ANOTHER TRAGIC LOSS

I have spent hours processing the recent air crash in D.C. and here are some reflections, 30 hours later. Like many of us, one of the images that popped up was the Air Florida crash in the Potomac 43 years ago with a loss of 74 souls. It’s hard to make sense for those whose lives have been suddenly altered by such a disaster and the incredible loss of loved ones.

One of the pieces of information of the tragic news included the loss of 14 elite Russian and American figure skaters and two outstanding Russian coaches. World class athletes sharing a training camp without regard for the separation of their respective countries. Connections and relationships transcending boundaries and differences. The same is true in other sports and the Olympics. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy will have about 3,000 athletes from 93 countries.

We seem to be able to rise above our differences to focus on what we have in common and work together for the benefit of everyone. There’s the lesson for world leaders. We do this with athletes, astronauts, scientists, universities, researchers, farmers, humanitarians and students. We could collaborate and cooperate for the a better outcome if leaders had a shared vision of what could be done on a large scale for a better world - safer, healthier and more peaceful. I have high regard for the mission of the MacArthur Foundation: “We are committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. Our mission statement puts justice first, as do we. We are guided by our values and live our mission through the Just Imperative, which charges us to lead with a commitment to justice.” Why not?

If past behaviors predict future actions, the chances for change are not great. I continue to think that there may be a few out there who are bold and brave enough to take the first steps and offer up a world-class plan that invites others to a different kind of summit. How about a side-bar to the next G-20 Summit that considers the original meaning of the word economy? It is derived from the ancient Greek word oikonomos and in fact, it is a compound word: oikos means "house" and nomos or nemo means "distribute." In short, the word once meant "household management."

Our “households” of citizens deserve to live in the best environments possible and those in positions of leadership capable of effecting positive change could leave a legacy worth remembering.

“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.”

― John Lennon