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Lunch with Laura Bush
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Roots of Peace is a “humanitarian organization” which prides itself on balancing the many political landmines which challenge our ability to ground our mission—getting the landmines out of the ground!
Yet, the date of December 4, 2006, marks the 9th anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines whereby 151 nations have signed this historic document where I was present in 1997 to personally witness this somber event featuring Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Jody Williams, who would later join our Roots of Peace Board of Directors with a vision to restore bountiful agriculture on former minefields.
Joining the heart of a mother years ago in Ottawa were distinguished California vintners, Eric Wente (Owner, Wente Wines), Tor Kenward (Senior Vice President, Beringer Wine Estates) and Robert Mondavi Winery/Canada. Respecting the plight of other farmers living in mine affected countries, we made this quest to Canada in the midst of a cold December day to celebrate the seeds we have in common rather than those which separate us. This was the beginning of a dream that would later be turned into reality—worldwide.
Months later, we turned this vision of MINES TO VINES into reality, as we gathered several hundred women to join us at The World Trade Club in San Francisco in April 1998 to go forth on the issue of landmines—this was a “call to action” for women worldwide to take the royal torch lit by the late Princess Diana and light the way forth on the landmine issue. My only credentials were the heart of a mother.
Among the distinguished guests were Mrs. Kofi (Nane) Annan and a relatively “new” San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Together, we lifted our glasses with a special toast and vision to replace seeds of terror with seeds of hope. Nearly 10 years later, who knew where this stars of our destinies would rise, as the Honorable Nancy Pelosi is destined to be the first woman Speaker of the House!
Thus, I was honored to return to Washington, D.C. on December 4, 2006, to at the invitation of the U.S. - Afghan Women’s Council to attend a special event featuring keynote speaker, First Lady Laura Bush.
President George W. Bush and President Hamid Karzai announced the creation of the Council in 2002, which is co-chaired by Under-Secretary of State, Paula Dobriansky. Quietly sitting in the audience, I realized that this was a most fitting day to feature the inroads made in Afghanistan, as it is considered the most highly contaminated country in the world consisting of an estimated 10 million landmines and UXO’s which prevent the cultivation of agriculture and the sowing of the seeds of democracy. Silently, I recognized the significance of this special day of December 4th, and images of the landmine survivors whom we met only weeks ago remained etched in the forefront of my mind.
The accomplishments of the U.S. - Afghan Women’s Council are vast, and the powerful speakers included First Lady Laura Bush, President John DiGioia of Georgetown University, Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the United States, and Under-Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky. The backdrop of the traditional Gaston Hall at the first Jesuit University in the United States added to the serious nature of this event, as key individuals pledged their continued commitment towards helping to rebuild Afghanistan on so many levels. This prestigious organization was established to ensure that Afghan women gain the skills and education necessary to participate in all sectors of society and to stimulate private and public assistance for such activities.
As the audience rose to greet The First Lady Laura Bush, she announced a new partnership between the U.S - Afghan Women’s Council and Georgetown University. Over the next two years, the Council and Georgetown will work to help empower Afghan women. The four key areas are: Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, and Political Participation and Training. Such tools will provide construction for a new Afghanistan. It was refreshing to hear the accomplishments amidst the perils, as during the past five years, the U.S. Government has contributed more than $10.3 billion to help Afghan reconstruction.
The First Lady stated, “In Afghanistan, courageous men and women are working every single day to build a stable and a democratic society for themselves. And, more than 7 million Afghans have access to health care. An additional 6 million Afghan children—including 2 million girls—now go to school.” As Shamim and I listened to those words from the front rows of the audience, we thought of the many Afghan children that we have truly helped through our Roots of Peace Penny Campaign!
The closing words by Shamim’s husband, Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, resonated in our hearts as he clearly stated, “Like a precious Afghan Embroidery, many hands and different colored threads are working together to restore the fabric of our society.”
As these words echoed through the chambers of Gaston Hall, we recognized that we had a Holiday dream from the heart of our nations’ capitol in Washington, D.C. For it every child in the world were able to gather their smallest denomination of “pennies for peace,” “rubles for peace,” “pesos for peace,” “yens for peace” and any lucky coins found along the road, then we would be able to pave the way for peace during this traditional season of “Peace on Earth.” During these challenging times, it is going to take a miracle. Yet, what better emissaries for peace than children to lead the way for a peaceful tomorrow…
Yet, the date of December 4, 2006, marks the 9th anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines whereby 151 nations have signed this historic document where I was present in 1997 to personally witness this somber event featuring Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Jody Williams, who would later join our Roots of Peace Board of Directors with a vision to restore bountiful agriculture on former minefields.
Joining the heart of a mother years ago in Ottawa were distinguished California vintners, Eric Wente (Owner, Wente Wines), Tor Kenward (Senior Vice President, Beringer Wine Estates) and Robert Mondavi Winery/Canada. Respecting the plight of other farmers living in mine affected countries, we made this quest to Canada in the midst of a cold December day to celebrate the seeds we have in common rather than those which separate us. This was the beginning of a dream that would later be turned into reality—worldwide.
Months later, we turned this vision of MINES TO VINES into reality, as we gathered several hundred women to join us at The World Trade Club in San Francisco in April 1998 to go forth on the issue of landmines—this was a “call to action” for women worldwide to take the royal torch lit by the late Princess Diana and light the way forth on the landmine issue. My only credentials were the heart of a mother.
Among the distinguished guests were Mrs. Kofi (Nane) Annan and a relatively “new” San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Together, we lifted our glasses with a special toast and vision to replace seeds of terror with seeds of hope. Nearly 10 years later, who knew where this stars of our destinies would rise, as the Honorable Nancy Pelosi is destined to be the first woman Speaker of the House!
Thus, I was honored to return to Washington, D.C. on December 4, 2006, to at the invitation of the U.S. - Afghan Women’s Council to attend a special event featuring keynote speaker, First Lady Laura Bush.
President George W. Bush and President Hamid Karzai announced the creation of the Council in 2002, which is co-chaired by Under-Secretary of State, Paula Dobriansky. Quietly sitting in the audience, I realized that this was a most fitting day to feature the inroads made in Afghanistan, as it is considered the most highly contaminated country in the world consisting of an estimated 10 million landmines and UXO’s which prevent the cultivation of agriculture and the sowing of the seeds of democracy. Silently, I recognized the significance of this special day of December 4th, and images of the landmine survivors whom we met only weeks ago remained etched in the forefront of my mind.
The accomplishments of the U.S. - Afghan Women’s Council are vast, and the powerful speakers included First Lady Laura Bush, President John DiGioia of Georgetown University, Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the United States, and Under-Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky. The backdrop of the traditional Gaston Hall at the first Jesuit University in the United States added to the serious nature of this event, as key individuals pledged their continued commitment towards helping to rebuild Afghanistan on so many levels. This prestigious organization was established to ensure that Afghan women gain the skills and education necessary to participate in all sectors of society and to stimulate private and public assistance for such activities.
As the audience rose to greet The First Lady Laura Bush, she announced a new partnership between the U.S - Afghan Women’s Council and Georgetown University. Over the next two years, the Council and Georgetown will work to help empower Afghan women. The four key areas are: Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, and Political Participation and Training. Such tools will provide construction for a new Afghanistan. It was refreshing to hear the accomplishments amidst the perils, as during the past five years, the U.S. Government has contributed more than $10.3 billion to help Afghan reconstruction.
The First Lady stated, “In Afghanistan, courageous men and women are working every single day to build a stable and a democratic society for themselves. And, more than 7 million Afghans have access to health care. An additional 6 million Afghan children—including 2 million girls—now go to school.” As Shamim and I listened to those words from the front rows of the audience, we thought of the many Afghan children that we have truly helped through our Roots of Peace Penny Campaign!
The closing words by Shamim’s husband, Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, resonated in our hearts as he clearly stated, “Like a precious Afghan Embroidery, many hands and different colored threads are working together to restore the fabric of our society.”
As these words echoed through the chambers of Gaston Hall, we recognized that we had a Holiday dream from the heart of our nations’ capitol in Washington, D.C. For it every child in the world were able to gather their smallest denomination of “pennies for peace,” “rubles for peace,” “pesos for peace,” “yens for peace” and any lucky coins found along the road, then we would be able to pave the way for peace during this traditional season of “Peace on Earth.” During these challenging times, it is going to take a miracle. Yet, what better emissaries for peace than children to lead the way for a peaceful tomorrow…
