The Blair...Project...

This week I was lucky enough to go and hear, in person, a speech by Tony Blair (for those of you completely out of it he's the former Prime Minister of England and N. Ireland). It was a fantastic speech. Given the media's reporting of his close relationship with G.W. I was wary at first. However, I am now, more than ever convinced that relationship was one strictly of necessity and a few common goals rather than similar thinking.

Anyway, his three major points centered around globalization, defense against terrorism, and the health of our Environment. He was fairly gentle and was great at softening his harder hitting points by adding some humor. However his overriding theme was that we need to develop a network of global relationships and alliances to better face the challenges of our future (the growing power in the far East, terrorism and environmental and engery crises). He said in no uncertain terms that coming together as citzizens of the world was the only way to conquer these looming challenges. I agree with him. I would imagine the majority of the audience did not. Or at minimum had no idea what he was talking about. Let me explain.

Tony Blair gives this terrific, sobering, inspiring speech about critical current events. The former Prime Minister is an expert/leader in politics and foreign relations/affairs: what would be the first question you would think someone would ask him after his speech? Well, I'll tell you! It was, "Who are your heroes?" I was dumbstruck. Are you serious? This earth shattering question was followed by, "Please tell us about why you converted to Roman Catholocism." And the next, even more stimulating audience contribution was someone personally thanking Mr. Blair for standing by the U.S. and President Bush and calling for a round of applause. I was embarrassed! I am fearful that Mr. Blair's perception of Southwest Michigan is now that we are a bunch of small minded childish imperialists who can't see beyond our own noses. Ok, maybe that's a little harsh. But, well I don't care.

Going green...

Ok...so this is the latest craze. I have to say I'm kinda annoyed about how it's going though. Our household has made lots of efforts to be more ecologically friendly and responsible (recycled paper towels, natural or organic laundry detergent, hand soap, toothpaste, personal care products and household cleaners, earthy friendly diapers and baby wipes, organic and natural foods, cloth reusable grocery bags, not using the plastic produce bags at the market, utilizing a recycling program). However, *warning I'm gonna be blunt* I don't think most people are intelligent enough to discern that lots of these supposedly "green" efforts by lots of huge companies are really just marketing. Not to mention how many people will be sucked into purchasing these wonderful "green" products but won't bother to recycle the plastic bottles they came in. (aka, the WALL of "green" Clorox products at the front door at Wal-Mart). Beleive you me, I am all for going "green" in a real genuine responsible way, not as a fad. But I guess the real question for me is... *here it comes - really blunt*: Why are most of us so willing to be so complacent and ignorant about our choices in life?

Now, I know this goes much deeper than your particular shade of "green." But really? What are we doing? I'm amazed at how upset people are about the prices of gas. Frankly I think it's wonderful (depsite the disruption to my spending money). What else is going to acutally make people take notice of the impending crisis our overuse and dependence on fossil fuel will create? Does it really not bother you to see yet another huge tract of land taken up by yet another strip mall where people can overextend their credit in yet another way? I guess what I'm getting at is where is our sense of stewardship in life? What do you think?