Empathy in the US government

You may have heard that there's voting going on at Change.org, and the top 10 ideas will be presented to the Obama administration. And one that is in the running has to do with Empathy. The idea, as I understand it, is to create a Department of Peace, and within that there would be a branch specifically devoted to empathy.

The proposal was developed by NVC (Nonviolent Communication) certified trainers. If you're not familiar with NVC, check it out at www.cnvc.org -- it's an incredibly powerful communications tool.

You can vote at www.change.org. Click on "ideas" in the upper right corner, then find and vote for "Bridging the Empathy Gap." You just need to register, and citizens of countries other than the US can register as well. Let's put the idea in the top 10!

The afterglow of the US election

"He's my JFK," said Brian as he looked up from his laptop at the Obama office in Greeley. At the end of a 3-week volunteering stint, I was thanking Brian for taking time off from college to devote to the Obama campaign, more than a year in all. It had been inspiring and encouraging seeing so many college students working so whole-heartedly on the campaign.

Then the joy of 4 November -- the results rolling in, the clips of people in tears, my own tears hearing Obama's speech in Chicago.

And the congratulations from friends all around the world. Indeed, Obama is a leader not just for the US, but one whose influence will be far and wide.

Looking forward to a 20 Jan inauguration celebration in Edinburgh, and shring that most memorable day with friends from many countries.