Wednesday, May 30, 2007

SIGNS OF WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY ON THE RISE, INTRODUCTION

SIGNS OF WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY ON THE RISE
BY FRANCIS C. W. FUNG, PH.D.

INTRODUCTION

FOLLOWING ARE FOUR CURRENT MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS STORIES THAT ARE UNDERPLAYED BY THE U.S. MEDIA. THE U.S. MEDIA EXCELLED IN COLD WAR DIPLOMACY, IS SLOW IN RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY ON THE RISE. ONE WONDERS WHEN WILL THE U.S. MEDIA AWAKEN TO THE 21ST CENTURY. BY ALL ACCOUNTS, THE COMPETITIVE PROFIT MOTIVATED CORPORATE AND MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX DOMINATED U.S. MEDIA IS LAGGING BEHIND THE COMING WORLD TREND OF WIN-WIN MUTUAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS NECESSITATES THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY AS PRESENTED IN MY LAST ARTICLE "HARMONY DIPLOMACY ESSENTIAL FOR WORLD DEVELOPMENT."

IT IS INDEED REMARKABLE AFTER 50 YEARS OF COLD WAR DIPLOMACY, IT TOOK THE IRAQ WAR DILEMMA FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO REALIZE THAT THE RIGHT HUMILITY INSTEAD OF ARROGANCE CAN WIN FRIENDS AND LEAD TO HARMONY RELATIONS. THE SINGULAR ACT OF U.S. BECOMING MORE UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTING OF OTHER CULTURES CAN MONUMENTALLY INFLUENCE MANY NATIONS TO DO THE SAME. THIS SPECIFICALLY INCLUDES JAPAN IN ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. IT REMAINS TO SEE IF THE U.S. MEDIA WILL FINALLY LEARN WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY AND MOVE FORWARD TO THE 21ST CENTURY. BESIDES THE U.S. OVERBEARING FOREIGN POLICY, THE CONDESCENDING US MEDIA ATTITUDE FOR THE LAST 50 YEARS EVER SINCE OUR SECOND WORLD WAR VICTORY, IS ALSO TO BLAME FOR THE DISTRUST CREATED BETWEEN THE US AND MANY NATIONS THAT ARE NOW HOSTILE TO OUR FOREIGN POLICY. A CHANGE OF HEART BY THE U.S. MEDIA WILL CERTAINLY HELP TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD UNDERSTANDING FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE PRACTICING WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

SIGNS OF US-CHINA HARMONY DIPLOMACY

(I) SIGN OF US-CHINA HARMONY DIPLOMACY FROM STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

A major news event of significance signaling US-China harmony diplomacy was under reported by US media. On this Wednesday May 23, 2007, China and United States ended a key economic dialogue in Washington in a spirit of agreement. The meeting was co chaired by Secretary of Treasury, Henry Paulson and China’s Vice Premier Wu Yi. During the two day Second Strategic Economic Dialogue, top economic officials from the two countries, including dozens of cabinet ministers discussed topics covering areas of service, investment and transparency, energy and environment as well as growth balance and innovation.

As witnessed by the joint fact sheet issued at the closing, both sides reached consensus on how to move forward in financial services, civil aviation, energy and environment and signed a number of specific agreements. One cannot help notice the tone of the joint fact sheet shows great diplomacy at work. It shows both sides showed good intention and yielding ground to reach consensus. This consensus is surprising because of perennial trade friction between the two nations. Particularly under the climate of China bashing, resulted from recent Congressional trade protectionism mentality. One may also wonder perhaps we are seeing the beginning signal of US-China harmony diplomacy from the Bush administration.

What tips off this change of heart is straight from the President’s own words. For once Bush did the right diplomatic thing for US-China relations as well as for world harmony. At a White House press conference on Thursday, Bush said the just concluded US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue is “important” and there has been some progress achieved at the dialogue. Bush’s exact words were “This is an important dialogue. And it’s one that I thank the Chinese government for engaging in”. Bush also met with Vice Premier Wu Yi in the White House Oval Office on Thursday, and asked her to pass a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao that he appreciates China’s willingness “to work with strategic dialogues in order to put in place the type of measures that reflect a complex relationship.”

To set the proper tone for the consultation and consensus the principle negotiators from both sides were careful in their statements. “Thanks for the careful attention and joint efforts from both sides, the second meeting of the strategic dialogue achieved great success,” said Wu, acting as the special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao. “The economic and trade relationship between China and the US is one of the most complicated in today’s world,” she said. “The SED provides an excellent platform for both sides to further understanding and trust in terms of strategic issues.” For his part, US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said that US and China both understood that”getting the economic relationship right is vital not only to our people, but to the world economy.”

In their opening statements Henry Paulson also said very appropriately”The purpose of this on going dialogue is to have candid discussions and find ways to ease, rather than increase tensions.” Vice Premier Wu added “Equal consultation, cooperation and win-win have become the overall situation and defining nature of China-US relations, both being stakeholders and constructive partners.” “Politicizing economic and trade issues is absolutely unacceptable, since it is of no help but will make the situation more complicated, harm bilateral economic and trade relations or even cause serious negative impact on the progress of overall China-US ties”

“Now and then, the peace of the world and the progress of the world required close cooperation between the two peoples of the US and China” said Henry Kissinger at the opening, referring to the historic visit by the former President Richard Nixon to China in 1972. “The most advanced industrialized country and the country that is growing at the fastest rate have the unique opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world of cooperation and vision.” That vision may very well be world harmony renaissance through US-China harmony consensus.

The consensus reached through the SED consultation clearly demonstrated the merit of practicing harmony diplomacy. Harmony is fostered by acceptance, respect, equity and humility. This type of no fault, win-win consultation can lead to complementary solutions between any two nations. The following attached SED fact sheet may serve as a model of harmony diplomacy with humility, practiced by two great nations with wisdom. For related articles on harmony diplomacy and world harmony renaissance please visit www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com World harmony renaissance begins with US-China harmony consensus.

(II) SIGN OF HARMONY DIPLOMACY, SIX PARTY NORTH KOREA DENUCLEARIZATION
I also thought of having World Harmony Watch column among many columns in your publication. The idea is to report on major countries activities to promote world harmony. Details of the Six nations denuclearizing pact coming out on April 11, 2007 are very encouraging. It clearly shows that the two strong contending sides are giving ground and reached some consensus through long painful discussions and consultations. This is how harmony works through discussions, consultations and consensus. Until the announcement yesterday the accord all seemed but impossible. Not so long ago our President Bush called North Korea part of the "Axis of Evil".This major world event may not receive the attention it deserves. But from World Harmony Renaissance perspective this may spark a series of events that signal the beginning of harmony at East Asia. By implementing the Nuclear Disarmament Pact U.S., China, Russia, Japan, South and North will have to help North Korea recover. That means major countries across both sides of the pacific will work together for mutual development. North East Asia development has a lot of potential.North Korea's economic stagnation dated from Korean War some 50 years ago may see a way out. The Accord calls for "Within 30 days: Five separate working groups meet on denuclearizing, normalizing U.S.-North Korea relations, normalizing of North Korea-Japan relations, economy and energy cooperation, and peace and security in Northeast Asia."This would have been real juicy material for our World Harmony Watch Column to break the news, should we have our own World Harmony Renaissance magazine. I would have reported with a lot more enthusiasm than the U.S. press for sure. Be what it may, this proved the importance of World Harmony Watch column to give the fair historical perspective and the whole aftermath of the cold war era. Some of you may still remember the cold war confrontation era. As momentous as those years were the left over effect may be solved by the necessity of mutual and harmonious development.Need for mutual development will pave the way for a more harmonious world. Solution for uniting North and South Korea, Between China and Taiwan will be the promise of mutual development. Unification of West and East Germany and the return of Hong Kong to China both situations showed that the aftermath of cold war era can easily be forgotten and harmony of feuding brothers can be achieved. www.worldharmonyorg.net

Friday, May 25, 2007

SECOND US-CHINA STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

Full text of Joint Fact Sheet of Second US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
www.chinaview.cn 2007-05-26 03:34:23

WASHINGTON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the joint fact sheet of the second US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue:
The Second U.S. - China Strategic Economic Dialogue
May 22-23, Washington
Joint Fact Sheet
In Washington on May 22 and 23, the United States and China held the second Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). As special representatives of Presidents Bush and Hu, Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. and Vice Premier Wu Yi served as co-chairs of the SED.
The United States and China agreed to the following principlesbuilding on the consensus reached at SED I:
-- Promoting balanced economic growth in a manner compatible with sustained development is a shared responsibility of the two sides.
-- Recognizing the importance of innovation in creating a prosperous economy, and encouraging market-oriented fair competition, effective property rights, and, specifically for small and medium enterprises, the development, management, and application of innovation.
-- Strengthening cooperation on meeting respective goals in energy security, conservation, and efficiency; developing clean sources of energy; environmental protection; clean development; and addressing climate change.
-- Cooperating and exchanging information on transparency to enhance predictability for market participants, promote confidencein our economies and build on their international obligations.
Discussions led to a number of results that strengthen and deepen the bilateral economic relationship, including:
-- In financial services, China will resume licensing securities companies in the second half of 2007, and before SED III, China will announce to gradually expand the business scope ofqualified joint-venture securities companies to allow them to be engaged in securities brokerages, propriety trading and asset management; increase the total quota for Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFIIs) to $30 billion under the prerequisite of promoting its international balance of payment; allow foreign incorporated banks qualified for RMB retail businesses to issue RMB bank cards which meet the operational and technical standards of China's banking cards, and enjoy the same treatment as Chinese banks; and allow foreign property insurance companies to apply for conversions into subsidiaries. China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) will complete decisions on pending applications by August 1, 2007. China expanded the scope of investment products for Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors (QDIIs). The United States strongly supports full membership of China at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June 2007 with the understanding that China will take appropriate steps to ensure that it meets FATF's core membership criteria, confirms that any application by a Chinese bank to establish branches in the United States will be considered consistent with the principle of national treatment, and commits to regulatory personnel exchanges.
-- In non-financial services and trade, both sides announced an agreement to expand the existing bilateral aviation agreement which greatly increases the number of flights between the two countries annually, provides for full liberalization for cargo services as of 2011, and both sides agreed to commence negotiations in 2010 on an agreement and timetable for full liberalization of passenger services; a joint declaration to launch Chinese group leisure travel to the United States; a MOU onsovereign guarantee financing cooperation; and the import by Chinaof U.S. railway equipment. Both sides agreed on "Guidelines for U.S.-China High Technology and Strategic Trade Development." Both sides will continue to cooperate on transparency in government legislation, and co-host a seminar involving administrative licenses. China will publish revised implementing regulations on international freight forwarding in 2007.
-- In energy and the environment, the United States and China agreed to work together in a pragmatic manner to actively participate in WTO multilateral negotiations on trade and environment, and engage in discussions on the reduction or, as appropriate, elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to environmental goods and services. The United States and China willstrengthen cooperation in the following areas: advancing clean coal technology, aiming to develop up to 15 large-scale coal-mine methane capture projects in China, finalizing participation of China in the Government Steering Committee of the FutureGen project, providing policy incentives to abolish cost barriers to full commercialization of advanced coal technologies, advancing the research and development of carbon capture and storage technologies, and formulating a national low sulfur fuel policy for China. The United States and China jointly announce an agreement for voluntary energy efficient product endorsement labeling (EnergyStar) certification. Both countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Nuclear Safety for the Westinghouse AP1000 Nuclear Reactor.
-- In balancing growth, the United States will provide technical assistance on developing financial markets and rural finance. Both countries agree to staff exchanges and information sharing regarding labor market policies. The U.S.-China Health Care Forum was successfully convened prior to SED II. The United States and China also agree to pursue significant measures to lower China's national saving rate and increase the United States national saving rate. The United States welcomes China's announcement to widen the RMB daily trading band.
-- In innovation, China's General Administration of Customs, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of HomelandSecurity signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on IPR Enforcement. The United States and China also signed a letter of intent on the establishment of a consultative mechanism in standards and trade-related technical measures and will host a seminar on the criticalelements of technical innovation.
Both sides decided to prioritize work during the next six months in several areas:
-- To promote a reduction in current account imbalances in a manner compatible with sustained economic growth, China will continue to deepen reform of the exchange rate regulation system, further improve the formation of a RMB exchange rate mechanism, bring into greater role of market supply and demand, and increase the flexibility of the exchange rate. The United States will implement measures to increase long run fiscal responsibility and introduce new ways to encourage private saving. Both sides also agree to strengthen cooperation on health care services and statistics related to U.S.-China trade and employment. The United States welcomes Chinese investment in the United States, and Chinawelcomes U.S. investment in China.
-- Launch agreement consultations to facilitate Chinese group leisure travel to the United States, continue discussions on the possibility of a bilateral investment agreement, and strengthen consultation and cooperation on China's market economy status. Thetwo sides shall seek to clarify misunderstandings and resolve differences to promote the rapid development of civilian high technology and strategic trade. China will streamline the application and licensing process for the provision of enterprise annuities including by foreign-invested enterprises by SED III.
-- Engage in dialogue on illegal logging and explore ways to cooperate including through a bilateral agreement. Continue exchanges on management of oceans and fisheries, strategic petroleum reserves, and on fostering environmentally sound management of recyclable waste materials; strengthen cooperation on the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership and promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation on energy, environmental protection, andclean development and climate change; and advance the Joint Study of Abatement Strategies.
-- Identify new areas of cooperation to strengthen innovation capabilities, as well as deepening cooperation to enhance laws, policies, programs and incentives that encourage innovation. The United States and China will continue to cooperate on transparencyin rule-making, inviting representatives from their legislative and judicial organs of government to appropriate future meetings.
The third SED will be held in Beijing in December 2007.
Editor: Yan Liang

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

HARMONY DIPLOMACY ESSENTIAL FOR WORLD DEVELOPMENT

Harmony diplomacy esseantial for world development
http://www.chinaview.cn/index.htm 2007-05-22 08:18:25

www.worldharmonyorg.net
By Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.
BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhuanet) -- "Freedom, Democracy and Harmony are three ancient universal human ideals that belong to the world and not to any one single nation. They are not entirely independent but intimately related. As a matter of fact, there exist fascinating relations among them that warrant immediate global study. Some may wonder why freedom and democracy have been so widely promoted during the last 400 years of human history, while harmony was barely noted on the world stage."
"In fact, Freedom and Democracy have been the most successfully used tools to promote international diplomacy in the 20th Century. Harmony, as a great unifying force in the on rush of globalization, has now come of age. Harmony is mankind’s greatest common value. The conflicted world of today urgently calls for international democracy through the practice of harmony diplomacy."
"Nature imbues us with the instinctive knowledge that we are born free. The mountains, the wind and the lions are born free, not to mention any other of the myriad animals that remain free until captured. Despite being born free, powerful groups desperately yearn to enslave us. More than 2500 years ago the most ancient cultures scattered about different continents prohibited slavery seeing it as hideous. The institutionalized slave trade was most egregiously practiced in the new world until the American civil war put an end to it."
"Immediately following 9/11, George W. Bush conveniently thrust freedom centre stage to rally Americans with the resounding cry. The logic was that the terrorists hate our freedom and they are intent on taking it away. To be fair, American democracy as put forth by our forefathers, guarantees each citizen freedom from undue infringement through law and order. Freedom as an ideal is politically neutral, neither good nor bad. However, modern democracy is designed to prevent minority individuals from exceeding their rights granted by freedom."
"Bush’s call for freedom diplomacy after 9/11 is neither necessary nor appropriate. Terrorists have not been empowered to take away our freedom, but the resulting regulation to counter-terrorism has. As warned by President Eisenhower, the military complex created by war may seriously threaten our democracy and hence our individual freedom. The greatest threat to our freedom today is our enslavement to the military and the industrial complex through their hijacking of democracy."
"Since time immemorial, the protection of human rights has occupied our consciousness. The fear of the all mighty unknown that sparked religious teaching was likely the catalyst for this type of thought. Teaching morals and common values developed along with harmony while democracy followed behind. Democratic systems as a means to guarantee individual rights and freedoms reached new heights when the American Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights were signed, giving way to the system of laws being enacted. Western diplomacy spread far and wide and profoundly changed the world during the 20th century."
"Democracy, in different forms, has now become a generally accepted governance system. Democracy grows best in the fertile soil of each individual nation without outside interference or occupation. American chastisement of other nations only offends their dignity. Many developing nations, after years of domination by imperialism, have nothing to cling to other than the very dignity being spoken of."
"Democracy is also no longer an import export item, as pointed out by Ban Ke-moon, the current Secretary General of the U.N. Due to the debacle of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, democracy as an instrument of foreign policy has lost its lustre and appeal. Diplomacy works best in these conflicted times when harmony principles are employed. Harmony diplomacy is a win-win, no-fault conflict resolution approach. It is time to minimize confrontations in today’s conflicted world by using harmony diplomacy. It certainly is worth a try. Mutual win-win development can be more economically viable than war. We have spent close to 400 billion dollars on the Iraq war, fast approaching our expenditure on the Vietnam War, with no end in sight."
"When unity is needed human beings have proven quite capable. International unity can be reached only through international democracy, not unilateralism. International democracy will be the end result of major nations practicing harmony diplomacy. In her recent book “The Mighty and the Almighty” Madeleine Albright suggested that world harmony is the end goal of a more peaceful world."
"As noble as any religion may be, faith diplomacy has fallen short of uniting the world in harmony evidenced by the countless tragic faith-based wars of the past as well as the current conflict between the West and the Muslim world. Religions as we know them today all expect blind faith and acceptance of ethnocentric almighty images, quite often unique to a specific culture."
"Harmony’s premise is tolerance, acceptance and respect for other cultures. It is all embracing, endearing and enduring. It neither dictates blind faith nor does it force acceptance of an institutionalized and ethnocentric image of the almighty. No particular personal attachment to the almighty is prescribed either. Personal attachment to the almighty is a double-edged sword. It draws those with faith closer, while alienating those without."
"Harmony is discovered through observation of nature as discussed in my other papers. It is nature’s preferred way of propagation. Nature is all embracing and human beings are very much part of nature. It is possible to believe in as wide a universe as one chooses without adhering to blind faith. Our very survival and sustainable development is now urgently dependent on our harmonious relationship with nature. We deny our very existence by not working to improve our threatened ecology. Most of us agree about the vision of world harmony and international democracy. We can all participate in the harmony movement by speaking and practicing harmony diplomacy in all facets of our daily lives. We can practice goodness for goodness sake without preaching religion. Why use faith diplomacy, an indirect approach, when the direct approach, harmony diplomacy, is readily available? Harmony’s resonance is growing and propagating. The Harmony Renaissance is the unavoidable tide. It is time to reawaken our innate human desire for harmony and to begin urging others to recognise the value of this noble ideal."
"The basic idea of world harmony is in common with all popular theories of world governance. It hopes to build a more understanding world through tolerance, respect, equity and acceptance of diverse cultures and governance systems as destiny for all mankind."
"Through harmony diplomacy major nations will support a stronger UN. A more democratic world will advocate the solution of world conflicts through consultation and harmony consensus. Unilateralism is to be rejected and peaceful resolution will replace war and violence. Harmony diplomacy will be the foundation of lasting peace. Without harmony peace will not last."
"In the pursuit of world harmony it is important to narrow the gap of the North-South/rich-poor disparity through win-win mutual development. This will create a world with a level playing field, which will enable the citizens of the world to enjoy all of the achievements of our great societies."

In a recent book titled “Keeping Faith in our Values in a Dangerous World”, Anne-Marie Slaughter, the renowned Dean of Princeton University Woodrow Wilson Institute, advocated including tolerance, humility and faith in the American system of values. She also suggested that America practice “value based foreign policy” to improve our image, so that our spreading of human rights and democracy can be more effective. Her theory is well founded but short of the more universal ideal of harmony diplomacy and mutual win-win development already in practice in various parts of the world. Harmony is an ancient ideal that belongs to the world. It is accepted by many cultures East and West. It is an extensive system of common values and certainly more inclusive than just adding tolerance, humility and faith to the American value system. One can also have faith in harmony, which in time will grow by way of resonance. The truth of harmony diplomacy includes the spirit of working with all nations in the world. Between any two countries there exist complementary advantages for mutual win- win development. Preconception of incompatibility is counter to harmony’s ideal of tolerance, acceptance and respect for others. It also negates the value of humility in practicing tolerance and acceptance. Madam Slaughter proposed working with NATO nations, English speaking and other major nations for the propagation of American values and “value based foreign policy”. Yet in her list of “preferred” nations, many significant nations including China, Russia and other obvious nations who have disagreements with U.S are noticeably absent.

"In the democratization of international relations, just and equitable international political and economic orders can be established through dialogue, negotiation and reaching consensus. The end result of international democracy will release a new wave of world creative energy. Human accomplishments can thus reach a new height of development beyond European Renaissance."
"The Order of Nature is Harmony and Harmony is the Order of Nature. A harmony world is essential to save our ecology. To rally major nations to commit to a cleaner and better environment, harmony diplomacy must advocate a common ecology consensus. Central to harmony diplomacy consensus is built in awareness to curb global insatiable appetite for consumption. Continuation of current trend is not sustainable. Without harmony consensus, the resulting catastrophic global fight for resources will be more immediate than the effect of climate change. It is time for all to advocate less confrontational harmony diplomacy."
Editor: Xia Xiaopeng

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

JOHN PRESCOTT, UK DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE

WWW.WORLDHARMONYORG.NET
Excerpt from Jan 2007 speech by Hon. John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State, United Kingdom:

There's been a great deal of talk about harmony in recent times. In fact, the academic, Francis Fung, has argued in his recent paper "Chinese Harmony Culture: Old and New - Promise for a Less Confrontational World" that China is witnessing a harmony renaissance.
He claims that great debates are happening today in China over whether Socialism with Chinese characteristics can be Socialism with harmony. And Fung maintains that China's harmony socialism will provide an alternative model, as the leading system of governance in the 21st Century.
Indeed, I note that in October the Chinese Communist Party launched a national campaign to build a more harmonious society. In doing so, China appears to be reaffirming its own rich cultural tradition of harmony.

INTRODUCTION BY ERIC CHIPPS

WORLD HARMONY PRESENTATION BY FRANCIS C.W.FUNG TO ROTARY CLUB AT MILL VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB, CA

WWW.WORLDHARMONYORG.NET
INTRODUCTION BY ERIC CHIPPS

In today’s world of international conflicts, religious strife, North and South disparities, terrorism, extremism and unilateralism, harmony renaissance is the only common value universal solution. The tide of Harmony Renaissance is inevitable. All present will become pioneers of Harmony Renaissance. Harmony advocates non-violence. Its’ premises are tolerance, acceptance, respect, equity, patience and humility. As powerful as we are we will not have nobility and hope unless we practice humility. This is the new global awareness. Harmony is the conduit to facilitate multi-directional cultural flow not just from West to East and North to South. Harmony is the all-embracing unifying force for unity in diversity.Dr. Fung has initiated the World Harmony Organization in North America and has already attracted interest and support. It is a growing influence in North America, Europe and China from important figures in academic and social circles, economics and politics, as well as a growing number of concerned citizens in many countries.Clearly, the policies of confrontation currently contributing so much to world tensions are unproductive, as well as damaging to the progress of society. By developing the ancient Chinese promotion of harmony, the Organization hopes to become again the third pillar in supporting democracy and religious principle as the foundation of a more peaceful and productive world.More information can be obtained from the Organization’s website at WorldHarmonyorg.net which allows a measure of the extent to which harmony is increasingly an influence. You may also contribute opinion via WorldHarmonyforum.blogspot.com By his talk today, Dr. Fung hopes to generate recognition among influential people of the role that a young, dynamic America, endowed with resources should be advocating harmony renaissance.The first World Harmony Cultural Festival will be launched on September 16th, co-sponsored by the San Francisco University and other distinguished organizations and individuals.Eric Chipps, Chipps and Associates


Excerpt from Jan 2007 speech by Hon. John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State, United Kingdom:

There's been a great deal of talk about harmony in recent times. In fact, the academic, Francis Fung, has argued in his recent paper "Chinese Harmony Culture: Old and New - Promise for a Less Confrontational World" that China is witnessing a harmony renaissance.
He claims that great debates are happening today in China over whether Socialism with Chinese characteristics can be Socialism with harmony. And Fung maintains that China's harmony socialism will provide an alternative model, as the leading system of governance in the 21st Century.
Indeed, I note that in October the Chinese Communist Party launched a national campaign to build a more harmonious society. In doing so, China appears to be reaffirming its own rich cultural tradition of harmony.

REVIEW BY MORGAN STEACY, YORK UNIVERSITY, TORONTO, EAST ASIAN STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Freedom, Democracy and Harmony Diplomacy: A Review by Morgan Steacy, York University, Toronto, East Asian Studies Department.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Can’t we all just get along?”, and thought that it sounded reasonable? This is exactly what I believe happened to Dr. Francis Fung, Director General of the World Harmony Organisation. Dr. Fung has written an article entitled, Freedom Democracy and Harmony Diplomacy that essentially asks this very question. The difference here is that he answers with a resounding, yes.
Up until now no one has ventured to explore the reasons that people have so often asked this question, but have never actually dealt with why the answer that should be YES seems determined to remain NO. So, how does this article evade the puerile nature of the question that it deals with?
Dr. Fung has chosen the USA, as the major world power, to be the primary focus of his urgings. He links historical downfalls of people quite succinctly with the current situation of the world. He describes a world that is so overcome with the notion of “spreading freedom” that there is never a moment to stop and think about the hypocrisy of deciding to “bring freedom” to another nation.
He describes this as “freedom diplomacy”, a process which is detrimental to societies because of the fact that they are not determining their own freedom, making it inherently flawed. He further points out that while terrorists have acted in order to destroy our freedom, their success in actually doing so has been ineffective. He claims that it is our reaction to terrorism that has actually limited our freedom. He is not claiming that countries should eliminate counter-terror measures. The point he is making is that we are dealing with the symptoms of a problem rather than the problem itself.
Some believe that the answer to the problem lies in the style of governance that persists in regions where terrorists are able to survive. The answer, to these people, is simple. Spread democracy. If democracy’s impact has been felt to the extent that it has in so many other parts of the world, then surely there is no reason for it to fail elsewhere. The truth, unfortunately, lies far from this simplistic view. It is impossible to deny that democracy has been a boon to many societies, and has even been the backbone of success in the modern world, but there are differences in the way that each nation practices democracy. The flexibility that democracy allows within a defined structure is one thing that makes democracy such an amazing concept. Unfortunately, it is often the case that narrow-mindedness and a lack of true cultural understanding inhibits the propagation of actual democracy, and it is only imperialism that perseveres.
Finally, Dr. Fung, having illuminated many of the problematic approaches currently being undertaken, leads the reader to the solution. Harmony is an approach that supports rather than censures, it is tolerant rather than judgemental and it is inclusive instead of being exclusive. Harmony is meant to encompass the fundamental principles that one ought to adhere to in all facets of life. Decision-making processes would be geared towards harmony, rather than personal gain, from an individual level all the way to a global plain.
Dr. Fung has taken a concept that is so seemingly simplistic and breathed a palpable life into it in this essay. The statement that he is making is direly needed and I hope that he continues to make statements like these so that people will start to realise that the solutions that are currently failing to solve the contentious issues of global peace will continue to fail until we realise that it is our very goal that is misguided. We need to establish global harmony before thinking about global peace. Harmony does not imply agreement, only tolerance. It is possible to bring harmony about quickly through education and compliance. Once the people of the world commit to harmony as a means to solve problems, the problems of the world will finally become manageable, and maybe then we will all “just get along”.



WORLD HARMONY PRESENTATION BY FRANCIS C.W.FUNG TO ROTARY CLUB AT MILL VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB, CAINTRODUCTION BY ERIC CHIPPS

FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND HARMONY DIPLOMACY

FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND HARMONY DIPLOMACY


(I) INTRODUCTION

Noble ideals do not occur as isolated incidents in human civilization. Rather, they result from our collective inspiration and wisdom. They are derived of keen observation of the interactions between humans themselves as well as with nature. Often they become important movements of necessity calling for correction of inequity in our midst. More often than not, because of the universal truths they contain, they propagate by resonance and become the common human heritage.

When the pressure of inequity builds up unchecked to unbearable proportions, these ideals are bound to release the human energy necessary for correction. This system of cause and consequence is similar to the balance between wind and waves correcting for differences in air and water pressure. It is nature’s way to seek dynamic equilibrium and human activities cannot escape the order of nature, as intelligent as we are. Our misguided intellect has, from time to time, actually created more dynamic disturbances, such as wars, slavery and economic imbalances that are more destructive than any natural calamities like hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis.

Freedom, Democracy and Harmony are three ancient universal human ideals that belong to the world and not to any one single nation. They are not entirely independent but intimately related. As a matter of fact, there exist fascinating relations among them that warrant immediate global study. Some may wonder why freedom and democracy have been so widely promoted during the last 400 years of human history, while harmony was barely noted on the world stage.

In fact, Freedom and Democracy have been the most successfully used tools to promote international diplomacy in the 20th Century. The scenario for the fall of the Soviet Empire at the end of the last century was due mostly to the effective propagation of Western freedom and democracy diplomacy as well as the Soviet’s economic collapse. Harmony, as a great unifying force in the on rush of globalization, has now come of age. Harmony is mankind’s greatest common value. The conflicted world of today urgently calls for international democracy through the practice of harmony diplomacy. To grasp the importance of harmony diplomacy a review of freedom and democracy diplomacy can be most revealing.

(II) FREEDOM DIPLOMACY

Nature imbues us with the instinctive knowledge that we are born free. The mountains, the wind and the lions are born free, not to mention any other of the myriad animals that remain free until captured. Despite being born free, powerful groups desperately yearn to enslave us. More than 2500 years ago the most ancient cultures scattered about different continents prohibited slavery seeing it as hideous. The institutionalized slave trade was most egregiously practiced in the new world until the American civil war put an end to it. During the Cold War Era freedom became a convenient slogan used by much of the capitalist world, right or wrong, especially by those countries that felt the threat of Communism.

The world then was arbitrarily divided into the Free World and the Communist world. It was during this Cold War Era that the word freedom got more mileage in the media than at any other time in human history. Freedom whipped up the world to such a fever pitch that half of the world was willing to die for it whether it was called for or not. I recall as a young child in Hong Kong, when our American teacher gave our senior class the topic “The best things in life are free” the whole class dutifully wrote how great freedom was and that it was worth dying for without fully understanding the topic.

Immediately following 9/11, George W. Bush conveniently thrust freedom centre stage to rally Americans with the resounding cry. The logic was that the terrorists hate our freedom and they are intent on taking it away. To be fair, American democracy as put forth by our forefathers, guarantees each citizen freedom from undue infringement through law and order. Freedom as an ideal is politically neutral, neither good nor bad. However, modern democracy is designed to prevent minority individuals from exceeding their rights granted by freedom.

Bush’s call for freedom diplomacy after 9/11 is neither necessary nor appropriate. Terrorists have not been empowered to take away our freedom, but the resulting regulation to counter-terrorism has. As warned by President Eisenhower, the military complex created by war may seriously threaten our democracy and hence our individual freedom. The greatest threat to our freedom today is our enslavement to the military and the industrial complex through their hijacking of democracy.

(III) DEMOCRACY DIPLOMACY

Since time immemorial, the protection of human rights has occupied our consciousness. The fear of the all mighty unknown that sparked religious teaching was likely the catalyst for this type of thought. Teaching morals and common values developed along with harmony while democracy followed behind. Democratic systems as a means to guarantee individual rights and freedoms reached new heights when the American Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights were signed, giving way to the system of laws being enacted. Western diplomacy spread far and wide and profoundly changed the world during the 20th century.

During the cold war era U.S. democracy diplomacy successfully faced down Soviet expansionism. Its influence on foreign policy has now diminished as fear of communism has significantly decreased. Democracy, in different forms, has now become a generally accepted governance system. Democracy grows best in the fertile soil of each individual nation without outside interference or occupation. American chastisement of other nations only offends their dignity. Many developing nations, after years of domination by imperialism, have nothing to cling to other than the very dignity being spoken of.

Democracy is also no longer an import export item, as pointed out by Ban Ke-moon, the current Secretary General of the U.N. Due to the debacle of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, democracy as an instrument of foreign policy has lost its lustre and appeal. Diplomacy works best in these conflicted times when harmony principles are employed. Harmony diplomacy is a win-win, no-fault conflict resolution approach. It is time to minimize confrontations in today’s conflicted world by using harmony diplomacy. It certainly is worth a try. Mutual win-win development can be more economically viable than war. We have spent close to 400 billion dollars on the Iraq war, fast approaching our expenditure on the Vietnam War, with no end in sight.

When unity is needed human beings have proven quite capable. International unity can be reached only through international democracy, not unilateralism. International democracy will be the end result of major nations practicing harmony diplomacy. In her recent book “The Mighty and the Almighty” Madeleine Albright suggested that world harmony is the end goal of a more peaceful world. To achieve world harmony her solution was for major nations to practice faith diplomacy based on the tradition of Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition. Faith diplomacy is an extension of U.S. democracy diplomacy to win the Islamic world.

(IV) HARMONY DIPLOMACY

George H. W. Bush senior, in a speech before a joint session of Congress, on September 11, 1990 said “A new partnership of nations has begun, and we stand today at a unique and extraordinary moment….. Out of these troubled times…. A new world order can emerge…. In which the nations of the world east and west, north and south, can prosper and live in harmony.”

Major religions of the world all practice harmony, as discussed in my previous papers. As noble as any religion may be, faith diplomacy has fallen short of uniting the world in harmony evidenced by the countless tragic faith-based wars of the past as well as the current conflict between the West and the Muslim world. Faith diplomacy on unity in diversity was most noticeably practiced by the Bahai faith for over 163 years with limited success. Despite attempts by the Bahai faith to be inclusive of all religions, its propagation is slowing. Religions as we know them today all expect blind faith and acceptance of ethnocentric almighty images, quite often unique to a specific culture. Neither the Bahai faith nor religions based on Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition can escape this prerequisite of blind faith.

No matter how broad religion’s attempts to be all embracing, as proposed by the Bahai faith and Madeleine Albright in her book, faith diplomacy will not be a universal solution for the world’s conflicts because of religion’s inherent violation of the sensitivity of the spirit of individual truth seeking. Harmony’s premise is tolerance, acceptance and respect for other cultures. It is all embracing, endearing and enduring. It neither dictates blind faith nor does it force acceptance of an institutionalized and ethnocentric image of the almighty. No particular personal attachment to the almighty is prescribed either. Personal attachment to the almighty is a double-edged sword. It draws those with faith closer, while alienating those without.

Harmony is discovered through observation of nature as discussed in my other papers. It is nature’s preferred way of propagation. Nature is all embracing and human beings are very much part of nature. It is possible to believe in as wide a universe as one chooses without adhering to blind faith. Our very survival and sustainable development is now urgently dependent on our harmonious relationship with nature. We deny our very existence by not working to improve our threatened ecology. Most of us agree about the vision of world harmony and international democracy. We can all participate in the harmony movement by speaking and practicing harmony diplomacy in all facets of our daily lives. We can practice goodness for goodness sake without preaching religion. Why use faith diplomacy, an indirect approach, when the direct approach, harmony diplomacy, is readily available? Harmony’s resonance is growing and propagating. The Harmony Renaissance is the unavoidable tide. It is time to reawaken our innate human desire for harmony and to begin urging others to recognise the value of this noble ideal.

(V) HARMONY DIPLOMACY CONSENSUS
I have discussed world harmony and harmony societies in some detail in our website www.worldharmonyorg.net and blogsite www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com . The basic idea of world harmony is in common with all popular theories of world governance. It hopes to build a more understanding world through tolerance, respect, equity and acceptance of diverse cultures and governance systems as destiny for all mankind.

Through harmony diplomacy major nations will support a stronger UN. A more democratic world will advocate the solution of world conflicts through consultation and harmony consensus. Unilateralism is to be rejected and peaceful resolution will replace war and violence. Harmony diplomacy will be the foundation of lasting peace. Without harmony peace will not last.

In the pursuit of world harmony it is important to narrow the gap of the North-South/rich-poor disparity through win-win mutual development. This will create a world with a level playing field, which will enable the citizens of the world to enjoy all of the achievements of our great societies.
In the democratization of international relations, just and equitable international political and economic orders can be established through dialogue, negotiation and reaching consensus. The end result of international democracy will release a new wave of world creative energy. Human accomplishments can thus reach a new height of development beyond European Renaissance.

The Order of Nature is Harmony and Harmony is the Order of Nature. A harmony world is essential to save our ecology. To rally major nations to commit to a cleaner and better environment, harmony diplomacy must advocate a common ecology consensus. Central to harmony diplomacy consensus is built in awareness to curb global insatiable appetite for consumption. Continuation of current trend is not sustainable. Without harmony consensus, the resulting catastrophic global fight for resources will be more immediate than the effect of climate change. It is time for all to advocate less confrontational harmony diplomacy. May Harmony Prevail in the World.

Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.
Director General
World Harmony Organization



Freedom, Democracy and Harmony Diplomacy: A Review by Morgan Steacy, York University, Toronto, East Asian Studies.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Can’t we all just get along?”, and thought that it sounded reasonable? This is exactly what I believe happened to Dr. Francis Fung, Director General of the World Harmony Organisation. Dr. Fung has written an article entitled, Freedom Democracy and Harmony Diplomacy that essentially asks this very question. The difference here is that he answers with a resounding, yes.
Up until now no one has ventured to explore the reasons that people have so often asked this question, but have never actually dealt with why the answer that should be YES seems determined to remain NO. So, how does this article evade the puerile nature of the question that it deals with?
Dr. Fung has chosen the USA, as the major world power, to be the primary focus of his urgings. He links historical downfalls of people quite succinctly with the current situation of the world. He describes a world that is so overcome with the notion of “spreading freedom” that there is never a moment to stop and think about the hypocrisy of deciding to “bring freedom” to another nation.
He describes this as “freedom diplomacy”, a process which is detrimental to societies because of the fact that they are not determining their own freedom, making it inherently flawed. He further points out that while terrorists have acted in order to destroy our freedom, their success in actually doing so has been ineffective. He claims that it is our reaction to terrorism that has actually limited our freedom. He is not claiming that countries should eliminate counter-terror measures. The point he is making is that we are dealing with the symptoms of a problem rather than the problem itself.
Some believe that the answer to the problem lies in the style of governance that persists in regions where terrorists are able to survive. The answer, to these people, is simple. Spread democracy. If democracy’s impact has been felt to the extent that it has in so many other parts of the world, then surely there is no reason for it to fail elsewhere. The truth, unfortunately, lies far from this simplistic view. It is impossible to deny that democracy has been a boon to many societies, and has even been the backbone of success in the modern world, but there are differences in the way that each nation practices democracy. The flexibility that democracy allows within a defined structure is one thing that makes democracy such an amazing concept. Unfortunately, it is often the case that narrow-mindedness and a lack of true cultural understanding inhibits the propagation of actual democracy, and it is only imperialism that perseveres.
Finally, Dr. Fung, having illuminated many of the problematic approaches currently being undertaken, leads the reader to the solution. Harmony is an approach that supports rather than censures, it is tolerant rather than judgemental and it is inclusive instead of being exclusive. Harmony is meant to encompass the fundamental principles that one ought to adhere to in all facets of life. Decision-making processes would be geared towards harmony, rather than personal gain, from an individual level all the way to a global plain.
Dr. Fung has taken a concept that is so seemingly simplistic and breathed a palpable life into it in this essay. The statement that he is making is direly needed and I hope that he continues to make statements like these so that people will start to realise that the solutions that are currently failing to solve the contentious issues of global peace will continue to fail until we realise that it is our very goal that is misguided. We need to establish global harmony before thinking about global peace. Harmony does not imply agreement, only tolerance. It is possible to bring harmony about quickly through education and compliance. Once the people of the world commit to harmony as a means to solve problems, the problems of the world will finally become manageable, and maybe then we will all “just get along”.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

WORLD HARMONY ORGANIZATION INTRODUCTION BY ERIC CHIPPS

www.worldharmonyorg.net

WORLD HARMONY PRESENTATION BY FRANCIS C.W.FUNG TO ROTARY CLUB AT MILL VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB, CA.
INTRODUCTION BY ERIC CHIPPS

In today’s world of international conflicts, religious strife, North and South disparities, terrorism, extremism and unilateralism, harmony renaissance is the only common value universal solution. The tide of Harmony Renaissance is inevitable. All present will become pioneers of Harmony Renaissance. Harmony advocates non-violence. Its’ premises are tolerance, acceptance, respect, equity, patience and humility. As powerful as we are we will not have nobility and hope unless we practice humility. This is the new global awareness. Harmony is the conduit to facilitate multi-directional cultural flow not just from West to East and North to South. Harmony is the all-embracing unifying force for unity in diversity.Dr. Fung has initiated the World Harmony Organization in North America and has already attracted interest and support. It is a growing influence in North America, Europe and China from important figures in academic and social circles, economics and politics, as well as a growing number of concerned citizens in many countries.Clearly, the policies of confrontation currently contributing so much to world tensions are unproductive, as well as damaging to the progress of society. By developing the ancient Chinese promotion of harmony, the Organization hopes to become again the third pillar in supporting democracy and religious principle as the foundation of a more peaceful and productive world.More information can be obtained from the Organization’s website at WorldHarmonyorg.net which allows a measure of the extent to which harmony is increasingly an influence. You may also contribute opinion via WorldHarmonyforum.blogspot.com By his talk today, Dr. Fung hopes to generate recognition among influential people of the role that a young, dynamic America, endowed with resources should be advocating harmony renaissance.The first World Harmony Cultural Festival will be launched on September 16th, co-sponsored by the San Francisco University and other distinguished organizations and individuals.Eric Chipps, Chipps Associates


Excerpt from Jan 2007 speech by Hon. John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State, United Kingdom:

There's been a great deal of talk about harmony in recent times. In fact, the academic, Francis Fung, has argued in his recent paper "Chinese Harmony Culture: Old and New - Promise for a Less Confrontational World" that China is witnessing a harmony renaissance.
He claims that great debates are happening today in China over whether Socialism with Chinese characteristics can be Socialism with harmony. And Fung maintains that China's harmony socialism will provide an alternative model, as the leading system of governance in the 21st Century.
Indeed, I note that in October the Chinese Communist Party launched a national campaign to build a more harmonious society. In doing so, China appears to be reaffirming its own rich cultural tradition of harmony.
And now, opening the Sheffield Confucius Institute, I reflect on the fact that this emphasis on harmony between man and nature is part of a tradition of Chinese thought going back 2,500 years. This tradition has, of course, evolved and changed over time."



Class of 1960 wrote:
The next best thing to being on campus at commencement time, is to reunite with your classmates on line. Brown's commencement activities are on May 26-27, check the Brown University home page for the full calendar. If you can't be there in person, please go to our class website and enjoy browsing the wealth of class information posted there. (http://www.alumni.brown.edu/classes/1960/)
Barb and Ed Nicholson

Monday, May 14, 2007

OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PETER C TIEN'S MEMORIAL

Mon, 14 May 2007 09:25:20 -0700 (PDT)
From:
"Francis Fung"
Subject:
Re: Fwd: Peter Tien's Memorial, our Executive Director
To:
"Jack Tien"
Hi Jack,

My heart felt condolence. It is with great deal of sorrow to hear of Peter's departure. There are so much Peter could contribute to World Harmony Organization. His support will always be remembered. As Director General of WHO I will be at his Wake this Saturday to pay my last respect.

Francis.Jack Tien wrote:
Hi Dr Fung,Thank you very much for all of your support andassistance during my father's illness. Attached is myfather's wake planned on Saturday. Sincerely,JackNote: forwarded message attached.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

HARMONY UNIVERSAL WORLD COMMON HERITAGE

Harmony universal world common heritage
www.chinaview.cn 2007-05-09 10:57:18 www.worldharmonyorg.net

By Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.
BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Since ancient times Religion, Democracy and Harmony were passed down to us by our forefathers as the three main cultural pillars. I have shared this fundamental observation with you often in previous essays. In today's conflicted world full of extremism and unilateralism, the call for harmony renaissance is a unifying global movement. It is essential to sustain this spirit of harmony as our common heritage. Harmony belongs to the world. In human development of civilization, only truth can stand the test of history. Truth and common values belong to the world regardless of their source and origin.
For many, we can practice democracy and religions as belonging to the world, yet we are unaware of harmony as our common human heritage. Lasting cultures do not develop by accident. Through long patient development they were born of necessity, observation of nature, collective wisdom, and worldwide propagation by resonance. The philosophy of Harmony is all embracing, enduring and endearing. It advocates non-violence and problem-solving by means of consensus. Its premises include equity, tolerance, patience, acceptance, humility and respect for other cultures.
Equity and humility are the cornerstones of harmony practice. In the eyes of harmony there is no nobility without humility. Individuals practicing harmony require discipline, humility and the strongest conviction in gentleness, especially when challenged by force and unilateralism. Every major civilization practices harmony in one form or the other.
The roots of democracy can be seen in all cultures to some degree or other. The rediscovery of the Greek and Roman Democratic tradition during the age of European Enlightenment and Renaissance propelled democracy to its world importance today. The movement also released our collective energy that brought us modern science for the betterment of mankind. The world is mature enough now to know that democracy is an important element in modern governance. This is evidenced in the fact that almost all new nations of today regard themselves democracies.
Today's challenges to world development are sustainability in a worsening ecology, limitation of resources, and the extreme disparity between rich and poor. In a world of cultural and historical diversity one must allow different forms of democracy. The timely harmony renaissance will create the spirit of unity in diversity and the collective consensus to solve the urgent problems that face the world today. This will release a new wave of creative energy for higher human accomplishments beyond what the European renaissance brought.
With communication wonders today, harmony propagates by resonance with Internet speed as stated in my essays "Harmony Propagates by Resonance" and "Universal Wave Theory and Harmony Consensus". In today's globalization, no nation can afford to insist on the self limiting "not invented here" notion. Universally proven wisdom will outlast shortsightedness. What is proven to be good is to be adopted and improved by each nation as their own regardless of whether its source is east west or north south.. Simply put, harmony is our common value and common human heritage. It will prevail.
It is clear that throughout human history even before there were defined national boundaries; harmony was practiced as the oldest form of collective philosophy. It is the inspiration for major belief systems. Religion was practiced to keep harmony with the all mighty unknown, regardless of the form in which we glorify the unknown. Democracy was instituted to keep harmony between the government and its citizens. Moral values and legal systems were elaborately developed in different countries to promote harmony in human interactions. Family and social orders are also forms of harmony. The noticeable lack of an emphasis on religion and legal systems in the ancient Far East was undoubtedly due to the dominance of moral teachings by Laotze and Confucius. Both relied on popularization of moral education to bring harmony to human existence.
With the onslaught of globalization created by the wonders of communication, there is veritably no excuse not to understand the diversity of cultures left by 5000 years of major regional cultural developments. Now that we are facing the challenges of diversity in religious beliefs and development of democratic governance systems, it is time for us to return to harmony philosophy in order to create balance. There is every logical reason to examine harmony practices in major cultures to bring some consensus to our troubled world.
From an analytical viewpoint, there appears to be definite differences in regional emphasis and trends in harmony practice just as there will always be differences in the inevitable adoption of democracy by all nations. Because harmony is even more embracing than democracy as a human management system we must accept diversity. Fortunately, different harmony cultural practices are complementary in the sense of a total engineering system that will enable prioritized world consensus to be reached. In the process we will intuitively accept the simple truth that the best governance system for any nation is its own harmony system. Harmony also embraces democracy.
In broad strokes subject to further in depth global studies, I venture to offer for discussion the following major emphasis or trends in worldwide harmony practices. For harmony practices to stand the test of time it must be a universally acceptable common value and include nobility and humility as a basic prerequisite.
(1) Major religions of today all include belief in harmony, otherwise they would not have survived the test of history. It is taught by scriptures and reinforced by preachers in houses of worship with few exceptions. The practice of harmony is based, in part, on a fear of punishment by the almighty unknown and the reward of going to heaven, rather than for the goodness of harmony itself.
The further spread of religion is limited by two major factors. The first is the fixation of modern religion to exclusively accept its own institutionalized conception of the almighty unknown. The second is the waning authority of the clergy within the community. Faith in the almighty as the savior of mankind and submission to his will continue as the modus operandi of nobility and humility to drive religion.
(II) Since the age of the European Enlightenment the concept of democracy has spread far and wide. It is universally accepted as the foundation of good governance. Nations in the midst of inevitable transformation all agree. True democracy must blend in with each individual nation's cultural heritage and its various stages of development. It takes evolution to truly bring harmony to a society. Democracy must adapt to the harmony of dynamic balance in changing times. The western democratic tradition, with America as the driving force, relies heavily on complex legal practice and penal punishment. Law and order has worked to bring harmony in that particular society.
No democratic system prescribed by one nation for another can be perfect for our diverse world with systems developed regionally over 5000 years. Unfortunately the noble goal of spreading democracy by any means necessary, including overt political action and occupation, has greatly tarnished the image of Western democracy. As Pan Ke-Moon, the current U.N. Secretary General, stated in front of the recent Asian Development Forum "Democracy is not an import export item". Still, empty marketing slogans bereft of consideration for cultural diversity and history is drumming to the call of war cries.
The noticeable lack of humility of past proselytizing processes of Euro-centric democracy and colonialism left an irreparable chasm dividing developed and developing countries. This suggests alternate approaches for the developed world to help the needy. An approach of harmony, with its gentleness and respect for all cultures, appears more palatable to the needy world for mutual development. It is time for America, the young dynamic democracy with abundant resources, to rise to the occasion.
(III) In the Far East harmony was practiced with heavy doses of moral education. The system promulgated comprehensive moral teachings reinforced by family unity and civil service examinations. This examination system reached its extreme during the 19th century. A harmonious society is supported more by family order and unity, than by law and order. Nobility and humility are reinforced by education and morality and sacrifices are extolled by all. Law was the bottom line with moral values taking precedence. A focus on harmony creates a society where materialism and commercialism can acceptably be placed in low priority positions.
With the onslaught of Western individualism and commercialism, the flood gates of self indulgence and corruption were forced wide open. The venerable ancient system of relying on education of nobility and humility was shaken to the core. Today Far East nations including Japan and Korea have adopted law and order to complement their moral value system, followed closely by China in its reform and opening up. The successful transformation of Japan and Korea from systems based on moral values and family unity to their own individualistic modern democratic societies is worthy of attention. Despite the fact that both societies were heavily influenced by foreign cultures East and West, these modern societies have combined the best of both worlds and their choices have flourished. Until very recent times, both nations' histories were recorded in Chinese characters. Today both Japan and Korea are proud of their own innovations culturally and scientifically.
This lends to the optimism that diverse culture, despite opposite ideals, can be blended together resulting in modern, competitive and harmonious societies. China today is determined and motivated to combine the best of East and West to forge a harmonious society with its own characteristics, sans outside occupation. The result is very encouraging and to be commended by the outside world.
When the economic and scientific conditions are mature enough, and the historical moment comes, politics will change. Nations will become harmonious societies by their own resonance with external influence. Outside force and constant chastisement can be counter-productive given the probable impact on national dignity. Today, many parts of the world have suffered the collective mental anguish of a loss of dignity under Western dominance for far too long.
The truth can be seen that in this rapidly changing materialistic world, no ready-made system is perfect in bringing harmony to the world. For unity in diversity we need to call for world harmony renaissance and advocate consensus through dynamic balance. Many of my previous essays have expounded on this. Please visit our website www.worldharmonyorg.net and blog site www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com By adhering to the true spirit of equity and humility, perhaps the world can work together through individual harmony practices to bring about a better and more understanding world. By doing so, a new wave of innovation will release our creative energy to bring human beings to the next level of accomplishment. Failing to do so will cast the sustainability of expanding world development very much into doubt.
May Harmony Prevail in the World!

Editor: Xia Xiaopeng

Saturday, May 5, 2007

COVENANT, LAW AND ORDER AND CONSENSUS

Dear Friends,

Thank you for inviting us to yesterday's evening of devotion and harmony discussion. The good feelings are warm and mutual.

Covenant, law and order are central and important in religion and modern democracy. As one of the three pillars of human main cultural development however, harmony has not been given its proper place in modern history. Central to harmony is consensus. Harmony was the dominant philosophy in the ancient East 2500 years ago. Harmony renaissance is timely for a less confrontational and more ecology friendly world.

In practicing harmony, we find consensus, patience and humility are important guide lines. By its very premise of equity, tolerance, acceptance and respect for other cultures, harmony can be more universal than religion and national democracy. Harmony propagates by resonance, nature's prefered way. We advocate appropriate dynamic balance between religion, democracy and harmony in today's conflicting world.

May Harmony Prevail in the World.

Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.

Director General
World Harmony Organization
www.worldharmonyorg.net