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TechnoratiJOHANNESBURG -- The Elders, a new alliance made up of an elite group of senior statesmen dedicated to solving thorny global problems, unveiled itself today in Johannesburg.
The rollout coincided with founding member Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday.
After a grand entrance, Mandela, the former South African president, announced the rest of the Elders.
The members include Desmond Tutu, South African archbishop emeritus of Capetown; former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan; Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and Mohammed Yunus, the Nobel laureate and founder of the Green Bank in Bangladesh.
The group plans to get involved in some of the world's most pressing problems -- climate change, pandemics like AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, violent conflicts.
It was an extraordinary gathering; a who's who of famous international leaders, with enough emotion to move some of them to tears.
Under a large white futuristic dome, British billionaire Richard Branson and rock star Peter Gabriel, who conceived the idea for the Elders, gathered enough star power to change the world, or at least that's the hope.
"The structures we have to deal with these problems are often tied down by political, economic and geographic constraints," Mandela said. The Elders, he argued, will face no such constraints.
Seven years ago, Branson and Gabriel approached Mandela about the Elders idea, and he agreed to help them recruit others. "This group of elders will bring hope and wisdom back into the world," Branson said. "They'll play a role in bringing us together.
"Using their collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above the parochial concerns of nations ? they can help make our planet a more peaceful, healthy and equitable place to live, " Branson said. " Let us call them 'global elders,' not because of their age but because of individual and collective wisdom."
Calling it "the most extraordinary day" of his life, Gabriel said, "The dream was there might still be a body of people in whom the world could place their trust."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who moderated the event and will serve as its leader, was moved to tears after Gabriel sang an impromptu accapella version of his hit song "Biko," written about a famous South African political prisoner.
Branson and Gabriel have raised enough money -- some $18 million -- to fund this group for three years.
Also onboard are names less well known in the United States, including Indian microfinance leader Ela Bhatt; former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland; former Chinese ambassador to the United States Li Zhaoxing.
The group left an empty seat onstage -- symbolically -- for an elder who was invited, but could not attend because she is under house arrest in Burma, Nobel laureate and human rights advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mandela and Carter emphasized the group's ability to talk to anyone without risk.
"We will be able to risk failure in worthy causes, and we will not need to claim credit for any successes that might be achieved," said Carter.
Carter said the group does not want to step on or interfere with other positive work that nations or organizations are doing but wants to supplement that work.
Several members acknowledged that the actual activities and actions of the group remain to be determined. There are no titles, no ranking of the members. And it is not clear if they will travel as a group, deploy individual members to global hot spots, or simply sit in a room together to develop strategies or assist those who are suffering find help.
But they certainly have high hopes.
"I didn't like the title "elders," because I didn't feel like an elder," said Yunus to laughter, "but I like the idea."
Yunus said the world is without direction and he hopes the Elders can provide some direction.
Speaking of the Elders, almost in the way one would describe a cartoon about superheroes, Mandela said, "The Elders can become a fiercely independent and positive force for good."
Annan added that the group does not "intend to go and take on Darfur or Somalia and resolve it singlehandedly. We don't have a magic wand," he said. But he argued that the group could intervene and perhaps force parties to honor agreements.
"There are certain crimes that shame us all," said Annan. "We all have a responsibility, and I hope the Elders will take the lead in asking the question: What can we do to move the situation forward?
"Sometimes by saying 'this is enough we can't take this anymore it must stop,' we are making a difference," Annan continued
Mandela and Branson both celebrated birthdays today. At 89, Mandela looked frail. He walked with a cane and Carter helped him to the podium. But once Mandela got there, he stood tall and easily delivered some 10 minutes of remarks.
"He, as you know, walks sedately," Tutu joked.
Copyright © 2007 ABC News Internet Ventures
62 Comments so far
Show AllAll elders are not benevolent as those that hold power and financial control of the World; therefofe we should be very careful in choosing those that we hope would benefit mankind. The idea is good if they are selected from all areas of the world and so long as all envolved are really sincere with an unselfish desire to help mankind and have the abilities, energy and determination to be effective in working together to rally the people of the world to come together to solve their differences and recognise that we are one people in this world that somehow became seperated. This Elder Group cannot change or even influence the leaders of governments,who have usurped the power of the people, for they will not cooperate to enpower the people the freedom they deserve. Government leaders will only give lip service to anything that would reduce their control.
The power is with the people if they can be brought together and work together for all.People do not start wars. All people of the world only want be free and live in peace. The Elders must work to make the people of yhe World understand their ONENESS and by working together benefit the whole human race.They must promote respect and love for one another as a family of ONE.
Please accept this poem:
FAMILY OF THE ONE
In love we were created
Never to be seperated
To grow better
And last forever
Why is our life
So full of strife
We sought the me
And we ceased to be
God is the same
And none to blame
We lost our way
And much to pay
Stop the hate
Before it's too late
No more war
Live for more
Follow the dove
Understand and love
We must give
So we can live
We Must begin
To be one again
The battle is won
When we are one
What do you say
We do it today
To join in love
With the One above
Robert G. Wheeler
Thank you all for this opportunity to express our thoughts and for all the other comments.
Oh, and for the record, I have tremendous respect for Cuba's public health programs. I just can't appreciate lack of freedom. Socialism doesn't have to be that way.
I'm surprised at myself for doing this, its not in my nature to argue online or in person, but moonraven, you do your point of view no service when you defend it using ridiculous insults. Its hotheads like you that make political discourse so exhausting. I believe in the hope of democratic socialism. I am a strict pacifist. That puts my beliefs at odds with Castro, as he is military dictator. The finest in the world, perhaps, but a dictator nonetheless. You don't know the first thing about my experience in Cuba, my education, my gender, age, race, or background. Please keep your insulting presumptions to yourself in order to keep this website and discussion board elevated. Your argument at this point is not very compelling. Go on, calmly make your case.
Someone asked if Aung San Suu Kyi was old enough to be considered an elder.
She is 62. You decide. Some theaters would give her the senior discount--others no.
GRANNY D SHOULD BE PART OF THE GROUP -- !!!
And how many women are included ---- ???????????
Cheers for Mary Robinson of Ireland -- ??
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson
Once again, you see that if we begin to include people like Thatcher and Albright we understand that the "Elders" are off on a completely wrong path.
We are presuming that when people age, they gain compassion and wisdom --
Yet capitalism continues to produce more sociopaths like Cheney/Bush --
Tony Benn, Chavez, Fidel Castro --
would move things in the humane direction --
Sorry horse, but you are NOT as socialist and progressive as this person--in fact I seriously doubt that you have any idea what the words even mean.
You can't be a socialist and a progressive with no sense of history. Don't they teach you kids anything in the schools anymore?
I am sure that I, a resident of Latin America, am just about going to break my neck rushing to read a slanderous gringo portrayal of Cuba. ¡Haz me favor!
I'm as socialist and progressive as the next person who reads these articles, but, seriously, Fidel?? Peacekeeper? Emblem of worldwide trust?? I spent a pretty considerable amount of time in Cuba not long ago and, y'all, that country is messed up. Yeah, yeah, it's the embargo...that is a significant part of it but Castro's policies of suppression and information shut-out are not cool and Cubans are sick to death of him, and more and more they are open about it, even to an American student who speaks very little Spanish. Yes, of course, there is a certain respect for his longevity in the face of tremendous odds, as well as his intelligence and charisma, but he is not a hero for peace or prosperity. He is a dictator. Read Ben Corbett's This is Cuba for a more comprehensive portrait of El Commandante and his nation of outlaws. As for the rest of the discussion, well....it's a bit of a start, isn't it?
Thank you - very, very much - Richard Branson & Peter Gabriel ..... a wonderful & urgently needed effort in these extremely critical times for Homo Sapiens & Earth. There are, as we all know, many others who are trying to assist the current 'world situation'. The task is a huge one. We must all play our part according to our means. The problem is to make the impact needed to get on the right track ... & time is 'running out' ... each one of us also has to work on one's Inner Peace as well as World Peace. On the World Level, how can all the work be effectively co-ordinated - with resources & life justly & fairly managed? Good Luck Richard & Peter & all Elders - I hope we meet sooner rather than later. Good Luck everyone ..... please feel free to phone me anytime at my current home in the 'Northern Rivers' region of Eastern Australia (I am a slow typist & a novice with the computer!)- do leave a message if I am unable to answer at: (61) 2 666 333 11 (am away 22 - 27 July). I do not have the $ (unfortunately!) to return many calls so if I do not answer please send an E-mail - which you will see on my just started Website: www.senseadventures.com Walk Good ..... with Love - & in Peace! Peter.
After reading the article through, I am surprised by the "who elected them" mentality. This panel of elders was chosen by Peter Gabriel and Richard Bransen. Their "ideal" of a group that could be trusted and had enough political and social capital to do some good.
Good for them! I applaud the elders for their willingness to step forward and DO SOMETHING, which is more than can be said for most. I also applaud Mr. Gabriel and Mr Bransen. They've put their money, time and effort torward something they believe in, again, more than can be said for most.
As to the naysayers here, i wonder how many have called their representatives, made a donation, wrote to the editor etc. Or better yet, how many are going to run for office in the next election and possibly put themselves out just a bit for the greater good. It is oh, so easy to nitpick and bitch, not as easy to do some good. You actually have to get out from in front of your computer to do that.
I, too, could think of a few elders i would like to see on the list...Granny D. for one...Starhawk for another. Just because they are not there doesn't invalidate the efforts of the folks who are there.
The right has done such an effective job of "divide and conquer". Seems that the left can't get it together. Every little difference is blown way, WAY out of proportion and it keeps us from being effective. He's black, she's latino, he's queer, she's white, they're too rich, they're too poor, he's a christian, she's a pagan. Ridiculous! The fact is, if we are going to live in a world where we can celebrate our differences, we first have to find our common ground.
If we continue to allow the right to frame the discussion we will always be at each others throats. The last thing the right wants, and the most important thing the left can do is to put aside the petty differences and focus on change, one issue at a time. For example, all this nitpicking and grandstanding will be meaningless if our government becomes a dictatorship, or blows up the planet now won't it?
good articals
cobrafifty:
Right on!
What makes me sad is the total ignorance of the folks on a supposedly progressive site in regard to the progressive leaders of the planet, of which the two most important are Castro and Chavez.
I have not met Fidel, but I have had a fair amount of contact with Chavez--and he has clearly replaced Eric Clapton as God.
Well the American right wing and even centrist Democrats do not like Jimmy Carter, even if he is one of the most respected Americans in the world. Kofi Annan was also a compromised secretary general and Mandela's South Africa wasn't so much of the promised land but was immediately betrayed by neoliberalism.
I'm glad though they didn't bring along some rock star. Ugh.
This group will have to figure out another way to speak truth to power. Desmond Tutu can advise as he is probably the most respected leader with the cleanest record amongst the bunch. In fact he would fit better in a group that would include Chomsky, Zinn, Pilger, etc. (although that would be more of a tribunal).
Is Aung San Suu Kyi that old though??
Regardless, it might have some influence, but those other evil Elders, like Cthulhu's minions, currently hold the power.
Theres more democracy emanating from Hugo Chavez and President Castro than any of the Elders named in this article. It would have been wonderful for them to be a part of this effort; however, I guess to be an Elder you have to at least embrace corporate globalization and the status quo. Nevertheless, I do respect these people and I hope the Elders can make a difference, even if it's within the scope of global capitalism.
Good for the old guys, maybe they can come up with something. As far as Fidel goes, they probably don't need any "Presidents for Life" on their panel. Wouldn't seem terribly democratic.
DREX,
I am afraid it's YOU who isn't clued into reality here.
Speaking from the position of someone who has lived outside the parasitical US for 15 years and who routinely travels the world, I can say without reserve that Fidel Castro is one of the most widely respected and influential leaders on the planet. He is also one of the smartest.
Give up your parochial stance of believing propaganda. Nobody but the dummies of the world do that. Certainly none of the Elders.
Who elected them? Who established this Council of Elders? The moral authority these people have exists because of who they are and what they have done, not on membership in some club for retired rulers.
Happy Birthday, Nelson, but forget it.
Wow! The cynicism in this thread is appalling, but given the state of our country, not unexpected. Can you think of a better reason that some positive energy from The Elders needs to be poured all over us? Nelson Mandela transformed his country and is about as liberal a leader as one is likely to hear about in this lifetime, as well as inspirational. And despite Carter's naivete, he has done nothing but good for the world since he left office, as in Habitat for Humanity, for one example. So, please, can the hollow complaining which does nothing more than prove that our culture needs a MAJOR overhaul.
I thank Teachur and UN for their enlightened comments and as for Stacey above, those of you under 40 are really NOT to blame for the cynicism you feel, because American culture has been devolving for a long time, and the rest of us have allowed it. You're right, Stacey, that what you learned in high school was the imperial party line, which goes so far back in time that we're going to have to dig down to our roots to eradicate it. And kids are STILL learning the same thing, every day, as in how to perpetuate the have vs. have-not history of mankind so far. We can do better, and we must, and the "elders" of our global tribe can help and many thanks to Branson and Gabriel for doing something important with their money! Stacey, please read my book and share a new perspective with your friends. I'll be happy to send you a free copy (or anyone else here) if you would email me your shipping address through my website.
Hey, guys, let's have some HOPE for ourselves, huh? Thanks for listening. www.changetheschools.com
I do too. His/her caps lock key is definitely stuck on.
PaulMagillSmith,
Thank you for the correction. Can you imagine I got an "A" in math?!!!
Looks like just more elitist BS to me. Doomed to failure in the long run as top down solutions always are. But hey, let them go through the motions if it makes them feel useful, and who knows there may be some positive impact here and there.
Greetings All,
Just wanted to add a few sentences to support the flow of good energy in this discussion.
To fellow blogger "UN-Common Dreams: " Yes, I do agree 100% with you, and I applaud you for your especially articulate expression, which contributes to the solution rather than the problem(s). As many have already stated, I agree that focusing on the positives is the only way that positive change will occur. Constantly focusing on the negatives in any situation will only magnify and sustain them.
For me, it is natural to despair over the complexity and apparent hopelessness of so many utterly horrifying injustices and, just like many of you reading this, it is natural to be angry with so much greed-driven hypocrisy and deceit in this world. But I have discovered that impatience with others does not bring a "quick fix;" it only delays the answers which need to come from, as someone here pointed out, the heart. My heart and yours.
My heart tells me to write. To communicate with you, and to bring your words, and mine, to others - to people who have decided to support the solution, and to people who are still fighting the problem (even though "fighting" it just feeds it). Perhaps we can all, metaphorically, "join hands" across the globe and form a network, as "epona" pointed out, here, yesterday.
Our wonderful brains have gotten us to where we are today. Perhaps it's time to integrate our hearts and minds, to give feelings as much credence as thoughts. It's not rocket-science to understand the difference between humane and inhumane behavior…our hearts understand this instinctively. This, I believe, is where the Elders have got it right, and they just might end up leading a movement of tidal proportions, once people begin to trust it.
Speaking of trust, broken trust may be why, as a society, we have become so cynical that we react negatively even to good news. We have been lied to and deceived by those we have put in power by our faith and trust. But I believe that, even if it is by a conscious act of will, trusting that the news about the Elders is good news might just be a place to begin healing our cynical hearts so that they may begin working again. We need the Elders, as we need our own hearts, and each other, now more than ever.
Anything and hopeful like this should be supported, to see where it goes.
Like Yunus I have a slight problem with "elder".
Maybe settle for "global grown-ups"? - There aren't too many of those around, either. A "global grown-up" won't often be confused with the common adult.
A last word on the topic:
"Better than a thousand hollow words, -is one word that brings peace."
(Buddha)
"Warmaking doesn't stop warmaking. If it did, our problems would have stopped millennia ago."
(Colman McCarthy)
Oh... and...
I also have enormous respect for Desmond Tutu.
Here is a very wise man who helped steer South Africa through one of it's darkest nights. He invariably acts with nobility, dignity, and has a very compassionate, fully-functioning HEART centre! :)
If the world had more like him, and less like satanic Cheney, that would be a *very* real blessing indeed!
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY support the formation of this group, ~100%, -unreservedly!
I feel that all such POSITIVE initiatives are to be welcomed, not sneered at from the sidelines by those who themselves are often doing little or nothing to effectively improve world conditions?
The world *cynical* derives from the Latin 'Cynicus' or the Greek 'Kynikós' and means to act in a 'doglike' way, -(as with curled lips).
Yes, we need to be able to offer useful, discerning critique of that which is badly awry, but when something positive is being tried out, to disparage it before it has even begun is ... Helpful?
Useful?
~ I think not.
Only in the last few days I was wondering about the dearth of 'pop stars' doing very much in the world to help us in the current crises, (-as opposed to the 70's when perhaps far more were usefully, idealistically, raising their voices in strident protest) but now here we have Peter Gabriel beneficially using his money and status to try something different. - Good on him!
As to the 'Elders' concept, many aboriginal tribes have 'village elders' and so on, - this status is accorded to those who have 'been around the block a few times' and gained some life wisdom. This attitude is in contradistinction to some more modern societies where 'old folks' are merely shovelled into old folks homes, -and left to vegetate.
I have enormous respect for the likes of (e.g.) Kofi Annan. He had to skilfully walk a thousand tightropes when he led the United Nations, and a lot of his time and energy was taken up just trying to mitigate the constant damage which moronic US neocons caused to that organisation and it's efforts, (inc withholding vast amounts of promised cash).
You'd need the patience of a saint to do as Kofi did, without publicly strangling many of the idiotic, intransigent, wholly obstructive and selfish leaders he had to put up with!
And even Jimmy Carter, -for all of his perceived faults, has, (actually) tried to put his Christian beliefs into *practical* action, and has been instrumental in initiating a lot of good work in the world.
~ Just compare his (sincere!) efforts with those of the likes of that *non-Christian* Bush. --there's no comparison!
Carter at least attempts to emulate Christ, whilst black-hearted Bush is in league with a dozen different devils...
I suggest, "give credit where credit is due"?
We live in a world where we need all the help we can get to help put our world to rights.
When people of goodwill attempt to do what they can to help humanity from it's present woes, I think we ought not pour harmful disparagement on them, - such words are not *helping*, - they only hinder human progress...
~ Might you agree?
HELLO COMMON DREAM....I WANT TO GIVE MY OPINION ABOUT HOW TO SAVE THIS WORLD THAT ALREADY HAS SO MUCH DAMAGE....WELL I THINK THAT FIRST WE HAVE TO THINK HOW WE GOING TO AVOID THE DIFFERENT WAY OF WARS THAT MANY POWERFUL COUNTRY USE AGAINST POOR COUNTRY FOR JUSTIFY ANY MILITARY INTERVENTION,AND ALSO WE HAVE TO AVOID HOW PEOPLE HAND THEM THE INFORMATION TO PROVOKE SOMETIME THE ORIGINS OF ANY TYPE OF WARS.....I`M FROM ABUCACAO TREE CITY BUT I LIVING IN THE AAA COUNTRY WHERE FIRST MISS BEFORE A COCONUT TREE , SECOND AFTER A NATURAL RESOURCES AND BEFORE THE LAST ONE MISS A DADDY....WELL IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND MY MESSAGE YOU HAVE TO USE A LITTLE BE SPELLING IMAGINATION AND SWITCH YOUR READING SOMETIME FROM THE END TOWARD THE ORIGIN......MAYBE IF EVERY BODY THINK ABOUT THE CAUSE BEFORE THE END WE COULD SAVE THE WORLD BEFORE START......THANK YOU.
who will be an elder? who will help to spread compassion? who will open to the possibility? we all live in the world as we imagine it to be. I choose to support these elder humans, as flawed as they may be, in their endeavors. but i won't pretend that i can sit back and watch while i criticize or applaud. i will be an elder too, in my own community / family. that's the only way to get a piece of the peace.
All Blessings and all Support for them!!!
Let's give them a chance. We can use every good intention we can get. They could just go play golf.......
Are you people calling for Fidel to be an Elder NUTS. For any group of people to tackle the problems they say they want to fix will have to work with the USA. Put Fidel or Chavez in as an Elder would be a cute slap in the face to the US but any support for this group would be politically impossible from the US should these controversial individuals be included amongst the Elders.
For this idea to have an impact the US will have to get on-board whether you like it or not.
The choice of Elders could have been better but perhaps people like Nader were asked and refused for what ever reason. They had to start somewhere.
Obviously the Elders don't include any left wingers. Then again, look who dreamed up the idea. Frankly, at their ages, they'll be lucky to be together in 3 years when their funding runs out. Face it folks, capitalism can't fix the problems of this world when it is the cause of said problems.
I wonder about the wisdom of forming this group in trying to solve societal issues. Each in their own ways have shown weaknesses in tuckling various issues.
Anan was very ineffective at the UN;
Mandela has not put a dent in South African poverty and discrimination issues. SOWETO is a case in point.
Carter tries to be active with his own biases and Yunus amassed enough wealth for himself pretending to preach for the poor.
I wonder what is the alterior motive in setting up this particular Group!
How come there is no South American or European in the group?
Let's get real. These esteemed persons have their heart in the right place, but that's about all they have. They just don't have the influence and power to make this a better world. I wish they could do something constructive like amassing a fortune that would wipe out poverty and aids, or be given the power to form alliances through out the world's countries whose agenda is stopping all wars. Alas, there is no fool like an old fool, but I still wish them well.
There are many 'think tanks' that are routinely pumping out purchased opinions on the mainstream media. The worst that could happen is that the 'ELDERS' would become another one of these.
Elders can provide good advice if they ignore the fact that they will not be there to see the results of their advice. We have corporate leaders and politicians who have the short term viewpoint at the expense of the future thing nailed.
I cannot believe some of the critism and invective being posted here. It is no frigging wonder that the so called liberals of the world can't find their asses with both hands!! Whatever mistakes this impressive group of people has made, they have learned and grown, changed, modified thinking and gained an enormous amount of collective wisdom amongst them. SOMEONE would find fault with Mother Teresa if she were still alive to be included! This is an idea, an embryonic beginning of something that could make a positive change, and bring pressure, shed light, give voice to many of the powerless who have become meaningless to the greedy, selfish, self-righteous power brokers of the world. Bill Moyers would certainly get my vote to be included here, and perhaps Al Gore, and many other less generally well-known, but greatly respected "elders". But this is certainly an honerable beginning. What true progressives need are some of these very wealthy humanists who support sanity, to start buying some media......We need voices, real effective voices to become as vocal and visable as Fox News, and the unbelievably dominant Clear Channel radio mega monster. The internet (so long as it remains largely uncontrolled) has certainly been a great help, but it has not leveled the playing field for the left. We need an Olberman to counter every Limbaugh, Colter, Beck and on and on, including the local talk radio, which is dominated by stident right wingers, who continue to spew the lies and sewage that dominate the media. "left wing media"???....What planet are these nut jobs from. Lets stop shooting ourselves in the foot here people and give some credit to this fledgling group of would be world changers....the very idea is uplifting!
RE: Saila July 18th, 2007 1:57 pm
Sorry to nitpick, Salia, but you need three more zeros added to your figure. It should be $500,000,000,000, but some informed sources say the Iraq fiasco will actually cost us $2,000,000,000,000 before it's over. This figure is really sick when you consider 3 billion world citizens exist on less than $2 per day, and 2 billion on less than $1 p/d. What a colossal stupid waste of vital resources. GWB & his cronies truly deserve to be hung up...by their gonads!!! Some appropriate part of Condi's anatomy will suffice for her, I guess :-)
I wish this remarkable group of sublime 'Elders' all the best
Fellow progressives, please don't over-analyze this! Please don't fall into our usual habits of nitpicking and disrespecting others whose views vary slightly from our own. Yes, there are many other elders not included whose views we also need, but my heart tells me this is a wonderful idea. These people deserve the cred they've earned, and we desperately need a moral force of elders in our global "village" whose agenda is not dictated by pride or parochial concerns. They are looking for a way to influence events free of the constraints of local politics, organized religions and stale dogmas. Let's give it up for our elders, whom we need greatly in this urgent time. With Vision, we may yet pass through the fiery gates and live to see a better day.
As some of you already know, the title "Elder" is conferred only upon those for whom one has a great deal of respect and honor. Does that mean those chosen for such a title are perfect? Of course not! They, like the rest of us mortals, have made mistakes and come up short, probably on more than one occasion.
As a senior martial artist, I am both comfortable and proud of the fact that I'm an "Elder" in the martial arts community. Sometimes it is a very heavy burden, but one that I accept gladly. Does that mean that I know everything and always have the "right answer"? Absolutely not. To think otherwise would be the height of arrogance.
However, I HAVE had a great deal of experience with countless aspects of my field. Sometimes that "experience" is one of "oops, I screwed that one up". But as long as we are open to admitting our shortcomings and foolishness, we can hopefully learn from them and thereby pass along our observations to those who turn to us for guidance.
I revel in seeing this esteemed group come together and see it as a turning to the old ways in which our Elders were revered and consulted whenever needed. Why don't we try to SUPPORT this effort instead of finding petty things to find fault with? We MUST learn to live in harmony and cooperation, for it has been our selfishness and short-sightedness which have led to our current state of affairs. I wish this group strength and success in their endeavors, for their challenges are many and massive. Our main question should be, always, "How can I help?"
noicefactor asks,
"Where was Fidel Castro (or his empty seat)? Or is this a club of only the leaders who have made their peace with global capitalism?"
I think this is a very good question.
Mr Mendela, might be better served tackling the unemployment problem in his home country. Best estimate at 30%. Proverty is rampent in South Africa.
Mr Mendela's role in history will someday paint a very different picture then what is presented today. He sold out many of his "comrades."
I am sure southpark will be spoofing them soon as well.
However, I too applaud the effort. Each of these people has demonstrated a willingness and ability to threaten the status quo. Each has had their life threatened by that position.
Do not underestimate what they could accomplish. Connection and cooperation is the first step towards unity.
Right now the only thing that unites the world is pain and fear.
I say good for them. Good for us.
Blessings upon them.
What a great idea. I don't care if they don't accomplish any of their goals--this effort sure beats sitting around writing long boring memoirs or doing speaking gigs for honoraria looking backwards at the past.
It's a great start--but it needs to be much more ideologically inclusive or it will be dommed to failure--like everything else on this doomed planet.
Well this will be interesting. Whatever direction they go GREED will come up first. How will they replace GREED with COMPASSION?
Greetings
And will they be recruiting elders all over the world to join them? Can a few men accomplish the impossible together without the rest of us? Are YOU ready?
I am!!
Even the "progressives" can't get along...Some silly and useless comments are distracting from the goal.
At least some people are really OUT THERE trying to make a positive difference. I applaud any persons who inconvenience themselves to better the lives of others.
Tony Benn
PW: Another ignorant slob who wandered in from one of the rightwing Smear Latin America sites.
Kofi Anan?
moonface
try unpuckering your butt cheeks
Excuse me, but I live in Latin America. One cannot make blanket statements about things like life expectancy here, as conditions vary widely from country to country.
In 2004, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, life expectancy for males in Venezuela--the country in question--was 71 years.
The Corporate States of America has been trying to kill Fidel for almost 50 years, and he is 80.
Knowing Chavez, I don't think he would be happy to be considered an Elder, as he plans to be actively involved in politics on a grand scale for at least 15 more years.
In Latin America the life expectancy for males is 65 years.
Given where Chavez resides...and the fact that The Corporate States of America is determined to kill him....
Chavez is an elder at 53
This group cannot do anything but good for the causes they aim to address. Why disparage them in their efforts to lend moral gravity to the pressing issues of our age? Though I share jdr's skepticism, I cannot help but applaud these noble individuals, imperfections though they may have. How easy it would be in the twilight of their lives, having accomplished so much, to sit back on their laurels and sip tea on the veranda.
I agree that Fidel is missing and should have been included.
As for Hugo Chavez, he is not yet an Elder--he will turn 53 on July 28th.
I too wonder where Fidel is -- he certainly belongs there. His absence is probably due to his continued official status as a leader of his country.
I wish they had chosen some other word in place of “the Elders.†The word Elders brings back a connotation to the mind, and connects to another group called the Elders whose grand children have been instrumental in giving us the Iraq war, if you know what I mean.
As I look at this news, I keep wondering as to why there is so much disparity in the world to day. Leaders who possess power and money create problems by bringing us wars and destruction, and yet these elderly without many physical resources are trying to solve the world’s problems. What a difference can compassionate and righteous people make. Can you imagine how much good the $500,000,000 that’s so far been spent on the war could have done was it put to humanitarian use for the welfare of all of us sharing this planet?
Hey I have an idea! Let's end poverty. Now while you guys work on that problem, I'll be working on the problem of the global power imbalance on the planet. Until an African nation (sub-saharan) is economically viable to become a member of the G-8, and militarily able to threathen when other rich nations wont behave, you will not only have poverty, but it will always have a strange black/brown tint to it. Addressing the lack of black power I think is a more worth while endeavor, because as I was taught in high school, capitalism needs cheap labor and thus you will always have poverty.
By the way, I still think it was a nice political gesture that was done by Nelson Mandela and everyone else involved. I now feel much better and more hopeful for the world as I sippped this $5.00 latte.
Jimmy Carter ?
Were the people of East Timor asked for their opinion of Jimmy Carter ?
Ralph Nader has a more significant resume than half of the members
Why not Hugo Chavez who has done far more for ordinary people than most of the members
I cant wait to find out what their super powers are
Where was Fidel Castro (or his empty seat)? Or is this a club of only the leaders who have made their peace with global capitalism?
Perhaps now is the time for such a group. Perhaps the time has come when the moral authority of the elders can be expressed via media such as this one, and the infantile can once again be tempered by the wisdom of long experience. With the world becoming more and more a single social entity with universal concerns and opportunities, it's at least got a shot. But I'm skeptical too, I can just imagine the reception this is going to recieve from conservatives in the US. Carter and Anan, they just love to hate, and the rest they've never heard of. Unless one of them turns out to be the REAL father of Anna Nichole's baby, I don't see them getting much face time on the corporate media.
With observations like that observer, the neo-cons and the new world order salute you. Stand up against all injustice no matter how small you may be, and these my friend are not small fry fish.
Good jecture, Elders! Albeit 89 years old Mr Mandela stand no chance against destructive power of infantile nation like ours.
Let us grow up, my fellows Americans.