

When developing countries need support, they often look to major world powers while ignoring their neighboring countries. One effect of this "divide and rule” policy has been ongoing distrust and enmity between neighboring nations. Sinhalese-Tamils hatred in Sri Lanka, Hindu-Muslim hatred in India and Pakistan, Jew-Arab hatred in Israel and Palestine, and Tutsis-Hutus hatred in Rwanda are some glaring examples. This division along religious, ethnic, caste, or racial lines, led these countries - as well as different sects within these countries - to become bitter enemies. The former Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, achieved this history-making victory with the slogan “Yes, We Can.” Throughout his campaign, he stressed the word "United." His message of unity can be an inspiration to those countries that were divided by the colonial "divide and rule" tactic that prevailed during 19th and early 20th century. The seed for a more humanistic era was planted, inspiring 21st century humanity to overcome barriers of race, class, gender, religion, and nationality.

Until it actually happened, few Americans seriously believed they would ever see a non-white President. On November 4, 2008, the United States elected its first African-American president, a giant step toward true equality. It is humanism, not nationalism, that can ultimately spread peace and prosperity in the world. The sooner people realize that the earth is but one country and that there is only one race-the human race-the better off humanity will be. If we want a world of greater harmony and prosperity, we must have powerful regional unions evolved, no matter how difficult the task is. With the EU growing in Europe and the UNASUR in South America, it is now time for other regions to follow suit.
