Top Hat Entertainment: June 2016

Monday, June 27, 2016

Jimmy Carter: We are at a turning point—we need leadership, not fear

During a human rights forum at The Carter Center in Atlanta last week, Nobel Peace Laureate and former U.S. president Jimmy Carter delivered one of the most remarkable speeches in his political career to a group of over 60 global activists. The 39th U.S. President stated the world is at “a turning point in history” and we must chose between peace and human suffering.

"What is needed now, more than ever, is leadership that steers us away from fear and fosters greater confidence in the inherent goodness and ingenuity of humanity,"

During his speech, the world peacemaker not only brought attention to global violence, but also to the great violence against girls and women of which he wrote an entire book in 2014 called, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power. He also wrote a powerful op-ed on the subject called, “Losing My Religions For Equality.” In both the book and opinion piece, Jimmy Carter blamed much of the current violence and violence against women on religious hypocrisy. During his June 21 speech, he added:

"We must also realize that women are key agents of the changes we need. Women are excluded from leadership in religion, in family and community decision-making, and in legislatures and other political offices. When half of the world’s population is not consulted on important decisions and policies, it is no wonder that so many problems persist."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/06/27/1542801/-Jimmy-Carter-s-powerful-global-speech-We-are-at-a-turning-point-we-need-leadership-not-fear?detail=facebook