The World Has Changed
Alex Steffen, 23 Jan 09
Reading the president's inaugural address a few days later, these words stand out even more strongly:
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
Add perhaps a line acknowledging that becoming nations which are sustainable and fair to others is the surest route to our own freedom, safety and prosperity, and these words might as well be Worldchanging's mission statement.
It's certainly a profoundly different world than it was when we began this project back in 2003. That alone is cause for real hope.
This selection certainly resonates with Kennedy's inaugural; let us work to finally achieve these things.
Posted by: Francis on 26 Jan 09
Your work here...is done? Nah, more like: Your work here has begun anew.
Posted by: Pat on 28 Jan 09
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