perspectives

Sometimes It Feels Good To Stand UP and Be Counted

Last night as I watched the people of South Carolina stand up for a new kind of politics and a new kind of leadership, I felt something deep inside. The faces, the energy, the possibilities, the new thinking, and Barack Obama's inspiring message to us all brought a new level of HOPE for America and the world. I admit it, I sobbed --- mostly it felt like eight years of grief for the blood, loss, corruption, and human tragedy we have experienced watching what happens when a president sees war as his unilateral vision and drills it into the fabric of our country.

I also think part of it was the feeling of being duped by the Clintons. Over the years, I've had my struggles with their style of leadership. I am grateful for the good that came and I have been willing to forgive them for the disgrace and detour we were forced to endure during their reign because of Bill Clinton poor judgment. This past few weeks, I have been so disillusioned by their very deliberate attempt to diminish this young, powerful leader with vision that is igniting people all over the nation. One would expect so much more from two political elders, who have had they day and professed their beliefs in equality for all people. Bill's intentional "code words" were not unnoticed. As far as Hillary --- I can say, I look forward to seeing a woman in the White House someday, but I do not want a woman to win that brings the same shoddy, dirty tricks politics that men use as sport. I do not want a woman that lies or feels called to diminish anyone for her own political advantage. We can do better than this. Instead I envision a leader that will inspire the greatness in all of us --- by their own greatness in who they are and what they bring to leadership, not just in experience, but in character and practice day-to-day.

Caroline Kennedy's Op-Ed in the New York Times endorsing Barack Obama said so much about how it feels to me and others I talk to that have experienced what Barack and Michele are bringing to this year's presidential campaign. There has never been another time since John F. Kennedy that this country felt such possibility and responsibility because of a leader with a clear vision. I share it here as it shouldn't be missed:

A President Like My Father
by Caroline Kennedy
January 27, 2008

OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.

My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.

Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.

We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.

Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.

Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.

I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.

Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.

Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love

It feels good to stand up and be counted.

How about you? What's you view?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder, President and CEO
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies

370 Million People Stand Up - U.S. Stands Down?

I grew up in a family with great love and respect for our country. Most of my life, I spent following that belief. It saddens me every time I learn some other reality that puts a dent in my trust about the United States. The Iraq War and its crimes against humanity has had a big influence in opening my eyes, but there are many other truths that have been exposed and observed that are a cause of shame. Today still another came to my attention. It came in a report about a United Nations Resolution that is a major victory for 370 million people across the world. The joyful news read:

"It's a triumph for indigenous peoples around the world," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after the General Assembly vote. "This marks a historic moment when member states and indigenous peoples have reconciled with their painful histories."

While 370 million people stood up; the United States stood down

I didn't get far into article until I was stunned to discover that the United States was one of just four countries that objected to others having rights to keep their land and resources that belong to them.

What is wrong with are our national conscience?

How can the country known as the "land of the free" treat its neighbors with just disregard and disrespect? Do you ever ask yourself this question? I know this is only one example, but I've seen too many in recent years, haven't you? I'm also not blind to our history that chronicles awful things. I know there has been much written that proves this is a common practice, but shouldn't the "the leader of the free world" be more of a role model for others? Every time some revealing situation happens, I am again stunned. There is a deep disappointment that comes over me like a wave. How did we get so far astray that we want to deny so many what belongs to them, when we have so much??? I still cannot reconcile the mind and soul that could live with such decisions, can you?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of the consequences for our behavior when he said, "If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight."

How have we allowed things to continue to go so far astray with our greed?

Gandhi also spoke clearly about what is right, "The Golden Rule ... is to resolutely refuse to have what millions cannot. This ability to refuse will not descend upon us all of a sudden. The first thing is to cultivate the mental attitude that will not have possessions or facilities denied to millions, and the next immediate thing is to rearrange our lives as fast as possible in accordance with that mentality."

What do you think about the U.S. when you read this report?

Jubilation as UN Adopts Historic Statement on Native Rights

Haider Rizvi
OneWorld US
Fri., Sep. 14, 2007
<http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/153160/1/>

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 13 (OneWorld) - Despite strong objections from the United States and some of its allies, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution Thursday calling for the recognition of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their lands and resources.

The adoption of the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples comes after 22 years of diplomatic negotiations at the United Nations involving its member states, international civil society groups, and representatives of the world's aboriginal communities.

An overwhelming majority of UN member countries endorsed the Declaration, with 143 voting in favor, 4 against, and 11 abstaining.

The United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand stood alone in voting against the resolution. The nations that neither supported nor objected were Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, Samoa, and Ukraine.

"It's a triumph for indigenous peoples around the world," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after the General Assembly vote. "This marks a historic moment when member states and indigenous peoples have reconciled with their painful histories."

In her comments, General Assembly President Haya Al Khalifa described the outcome of the vote as a "major step forward towards the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all."

Pleased with the General Assembly's decision, indigenous leaders told OneWorld they wanted the declaration to be adopted by consensus, but since certain countries remained unwilling to recognize their rights until the end, a majority vote was the only possible option left.

"If a few states do not accept the declaration, then it would be a reflection on them rather than the document," said Les Malezer, an aboriginal leader from Australia, before the resolution was presented to the General Assembly.

Before the vote many indigenous leaders accused the United States and Canada of pressuring economically weak and vulnerable nations to reject calls for the Declaration's adoption. Initially, some African countries were also reluctant to vote in favor, but later changed their position after the indigenous leadership accepted their demand to introduce certain amendments in the text.

The Declaration emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures, and traditions and pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.

It also calls for recognition of the indigenous peoples'
right to self-determination, a principle fully recognized by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, but deemed controversial by the United States and some of its allies who fear that it could undermine their rights to rule over all their current territory.

In return for their support, the African countries wanted the declaration to mention that it does not encourage any actions that would undermine the "territorial integrity" or "political unity" of sovereign states.

Though the African viewpoint was incorporated into the final version, the Declaration remains assertive of indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their land and resources.

"It is subject to interpretation, but we can work with this," Malezer said last week.

Thursday, Malezer and his colleagues in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues described the world body's decision as "a major victory."

International Day of the World's Indigenous People International Day of the World's Indigenous People © Pan American Health Organization "The 13th of September 2007 will be remembered as an international human rights day for the indigenous peoples of the world," said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, chairperson of the Permanent Forum, in an emotional tone filled with joy.

International civil society groups working for the rights of indigenous peoples also expressed extreme pleasure with Thursday's vote.

"We are really very happy and thrilled to hear about the adoption of the Declaration," said Botswana Bushman Jumanda Gakelebone of First People of the Kalahari, who works with the independent advocacy group Survival International.

"It recognizes that governments can no longer treat us as second-class citizens, and it gives protection to tribal peoples so that they will not be thrown off their lands like we were," Gakelebone added in a statement.

Survival's director Stephen Corry said he hoped the declaration would raise international standards in the same way the Universal Declaration of Human Rights did nearly 60 years ago.

"It sets a benchmark by which the treatment of tribal and indigenous peoples can be judged, and we hope it will usher in an era in which abuse of their rights is no longer tolerated," he added.

Vivian Stromberg, executive director of the New York- based rights group MADRE, said Thursday that the Declaration's passage "will signal a major shift in the landscape of international human rights law, in which the collective rights of indigenous peoples will finally be recognized and defended."

At the UN, indigenous leaders, however, cautioned against a possible gap between rhetoric and effective implementation of the Declaration.

"It will be the test of commitment of states and the whole international community to protect, respect, and fulfill indigenous peoples' collective and individual human rights," Tauli-Corpuz said.

"I call on governments, the UN system, indigenous peoples, and civil society at large to rise to the historic task before us and make the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples a living document for the common future of humanity," she said in a statement.

Though pleased with the General Assembly's decision, some indigenous leaders seemed unhappy that the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand did not accept the Declaration.

"Canada has shown its true colors on our human rights,"
Arthur Manuel, a leader of Canada's indigenous peoples, told OneWorld.

Those in opposition have said the Declaration is "flawed," mainly because of its strong emphasis on the right to indigenous self-determination and full control over lands and resources. In their view, these clauses would hinder economic development efforts and undermine so-called "established democratic norms."

The United States has also refused to sign on to a UN treaty on biological diversity, which calls for a "fair and equitable" sharing of the benefits derived from indigenous lands by commercial enterprises.

Meanwhile, threats to indigenous lands and resources persist, say rights activists, in the form of mining, logging, toxic contamination, privatization, large-scale development projects, and the use of genetically modified seeds.

"The entire wealth of the United States, Canada, and other so-called modern states is built on the poverty and human rights violations of their indigenous peoples," said Manuel. "The international community needs to understand how hypocritical Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are."

Recent scientific studies have repeatedly warned of devastating consequences for indigenous communities in particular as changing climates are expected to cause more floods, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events across the world.

The United States and Australia have taken particular criticism also for their refusal to join the majority of the world's nations in efforts to combat climate change.

May we be the change we need in the world and in the United States.

I welcome your thoughts.

Debbe Kennedy
Founder of the Global Dialogue Center

Come visit us ... www.globaldialoguecenter.com

MICHAEL VICK's Apology: "There but for the Grace of God, go I."

I don't know much about Michael Vick. I admit I am not a sports fan. His reported behavior and abuse of dogs is beyond comprehension. However, I would like to cast the light on his public apology.

Michael Vick's public apology was one of the best --- and one of the first heart-felt apologies --- I've heard by any world leader, public official or celebrity in many years. It took a lot of courage for Michael Vick to stand up and make the admissions he made today on a public stage from his heart. I can't remember seeing such a "true confession" by a celebrity or leader at any level. No excuses. No half-truths. No blaming. His face and eyes and words came across as TRUTH and by doing so, he set a new standard for accepting responsibility for one's mistakes, poor judgment and its implications on the lives of others --- and in this case the lives of innocent animals. Thank you, Michael Vick.

What's been ringing in my ears for days when I've heard the reports on Michael's case is "There but for the Grace of God, go I." The reports that have been the most distressing are the ones with finger-pointers with their mean words thrown out carelessly, blaming, calling him names and yelling in modern day terms, "Crucify him." It makes me wonder about our capacity for compassion for one another. I wonder if those with mean-spirited words for Michael Vick have examined their on lives lately? Or if any of them have ever stood up publically with such courage?

Every time I've thought about his mom and family, or imagined how devastating it must be for him to wake up in the morning, knowing he has demolished at least temporarily a pretty remarkable life with promise that he had going --- all in the name of momentary power and few poor decisions, because he could. It makes my heart ache for him.

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"There but for the Grace of God, go I."
Inspired by following Michael Vick's story in the distance, Bay Area artist, Sally K. Green, traced the history of this famous quote that we hear so often and discovered it was said by John Bradford in a moment of compassion for someone else in the year circa 1555. She painted a painting of John Bradford today with the story to remind us to have compassion for others in the human family in distress.
Go see the painting and story.

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MICHAEL VICK IN CONTRAST TO OUR LEADERS
It is interesting to contrast of Michael Vick's courageous apology with that of the lawyer written apologies, half-hearted apologies, or non-existent apologies of our most powerful leaders of the world.

As an example, Desmond TuTu commented sometime back on the value of saying we are sorry and the BIGNESS it takes to do so. He shared his perspective related to  George Bush's and Tony Blair's inability to make amends for their blunders in the Iraq War. Desmond TuTu shared his comments several years ago --- the war rages on with no end in sight --- and no apology or admission of wrong doing. One must note that there are far bigger implications and costs in lives of people, soldiers, and animals in their mistakes, as well as destruction of infrastructure, fraud, displacing millions of people from their homes, misappropriation of public funds, abuses to our fellow citizens, lies and poor judgment. But rumor has it that they won't be either accepting, or be held to any such accountability as Michael Vick is called to do. This is certainly a clear example of a double standard laws of our broken society and governments.

INSIGHTS FROM DESMOND TUTU
"How wonderful if politicians could bring themselves to admit they are only fallible human creatures and not God and thus by definition can make mistakes. Unfortunately, they seem to think that such an admission is a sign of weakness. Weak and insecure people hardly ever say 'sorry'.

"It is large-hearted and courageous people who are not diminished by saying: 'I made a mistake'.

...We've seen it at home in South Africa in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when people who had made, I mean, perpetrated some of the most ghastly atrocities say, "Sorry." It has an incredible capacity to change the dynamics of a situation. Well, those of us who are married know just how difficult it is. It is the most difficult set of words to say in any language. I find it difficult to say it in the privacy of our bedroom, to say, "Sorry, darling, I -- yes, I'm sorry." But what it can accomplish. You say sorry. It pours balm. We've seen it do that. A country that should have gone up in flames, South Africa, was saved by the fact that people were ready to forgive, and people were ready to say, "Sorry." That would be the first step."

FORGIVENESS for Michael:
"There but for the Grace of God, go I."
What has really touched me about this case with Michael Vick has been watching how easily we can fall from Grace. A few wrong turns and we've ruined our reputation, lost our careers, disappointed those who looked to us for leadership, left our mothers heart-broken and left a long and winding road to walk to reach redemption. It is one of those times, when you think of many temptations in your own life that could have so easily led you down a life-altering road and it makes it easy to say, "There but for the Grace of God, go I."

To Michael Vick --- Thank for your leadership today. It was refreshing. I forgive you. I look up to you for setting an example for us all in how to say we are sorry.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
www.globaldialoguecenter.com