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.