The world's got a chance

Nelson Mandela is marking his 89th birthday by launching  the Global Elders, a group of wise man and women who will address global  problems by offering expertise and guidance to reduce conflict and despair.
  The group is to speak freely and boldly. The first rule  could be: No spin doctors allowed.   
  The Global Elders will gets its strength not from  military, political or economic power, but from the independence and integrity  of the individuals on board.
  The Global Elders will fill a void, considering that on  the global front, we're living in leaderless times. This reality suggests  perhaps we'd be better served if we turned to our elders for guidance. 
  Talk about a who's who roundup - Besides the former  president of South Africa, the first slate of Golden Elders are made up Desmond  Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop, Jimmy Carter, former president of the United  States, Mary Robinson, former Irish president, Kofi Annan, the former  secretary-general of the United Nations and Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate  economist and founder of the Green Bank in Bangladesh. Also invited to join  are  Li Zhaoxing, the former foreign  minister of China, Ela Bhatt, the Indian activist and  Gro Harlen Bruntland, former prime minister  of Norway and director of the World Health Organization.
  What kind of a world would we have if all major  government recommendations, including military moves, had to be scrutinized and  approved by the Global Elders.   
  Mandela brings two precious gifts to the table - he can  foster agreement where there is conflict and he can inspire hope where there is  despair.
  It has been a long long time since either Canada or the  United States had a leader in the same league as Mandela. It's hard to imagine  George Bush or Stephen Harper breaking from the pack long enough to accomplish  one single thing that would make the world a better place.
  Mandela comes to the world stage with heart, courage and  calm. Along with his Global Elders counterparts, he'll continue to offer hope  to all.
  Something to think about

Comments

[Richard Johnson]

Joan: You may not be near the age of 89 but when the time comes, I think you too could join the board of Global Elders given your straight talk and common sense approach, but then again you may have enough business to keep you busy closer to home !

Lord knows that there is a lot of fixing to do and we all have to pull our weight.