Frankly, I've been critical of Clinton for his signing the USA up for WTO and NAFTA. But this project of his is extraordinary and brilliant. He taps the wealthy and powerful, inspiring them to make commitments. These commitments are aimed at helping thousands, even millions of individuals with pragmatic help. He sets an example that one would hope that hundreds of other influential leaders would emulate.
He gives an example of how one group offers to fund a series of flights of planes to Africa. Then suggests to the others in the audience that if they have something to send to Africa, they now have a good plane to send it on. This is amazing, pulling these resources together.
Of course, watching him speak and communicate it reminds us what an intelligent, articulate president looks like, lest we forget after six years with a backwards cretin.
Clinton has heads of companies come up and he describes their commitments to provide hundreds of millions of dollars worth of products and services.
He calls up the heads of the Phillipines, Spain, president of Walmart, and the World Bank, Bishop Demond Tutu. He quotes Tutu, "Religion is like a knife. IF you use it to slice bread, it's good. If you use it to slice off your neighbor's arm it's bad." And the last on the panel is Al Gore.
This is one hell of at hoedown-- aimed at helping people and making a better world. What an idea!!
Gloria Arroyo, President of the Phillipines, "Peace doesn't come from the barrel of a gun."
Clinton speaks to Robert Zoellick, head of the World Bank. Clinton's so damned smart it literally brings tears to my eyes. I may not like his centrist pushings of the Democratic party, but damn, he sees with such vision and wisdom and understanding and communicates so brilliantly and expansively. HE wields wisdom and knowledge like a sword, more powerful than any weapon a fool like Dubya could ever command. Compared to Clinton, Bush and Cheney are both slugs leaving a slime trail.
H. Lee Scott, president and CEO of Wal-Mart is speaking about the
there are benefits far beyond what we thought about. What we found in going down this journey in sustainability, the first thing we are doing is taking waste out of this whole stream of products we are dealing with." He gives an example of General Mill straigtening the noodles in Hamburger Helper, so they take up less space, fit into a smaller box, chip more on the same truck...
There is light in the darkness. Huzzah!! Seriously.
Clinton mentions something about companies in other companies trying to copy what Wal-mart did 20 years ago.
Here's an idea. Create a place where corporations can share ideas, not treat them as trade secrets, that make the world a better place, that heal injustices, improve the environment... so other companies can tap these ideas.
Clinton asks Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has spoken of the ways religion has been a curse for the modern world. It is a real treat to get to hear Desmond Tutu speak. He tells the story of someone coming up to him, saying, "Hello Archbishop Mandela." He laughs deliciously, "Sort of getting two for the price of one."
The website offers downloadable transcripts. I have a feeling I'll be reading at least a batch of them. You can access the site here.
I think you'll enjoy them. Also check out Clinton's new book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World , which discusses some of the same ideas.
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