The name of our organization, "Citizens for Global Solutions" has two concepts built into it: "Citizens" and "Global Solutions." We put a lot of energy into thinking about global solutions. But today I want you to spend some time thinking about the first term, 'Citizens'. We are gathered here today as citizens of states from across the nation: from California to Maine. And we are here as proud citizens of the United States of America.

I just participated in 2 back-to-back Obama transition team meetings with Eric Schwartz. Eric is in charge of the US/UN transition team and also handles multilateral issues for the National Security Policy team, which is why the transition asked him to meet with us.

Correct me, please, if I'm wrong, but given the state of global disruption, shouldn't the American people, especially the presidential candidates, do everything they can to promote a sustainable environment? The Democratic National Convention Host Committee has done just that - they have proposed guidelines to encourage organic food and products to be distributed at the Convention in August 2008. Apparently, these conditions do not appeal to Washington Post contributor, David Montgomery.

Last night, on the way home from dinner with friends, I bumped into another friend and colleague I had not seen in some time. This individual, who first came to the U.S. as a political refugee from Kenya, began to tell me about the violence in his homeland and the risks to peace. On an individual note he let me know that his brother in law had been killed in the violence and that his parent's farm was burnt by a mob. On a big picture level he stated real concern about the push by Kenya PM Mr. Odinga to secure amnesty for his supporters.