The other day, I received a link from a girl I know. Sanny’s a real dare devil type. I was first introduced to her years ago thru a mutual friend, a successful producer with a three-story house in the hills. She jumped off the second story balcony into the pool below. What nerve. I became an instant fan of hers.
Upon opening the link, I came to understand it’s a kind of contest. Top 5 most compelling videos go before the United Nations. A chance to speak to the world leaders. I watched her video and gave her my notes and moved on. She dared me to submit. How could I say no? Would you say no to a dare? I wouldn't.
I write something, then film it. I stray from Sanny’s strict, in your face these-are-the-facts, ma’am, delivery and go for something warmer. I talk about my Mother. And the values she imparted to us as children. I’m proud of what I came up with, and my mother is tickled upon viewing it. But she has some notes. And then..
And then.. her brother signs onto Instant Messaging at the same time she’s giving me her notes. My uncle, the retired command sargent major, who spent considerable time in Afghanistan. She suggests he might have a thing or two to say to the UN that he, for obvious reasons, cannot say himself. I recruit my mother to suggest it to him. She responds, “Check your email in the morning”.
**
My early morning took a turn. A water main broke in the restaurant that was to host a Women In Film event. Instead, I detour to my dear friends, Rebecca and Eric Liebman. Inside a scrumptious visit with their 2 year old twins over cream cheesy bagels, I share with Rebecca the aforementioned dare, along with said contributions from my mother and my James Bond uncle. Rebecca feels it lacks the personal touch I would bring (not having read my original speech). Her husband is a director, writer who will film it for me proper. I race home from the west side, to rewrite it.
What came of our efforts this evening remains to be seen, by you. I hope you like it (I hope I like it! Eric is on his way home now to edit out the dog barking uncontrollably during my best take of the day! Yay, Eric!) Below is a copy of the speak. No matter what happens with it, I want to thank Sanny for her daring. Eric for his skills and expertise. My mother, my uncle, and Rebecca for their guidance. And Joseph, for his patience. Always.
If I do get selected? We’re ALL having a pow wow. Because I'm going to be taking your notes with me. And THAT speech live? It will POP! Believe it!!
My Mother’s voice is the voice I listened to all of my life for guidance and wisdom. Her voice was always a kind and thoughtful voice. She was and is a hippie from the 60’s and as a young woman read a book called “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. It changed her whole life. At an early age, she painted a picture for us children of a world that doesn’t litter. A world that doesn’t fight any more. Because we finally grew to understand that there are more important things to do with our brilliant minds than waste them on conflict, greed and war mongering.
She taught her children the importance of protecting our planet and its limited resources by both words and deeds. Don’t waste, don’t pollute and always recycle. This was not limited to material things but included our minds and work ethic as well. Maintain self-respect. Always be truthful. Never compromise your integrity. Be polite. Love others despite disagreeing with them.
We live in a world where we are totally codependent on each other. What happens in one country could lead to the demise of all countries and the world as we know it. The decisions made in one country must consider their impact on all countries. We can no long allow isolationism and ignorance to exist that places our world at risk. Aggression and wars must be replaced by diplomacy and a universal united front. Arrogant and ruthless leaders that jeopardize world peace must be constrained by the unity of all other countries. All countries that show compassion and good will toward their own people and towards other countries should be recognized and encouraged.
Helen Keller said: As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision. Helen Keller overcame her own personal obstacles, born blind and deaf, to set a selfless example for all of us to follow. That it is never too late to open our eyes and open our hearts, to set new standards for generations to come. Countries that have fallen into poverty and backwardness must be helped to regain prosperity. In our complex world, countries will have differences and we must agree to be able to disagree. Our leaders should be encouraged to show compassion and to compromise responsibly, with the greatest good for all being the deciding factor. Only then can we feel confident we have leaders who can govern with sovereignty, compassion, dignity, and love.
Lead by example.
