In many ways our world is becoming more united. The September 11 attacks united our country like it was at the end of World War II. Europe is slowly becoming unified through the fifteen nation European Union that is using the euro dollar as a common currency. Trade barriers and borders have all but disappeared. Russia is slowly becoming democratized and almost all nations are united in fighting terrorism. With CNN, satellite TV, and the internet, we are becoming a global nation.

I think it is amazing the changes that have taken place in just the last 12 years. Beginning with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the communist system, the world appears to be a safer place in spite of the terrorist threat. The internet is creating a whole new way of life for everyone from the way we do business to the way we get our mail. We have just seen the tip of the iceberg of things to come. It is indeed an exciting time to be alive.

It is interesting to contrast how we are reacting to the war on terrorism versus World War II. In World War II, we were encouraged to save and invest. This included recycling scrap metal and buying war bonds. Now we are told to spend our money so that the economy will recover. What a difference. It seems like we were asked to sacrifice in World War II whereas now we are asked to indulge in ourselves. It really sounds perverted, but it points out how different we are now as a result of what we have learned in the last 60 years about our economy.

In the spirit of Christmas, I suggest that in addition to indulging ourselves in order to keep our economy going, we also adopt a benevolent and accepting attitude to those who are less fortunate. I am referring to not just Americans, but to the rest of the world. Having traveled in Europe, I know that foreigners do not universally like Americans. To many we are considered arrogant and pushy. I can't help think that the terrorist attacks are a reflection of this attitude.

Perhaps President Bush and the rest of the world leaders can adopt a more open attitude toward those who differ from us. I really think that if we want to be able to enjoy prosperity and peace, we must think of a way to enable the rest of the world to enjoy prosperity as well. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or anything else, we must learn to respect other religions and other customs. Osama bin Laden does not represent the Muslim religion anymore than the Klu Klux Klan represents Americans.

The world is becoming a smaller place due to increased exposure to the media, through the internet, cellphones, etc. Slowly we are converging into a common culture. To avoid future Osam bin Ladens, I think that the Western World will have to adopt a more accepting attitude towards the Muslims so that they can be integrated rather than separated from us.

Every once in a while I wonder if there is a God. If there is, why is there so much misery and evil in the world? But then I become metaphysical and ponder the questions of when did time begin and where does the universe end. Then I get cold chills down my back realizing there is no answer to those questions. I then realize that there is a force in this universe that we cannot comprehend. That makes me realize that all things are possible and maybe someday we will truly have world peace.

Merry Christmas everyone.