Global Glasnost is Taking Root

Marin Independent Journal: Opinion

May 19, 2005

This season celebrates the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, as global citizens are reminded of the “roots” of peace that were established beneath the towering redwood trees of Muir Woods

Following the atrocities of World War II, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt called upon global leaders to gather under what he dubbed the “temples of peace” to seek a spiritual wisdom and understanding of the ages.

The original delegates of the United Nations responded to this call to an outdoor cathedral, and convened in awe amidst the stately beauty of this serene redwood grove on May 19, 1945.  These historic roots that were planted on our own soil have been nurtured and cultivated by many Marin County residents who have dedicated their lives toward embodying the mission statement invoked beneath the redwood trees –“may we turn our swords into plowshares so that nations shall live in peace.”

Here are a few local legends:

June begins with the celebration of U.N. World Environment Day 2005, and global citizens will gather in San Francisco as the host city to celebrate the seeds we have in common rather than those that separate us.  The theme will focus on “Green Cities” and a sustainable future, as demographics shift from rural to urban dwellers.  Nearly 2.8 billion people – or every other person on Earth – live in a city.  In just 25 years, nearly 5 billion will live in megacities.  San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, a graduate of Redwood High School, will invite international mayors to convene again beneath these towering trees to inspire wisdom in solving challenging issues for environmental sustainability what will define the 21st century

Other Marin County residents have planted the roots of peace.  Artist George Sumner had a brief brush with Mikhail Gorbachev 1990 while presenting his artwork depicting two dolphins converging over the world.  This artwork inspired a response from the former president of the Soviet Union: “The message to the world is about global sincerity and environmental protection.”  Such paintbrush diplomacy inspires ordinary citizens in such a way that they can make a difference in their everyday lives.

Local journalists have cultivated international roots by courageously reporting form distant lands to facilitate peace and understanding.

Beth Ashley, a Marin IJ reporter, joined me as a CNN reporter on the shores of Vladivostok as we covered the first free election in 70 years when Boris Yeltsin was elected president of Russia.  The core of democratic reforms of Gorbachev resulted in the branches of political freedom and human welfare undreamed of by generations of people.  Beth’s global travels continued to inspire us to live beyond our borders.

The Rotary Club of San Rafael generously raised $42,000 to remove landmines in the city of Karlovac – the former line of confrontation between Serbs and Croats.  This leadership effort to blend borders for peace was matched by the U.S. State Department so that the vision of turning “swords into plowshares” may be realized.

Finally, intrepid reporters such as local ABC News anchor Cheryl Jennings, have risked life and limb to Kosovo to report on the perils of landmines as an environmental concerns.

Now, a co-founder of the Roots of Peace penny campaign, Jennings had inspired thousands of Marin County children to collect 10 million pennies for peace to establish schools and soccer fields on former minefields for Afghan children.

Through the lens of her camera, she has shed light on positive news stories reflecting the sincerity of American citizens.

With the backdrop of recent news, this is an important mission.

We are grateful to the roots of peace that emanate from Marin County, as we strive to bring a sense of global glasnost (political freedom) to the world!