On Tony Blaire in Oakland

Tony Blaire gave a speech at Paramount Theatre in Oakland yesterday, Tuesday October 23, 2007 on the topic of gloalization. Not that this note is a bad thing, but his "link" of globalization was a weak one, since his speech was more about the current state of affairs of our nation, his nation, and the evolution of global politics over the past few years. Regardless, the content of his speech was excellent and his humor, though largely with jokes unrelated to the topic at hand, well placed.

Here are some quotes (quoted as accurately as I can remember) that I would have to say "hear, hear" to:

"Globalization is a fact, but the values with which we approach it are not. We must approach this global phenomenon with not only democracy and freedom, but also justice, tolerance, and opportunity."

"Globalization is truth. We are becoming more interconnected with one another and our economies are going interdependent of one another as well. The absolute corollary to that is care for one another."

"A good leader is one who does what he believes is correct."

Props to Mr. Blaire, and props to his defense of himself with regards to his unpopular decision to support the US in the War on Terror and in Iraq. I respect his insight, I hope his Middle East Envoy position yields him more success, and I admire his ability to make decisions that he felt were correct despite being unpopular- for a politician who is unpopular for making choices he feels is right is better than a politicians paralyzed by fear, public opinion, and inaction.