Posted on 07/29/2006 11:08:41 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Prime Minister Tony Blair's first visit to California has a bit of everything: serious environmental discussions, business meetings, a foreign affairs speech -- and a star-powered, incredibly eclectic gathering of world thinkers, leaders and luminaries in posh Pebble Beach.
The tony, private event, a five-day management retreat for 250 executives of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., is set to bring together a VIP guest list for the ages to chat about issues like volunteerism, technology and politics. Among them: Blair, Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres, former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane, former Harvard University President Lawrence Summers and even U2 lead singer and international do-gooder Bono.
Introducing Blair to the crowd on Sunday evening will be California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Republican governor will be celebrating his birthday and is expected to be on hand with California first lady Maria Shriver at the event sponsored by Murdoch, a generous donor to the GOP whose mega-corporation owns Fox News, 20th Century Fox, DirecTV and more than 175 newspapers worldwide -- including the New York Post -- with a total circulation of 40 million.
Sources say the governor -- engaged in a re-election campaign -- won't pass up a chance to talk up California in his moment on stage, but he's also just happy to be in the mix.
"There's no question that Gov. Schwarzenegger is a leader on a variety of issues, obviously with regard to global warming and the environment, and he's recognized as one of the country's most innovative thinkers on a lot of topics,'' said Adam Mendelsohn, communications director for the governor. "He's excited about the opportunity to have all these dignitaries gathered in one spot in his state and be able to participate.''
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
-- "Islam and the West," with Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres.
-- "The Power of One," by U2 lead singer Bono.
-- "Meet the MySpace Generation," a "live focus group" exploring attitudes of today's youth.
-- America's political divide, by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
-- Nontraditional business approaches, by Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane.
So its a Hillary for President fundraiser??
World Affairs Council
www.world-affairs.org
http://www.world-affairs.org/aboutus_diversity.html
Diversity Principles
There are three major elements of diversity as the concept applies to the World Affairs Council. They are people, ideas, and place.
Diversity of People
Diversity reaches far beyond issues of race and ethnicity. In structuring programming and organizational culture, the following merit consideration: ethnicity, culture, race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, educational level, educational background, political orientation, way of thinking, and professional skill set. We acknowledge that within each category there are broad permutations and hope to ultimately attract a staff and board reflective of the Seattle community and the public we wish to serve.
Diversity of Ideas
As a non-partisan organization, we are dedicated to fair and balanced programming. In order to ensure this quality, we need a staff and board reflective of the diversity of ideas in our community, as well as the broader U.S.
Diversity of Place
In order to provide diverse programming, the Council must feature a variety of venues, speakers, and community partners.
"...Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres, former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane, former Harvard University President Lawrence Summers and even U2 lead singer and international do-gooder Bono."
Losers, liberals, liars, lowlifes and laggards.
London could significantly reduce greenhouse gases just by getting Livingstone to shut up.
We can count on Newt to work to further endear himself to the left.
"London could significantly reduce greenhouse gases just by getting Livingstone to shut up."
LOL!
Dang! These people won't quit with the little-Kyoto mandates!
A city-to-city agreement on greenhouse gases?
clap-trap? Is that what this is to you?
FR is a diverse forum, yaknow. ;-)
Got your mail.. Thanks!
Asking the cast of prima donnas that will attend this gathering to actually address the most important issue facing civilization as a whole and take a firm stand against them would be a nice gesture.
Sad to say, I wouldn't hold my breath tho waiting for such a proclamation to be forthcoming. ;-)
"We can count on Newt to work to further endear himself to the left."
People like Reagan and Gingrich made a big impact. They did so because they engaged their political opponents.
Given the options of ignoring, or "endearing" to one's political opponents, endearing probably works better.
Look at how *brown* his nose is. He'll go anywhere for the votes, as all politician-whores do.
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