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The Paradox of "America First"

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We enjoyed speaking with all of the people who called our show last Monday. We want to keep the conversation going. We want you to keep calling so that we can all talk or listen to one another - even when we disagree. Today, it's Colin and your calls. 

So far, eight peoplehave been saved from the cave complex where eight boys and their soccer coach became trapped by rising floodwaters while they were exploring the caves after soccer practice on June 23. About 140 cave divers from around the world are trying to rescue them.

This story has rallied the world. It got Colin thinking about the paradox of "America First":

This story speaks to our souls, and our souls tell us nations are essentially meaningless in such a context. Is there anybody who would not - if he or she had a useful skill set - board a plane immediately? Would it touch us more if the setting were Idaho?
Nations are an inevitable - perhaps even necessary - way for people to organize themselves on behalf of their own interests and preferences. But our hearts know a bigger truth. We are all conjoined, and the planet grows smaller every day.

In the most recent example of why this thinking is so wrong, political leaders in the United States have put American economic interests over world health by rejecting a United Nations resolutionto encourage breast-feeding globally.

The same thinking has led to our current trade wars and our rejection of the Paris climate agreement. "America First" is not new. It has a dark history that dates back to World War II. 

Colin thinks we should put "the world first. Humanity first. America second." 

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Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show. 

Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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