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| A Quick Note on
Strategy by Marcus H. Martins, Ph.D. |
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| I come from Brazil,
the largest country in South America, and also a
country of immigrants. As I look at your name
badges I recognize countries of origin of the
ancestors of many of today's Brazilians. I myself
feel honored to claim-as far as my genealogical
research has shown--a variety of ancestries from
Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. And as far
as religious background, I come from a Catholic
upbringing, Afro-Brazilian spiritualism, and now
almost 27 years as a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About two years ago I was approached by a lady who inquired what my views were on the attacks on the family caused by legislation and decisions made at the highest level in world forums. At that time, after finishing a multi-year large-scale study on a completely unrelated topic, I couldn't help but to disclose my ignorance on the subject. Today, I reflect on that conversation and wonder how many among the world's population are aware of the problem. We live in a large world. Reports from the Population Division of the United Nations state that by July of l999 the world population should reach the mark of 6 billion persons. There are 362 cities in the world with populations at or above 1 million inhabitants, and a little over 3,000 cities with populations around 100,000 or above. The total population living in these large cities totals about 1 billion individuals. The remaining population who lives in smaller cities would be sufficient to fill 39,000 cities of 25,000 inhabitants. When we consider these numbers, it becomes clear that informing the world is an enormous task. But it is not impossible. Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne told me that even in remote villages in the Gambia one can find fans of retired basketball superstar Michael Jordan. That fact brings to mind that the only way to spread information to large numbers in today's world is through mass media. Perhaps one of the most remarkable characteristics of the late 20' century is the rapid rate of technological change with the accompanying availability and accessibility of affordable cuttingedge products to larger numbers. Technology is not an evil in itself It can be used for evil purposes, but when placed in the hands of conscientious persons it can produce good for all. As we heard time and again in this forum, well-organized and well-funded groups have been active in trying to destroy the foundation of our societies. With the possibility of even greater influence of these groups looming in the horizon, we clearly see that concern and action are mandatory for those who want to preserve the family as an institution. Speed of action is a must, and I propose that the walls that traditionally separated us must be torn down, so we can achieve the common objective of saving the family. Since in the past 2 days we heard a number of quotes from the sacred Koran, from the Bible, and from Greek philosophers, allow me to share with you a lesson from an additional sacred source of the Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon. In the ancient American continent, close to 2,000 years ago, a large nation of God-fearing people faced possible extinction or enslavement from a powerful enemy. Although the odds were against them, rather than succumb they decided to fight this formidable enemy with an equally formidable strategy. So, their leaders congregated the people in one body in their main city, gathering provisions to survive a siege that might be prolonged for several years. Being thus united, in a few years they were able to completely destroy that formidable enemy and restore peace and prosperity to their homeland. This account from the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi chapters 3 & 4) suggests that in order to defeat a formidable foe the people must unite, joining their resources, talents, skills, and prayers. I believe that the same must happen in our struggle to avert the tide that threatens the family. In our discussions in these past 2 days I felt that it should be mentioned that as far as our strategy to accomplish our goal is concerned, we must be united and not divided. In my opinion, in order to accomplish our goal we must concentrate more on top-level ideas than on particulars. We heard many insights on specific problems faced by several countries and regions within countries. However, I propose that while developing policy at the highest (or worldwide) forums of discussion we should argue for universal goals rather than specific policies aimed at addressing regional circumstances. Then, after winning support for these universals, or fundamental ideas, we can together pool our intellectual resources and as friends and colleagues help each other translate those ideas into practical policies addressed at each country's reality. |
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Marcus H.
Martins, Ph.D. |
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| If you are interested in
additional information, or would like to set up a
Families Worldwide Chapter in your community,
please feel free to contact us via
e-mail. Families Worldwide |
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