The Atlantic Connection-Article by Joel Anand Samy
From the Adriatic Institute for Public Policy and World Development and Empowerment
On the eve of President Bush’s visit to Europe, Joel Anand Samy was asked to write for the Atlantic Connection, a monthly publication and e-newsletter of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Washington, DC, USA: http://www.alec.org
April 2005 THE ATLANTIC CONNECTION
Issue 6
Joel Anand Samy is President of World Development and Empowerment-USA and co-founder of the Adriatic Institute for Public Policy in Croatia and the annualized International Leaders Summit. As an American he has been actively involved in the Balkan region since 1995. Anand Samy spent over 10 years in the business arena as VP of Jonathan and David Inc, and Treasurer of Jonathan and David Foundation and executive at Zondervan, division of HarperCollins Publishers.
Nearly $2.5 trillion a year in transatlantic commerce signifies just one of the important reasons to review current efforts in strengthening this vital strategic relationship. A strengthened transatlantic relationship is essential to both continents and among pro-active groups engaged in this arena, ALEC’s leadership and its unique mission are fundamental in affirming this strategic alliance and advancing free market ideas. ALEC’s mission and tireless efforts are commendable.
The pure economic reasons are compelling enough for business, political and think tank leaders and policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic to focus on promoting liberty, free markets and limited government. These foundational goals will further strengthen mutual efforts to win the war on terrorism, address challenges in the Balkans and the Middle East and tackle other economic and political issues. In furthering the cause of liberty, public policy players from continental Europe, the UK and US will soon meet in Zagreb, Croatia to discuss advancing and advocating free market reforms. The second International Leaders Summit in June 2005 will advocate tax reform – namely the case for the flat tax – and will present a unique time in history when leaders from both sides of the Atlantic can benefit from the laboratories of reform such as America’s welfare reform and private sector initiatives, privatization in the UK and the tax revolution sweeping across Eastern Europe.
At this time, we should also take practical steps to strengthen transatlantic relations, namely:
· Affirm US-European goals to promote free trade and prosperity
· Embrace evidences and experiences of bold reforms in the Eastern Europe on tax reform & social security as vital tools for policymakers in Western Europe & the US
· Focus on strengthening the rule of law in former communist states and combating corruption, a major hurdle to economic growth
· Strengthen the battle against terrorism through sustained cooperation & commitment
· Invest in strategic transatlantic initiatives that advance Jeffersonian principles
In conclusion, an interesting historical fact is that the Republic of Dubrovnik, formerly Ragusa in Croatia was the first state to formally recognize the United States of America. And in 1992, the US recognized Croatia’s independence from the former Yugoslavia. Through America’s leadership, NATO intervened and brought freedom to individuals in the post-communist Balkan region and began the long process of securing peace and stability. America’s commitment to freedom in securing the peace on the European continent on three occasions during the last century remind us all of the significance of securing peace, advancing freedom and strengthening transatlantic relations. These are goals worth pursuing.
The entire newsletter from ALEC is enclosed via attachment.
The Adriatic Institute for Public Policy
International Leaders Summit
www.ils-wde.org