One of the reasons the “Chance For Sanity” party is needed is because nationalism is rearing its ugly head again. Getting a country’s people to fight the people of another country requires one or two beliefs that must become a part of the group consciousness. A charismatic leader is often the spark that ignites the flame and starting a bloody war. The best example is Adolph Hitler in the 1930s.

Historically the leader needs to incite the majority people into being scared of or hating a minority group. Often in history the minority is a particular religion. Many wars in Europe have been Protestant versus Catholic. Some of our wars have been racial. We killed millions of the people who were here before us so we could get their lands.

Often it isn’t easy to identify the minority if they are the same race and act the same. To ensure the difference, a group of leader’s followers are often needed. Such groups are existing in many countries today. In Europe they are inciting fear and hatred against the Middle Eastern refugees escaping the Syrian War. All nationalists are told the refugees are Muslim terrorists, rapists and will take their jobs. Instead of allowing them refuge until the conflict is over, the Nationalists have taken power in some countries and are trying to win elections in others. Nationalist and racist groups here and around the world have become prominent after years of declining membership helped by Presidential statements and actions. Walls are going up to stop the refugees from entering. Sound familiar?

Many wars are fought over economic issues. After World War I, Germany was left destitute making it easier for Hitler to persuade his people they were being held back by their inferiors. He pumped money into building roads and other infrastructures to put Germans to work.

The Japanese had been fighting the Chinese for several years when President Franklin Roosevelt put sanctions on Japan’s industries and stopped the sale of oil, refined products, and scrap metal to them in a misguided attempt to stop the war. It not only didn’t stop the Japanese war with China, it started one with us and the French and British colonies in Southeast Asia. Sound familiar?

My plan for America’s foreign policy is to end our country’s nationalistic bent that the current administration is stoking by Trump’s public utterances. Abrogating treaties in the hopes of getting another one by threatening war, tariffs, and sanctions will be ended. Our policy of tamping down Nationalism in their countries will be a priority.

Regaining trust and respect for the United States must be foremost in negotiating with allies and enemies. We must speak with cohesive sanity and not bluster!