genuine commitment towards our fellow man that transcended petty partisanship. What was embodied this year was a reaffirmation that despite our own preoccupation with self-interest, there are still a significant number of people who operate in the realm of reasoned, enlightened self-interest in ensuring our prosperous futures.
I can safely say that the majority of those who came together at this year’s Intelligence Summit (i.e. speakers, organizers and audience members alike) were willing to set aside title, rank and standing to begin the needed grassroots activity to sustain and strengthen our democratic processes, and they should be commended and honored for their ongoing contributions. If we relent to the forces of complacency and abdicate what we take for granted, then the election of the unwanted will manifest most clearly. Make today count towards tomorrow’s achievements through active participation, and reach out to those who will listen to let your informed thoughts be heard.
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