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GLOBAL
ENERGY NETWORK INSTITUTE
a
solution to global problems
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28 June
2000
Sharing
the Wealth
Dear GENI
Friend,
Using leverage
is necessary to move mountains — because trying
to do it by yourself would be impossible. A major
effort of GENI is to influence those people with money
and influence.
Last month,
the Silicon Valley Community Foundation hosted a conference
entitled Sharing
the Wealth , attended by 400 CEOs
and founders of high-tech companies. One discussion
featured Ted Turner* (CNN
Founder) and John Chambers (CEO of Cisco Systems)
talking about their approaches to philanthropy. (An
edited transcription of an National
Public Radio interview):
Ted
Turner:We talk about the
digital divide. We talk about it all the time
at Time-Warner too. We want to get computers in
everyone's hands. But half the people in the world
don't have electricity. Over a billion don't have
access to clean drinking water. Forget the digital
divide, they need food, water, clothing, shelter
and a chance for an education
The moderator
stated that most often a donor will give to their
alma mater, church, museum or symphony. . . or give
away product (like computers) — for example Apple
and Microsoft.
Ted
Turner: I think it's a
little self-serving. It's not the same thing as
giving to something that doesn't further your
own business at the same time. But it's better
to give computers than nothing.
John
Chambers: I think the point
is you've got to do both. It shouldn't be one
vs. the other. Just to survive you've got the
have shelter and food.
Ted
Turner: And electricity.
You can't run your computer without it.
Whether
you like his style, Ted Turner certainly tells it
like he sees it (as does Mr. Oliphant, the cartoonist.)
We seem to be closer to a critical mass awareness
every day. Maybe you could send a thank you note to
Mr.
Turner (c/o CNN, P O Box 105366, Atlanta, GA 30348)
asking him to get even more involved through the GENI
Initiative? After all, more electricity will also
expand CNN's reach around the world. (You can't watch
TV without electricity!)
In partnership
for the planet,
Peter Meisen
President
* As you
may recall, Ted Turner committed $1 billion dollars
to the United Nations over the next ten years —
the largest financial gift ever made by anyone.
Keywords
: Sharing the Wealth ,.sustainable development, global
energy network institute, international electricity
transmission, grid, power, environmental educational
programs, peace, zero population growth, stabilization,
life expectancy, infant mortality.
GENI
is a U.S. Tax Exempt 501(c)(3) Corporation committed
to improving the quality of life for everyone without
damage to the planet.
GENI Affiliates in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New
Zealand, Singapore and United States.
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