It would be marvelous if there was a person that could rally the world together for a meaningful cause. In l985 the song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Steve Perry, Cyndi Lauper were standouts among the 45 very famous vocalists who sang. The words are simple but inspirational. “There comes a time-when we heed a certain call-when the world must come together as one……pretending day by day-that someone will make a change…..we are the world-we are the children- we are the ones who make a brighter day…..” I fear losing Dolly Parton was a major blow to this daydream. The song raised $80 million for aid and certainly made a difference. Dolly gave ten of millions of dollars to educate children, provide books, support medical research, and people in need; many of them in her home county in Tennessee. Through the Dollywood foundation they distributed over 270 million books across all borders. She was such an inspiration that the Bezos Foundation asked her to manage the distribution of $100 million dollar grant. A major newspaper commented that the one thing we could all agree on—Dolly Parton is the GOAT.
There are many people making a positive difference today. If you follow Golf, the Payne Steward Award went to Notah Begay. Notah is a Native American, Navajo, who grew up in New Mexico. He found a passion for golf with the support of his family and a mentor at the golf course. Notah became a Junior National Champion at 14 and was the first person in his family to make it to college. A scholarship to Stanford expanded his horizons, playing with a famous team mate named Woods. Notah won four times early in his PGA career and set an example for other Navajo children who aspired to change their world. Notah’s life changed when he was arrested for DUI and spent a few nights in an Orange Jumpsuit in jail. He overcame that challenge and health issues that limited his golf success. Some people would sink into depression and further alcohol abuse. Instead, he turned to the Golf world and earned his place as a sought after Announcer and Analyst. Notah was recognized for the work of the NB3 Foundation he started 21 years ago. The mission is rooted in health, wellness, leadership and opportunity for Native American children and as a way for others to understand the Native American community. Notah is a wonderful role model and his humble acceptance speech reinforced his recognition.
Perhaps we can rally around the people of Nepal and China who experienced an unbelievable flash flood. Horrific footage tells the tale of a catastrophic wall of water likely caused by a melting glacier calving a huge ice block that started the chain reaction. People running for their lives as the water, boulders, ice and debris hurtle toward their towns, bridges and infrastructure. The tragedy of the loss of human life is still uncertain but likely in the thousands. Experts have warned that the warming temperatures in the region could well trigger other events. Not to be hyperbolic but our earth is under our relentless attack. Raging fires, historically powerful storms, drought, warming seas…are expensive in physical damage done, loss of life and threaten our abundant food supply. I can only hope that one day our current Regime stops thinking only about themselves and today and realizes Mars is not a good option for colonization.
Lake Ontario got its name for an indigenous Iroquoian word translated as “Great Lake” or “lake of shining waters.” You have to think this would be a great segment for Sesame Street, how do you react when you are mad at someone or a whole country? Tantrum time—Make up a hurtful name or take a ridiculous action to get even. The Wanker is renaming the Lake—surprising it is not Lake Trump or Lake Harp. At any rate, the Orange Felon aims to distract from his failing War, cratering poll numbers, humiliating posts, bumbling cabinet members, forever Epstein leaks, cowardly exit in a catering bin, Melania’s anger…..the beat goes on.
I was greeted by this toad the other morning. I had heard him in our pond but never actually seen the big guy. I am not sure I want to kiss him but would if he could impeach #47.
We the people can alter the course of our Country, get to know those running in your elections and get out the vote.
Mike
We are the world
