catch up? Un huh.
Speaking in las Vegas on 17 August, 2006, the Honourable William J Clinton explained he thinks through questions and issues by referencing a framework to avoid what could feel like disjointed chaos.
His framework has four pillars:
What it the fundamental characteristic of the 21C?
What would he like the world to be like?
What steps need to be taken to get there ?
Who should take those steps-- or what should I do?
What is the fundamental characteristic of the 21C?
The 21C is one of iterdependency. If you ever doubt it, ask yourself why you see a report on American television of a chicken being killed in Romania. Terrorism, Global economic, Pandemics.... all clear examples of our interdependence.
What woulld he like the world to be like?
President Clinton explained he would like to see the world move from interdependence to integration where we fully appreciate our differences but can embrace our commonality as well.
What steps do we take to get there?
Implement a viable security policy.
"Create more partners and fewer enemies- since we will never be able to kill, jail or occupy all our real or potential enemies."
Home improvement- create good paying jobs to offset those threatened by outsourcing or open borders.
Strive to "get a decisive majority to embrace one single core value- that our differences matter, but our common humanity matters more."
Who should take these steps?
Each of us is better positioned than ever before to take them for several fundemental reasons.
1. There are more democratic governments now than in the history of the world- 50% more than 30 years ago. And there is greater sensitivity to public pressures than in the past even in non-democratic countries such a China.
2. The rise of the Internet makes it clear that if millions care about the same thing they can change the world.
Proof points: Half the donations for te Tsunami were via the internet.
More political contributions came from small donors via the Internet than major contributors.
3. The rise of the NGO both in United States (including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Warren Buffet-- and his own) and internationally where they are now prolific.
Other remarks in response to John Chambers questions:
"To protect your attitude, or spirit, developed a disciplined sense of gratitude. No matter what happens each day, if you wake up the next it is a gift. Life is a gift. It is a terrible thing to waste a day. Most of us are not nearly as bad or as good as we sometimes think we are.
Own your own past- without living in it. "
On healthcare - Clinton explained how diabetes and obesitiy, malpractice, pharmacutical patents, and intensive care during the last two months of life created one of the least affordable and least comprehensive health care systems in the world. He tied health care costs to the anti-competitiveness and a lack of real improvement in prosperity. He established that real incomes for most Americans have not risen since the 50s. In fact- the improvements in "quality of life" have come as a result of two wagers working outside of the home. He indicated the Family Leave Act of 1992 was among his most popular legislation and that he remains proud of it.
Regarding his current activities..
