Sadly, many politicians in my country devote their efforts to appeasing Americans from older generations who grew up in a time of minimal trade and limited interaction with other nations. This nostalgic wish to revert to an isolated past is not only counterproductive but also threatens to undo the progress we’ve made toward becoming a genuinely interconnected and interdependent global society, where unity and shared purpose are the ultimate goals. The desire for self-sufficiency—consuming only what we produce—reflects a deeper, ego-driven impulse toward isolation rather than the unity and collective strength that propel us forward as a global community.
This approach is also deeply impractical, as striving for complete self-sufficiency rather than engaging in trade carries significant risks. Without access to competitive foreign manufacturers, the prices of everyday goods would likely soar, driven by the higher costs of American labor. As a result, the retail prices of domestically produced goods would rise steeply, burdening consumers and ultimately diminishing the affordability and diversity of products available to us.
As appealing as the desire to return to an America of yesteryear may sound to our egos, it is ultimately a fantasy—unrealistic in practice and counterproductive in effect. The limitations on importing goods are already harming American businesses, showing that this agenda, meant to bolster our nation, is instead unraveling its economic foundations. If the true goal was to strengthen America, this approach is not only misguided but is already backfiring significantly.
Ultimately, free trade and open imports are hallmarks of a humanity that has embraced unity and interdependence—a milestone that should be celebrated. The opposite path leads to a nation isolated and cut off from the world, a vision of solitude that brings far-reaching consequences. It is difficult to understand whom this isolationist vision truly appeals to, as even on an economic and national level, separation breeds stagnation and weakness, diminishing the vitality that only connection and collaboration can sustain.
Let us embrace our unity and oneness with all nations. Viewing people from other lands as “others” rather than as brothers and neighbors stands in stark contradiction to the core values of the Christian (and other) teachings that many Americans hold dear. True faith calls us to recognize our shared humanity and foster a spirit of compassion and kinship beyond borders.
It should also be noted that in one of the biggest instances of irony, within my home country of the United States, political agendas are being pushed under the banner of ‘Christian Nationalism’. Ideas that run counter to the ideas that Jesus taught. So, while proponents of these national policies may believe they are upholding Jesus teachings, they are in fact tearing them up by desiring to have a society and culture that is not shared with others. A country and culture in which only one race, only one spiritual group can be found violates Jesus’ own teachings despite trying to do it under the banner of ‘Christian Nationalism’. These all destroy Jesus’ teachings that we are all our father’s children and literally unified and one.
The insistence to keep specific people out is purely ego driven and in many cases driven from hatred of other groups despite Jesus instructing followers that they had a moral obligation to accept and care for strangers, especially when they need help. (For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me) We see the outright refusal by right wing Christians to uphold these teachings from Jesus to help immigrants (‘referred to as strangers by Jesus’) and are being given the boot instead of welcomed or helped. It’s not possible at all to simultaneously hold the positions of being against helping strangers and those in need, while also claiming to be a follower of Jesus’ teachings. These are mutually exclusive positions and conservative Christians need to pick one, not both.
In other cases, the homeless and destitute are being kicked out of major cities for being seen as a nuisance. This plainly violates the instructions that Jesus gave in no ambiguous terms. Any desire to push others away because of their poverty reveals someone who objectively speaking is rejecting the most basic of Jesus’ teachings.
We should wholeheartedly celebrate our unity, embracing the profound interconnectedness and interdependence that define us. To promote segregation and separation is, in essence, a regressive act. Humanity’s journey has brought us to this moment of international convergence, and any desire to retreat into isolation reflects a longing born of ego—a wish to stand apart rather than to embrace the richness of our shared existence. For any Christian naysayers, feel free to look up the Bible verse where Jesus says his desire and intent is for all humans to realize our unity and oneness in the same way that he is one with our father and source, the universe.
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