Time to Be Clear is Now
Forum column of Friends Journal
August 2000The May 2000 issue was exceptional in its wonderful coverage of the FCG. In many ways, I equally valued David Newman's letter questioning "What would John Woolman do?" and the viewpoint from the Quaker UN Office in Geneva.
As a former international student, Peace Corps Volunteer, employee of Japanese firms in the US and now a sales person for American firms in Japan and Korea, I was a bit disturbed about the well intended yet somewhat oversimplified definition of issues within the article by David Morse in the March FJ edition. Having been active in the anti-Vietnam war movement I well remember the rhetoric about evil multinational corporations (MNCs) - especially by those who have never worked in international commerce. Now in addition to the MNCs, we have a new bogeyman, the WTO.
Indeed, harm is often done by the large organizations - but I dare say large organizations also include governments, NGOs and churches. All of whom can often be dangerous if having different intentions. Corporations and their associations are primarily in place to make profits and in the process they often do things that are in the long term damaging. However, looking at other large organizations where strategies are made by committees as well as by managers; governments, churches, etc. also have much to be ashamed. At the same time, within all large organizations there are people who are essentially moral and with long-term concerns for their communities and the environment. Many of these people grew up during the '60's and '70' and now are taking over the reigns of power of international firms.
Which leads me to David Newman's letter. Associating with people who are willing to speak truth to power in a meaningful way requires first truly doing one's homework as suggested by Brewster Grace's "Viewpoint" and often it means doing the same for the long haul inside organizations - as opposed to brief antagonistic and unfriendly outside demonstrations. Demonstrations, of course, can have a meaningful role but when we choose to demonstrate we really should choose our allies and messages carefully if we are to be considered relevant to the long-term discussion and to be given opportunities to influence change. Otherwise we may be rightfully dismissed as "fuzzy minded do-gooders." Given the gravity of the legitimate issues identified within the WTO protests, we do not have the time and luxury to misunderstand nor to be misunderstood.
Tom Coyner
Tokyo Monthly Meeting
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