Clare Bronfman

The evolution of Man has been truly extraordinary.  Our natural curiosity and ability to project has through the ages, driven us to create, discover and develop the technologically advanced world we live in today.

From the creation of the wheel, to the horse drawn carriage, to the Automobile, the Locomotive, the airplane and eventually the space shuttle - each century of Man’s survival has brought with it a series of new inventions sprung from our desire to push the boundaries of what is possible.

This week we celebrate the anniversary of man’s first steps on the Moon. 40 years ago Neil Armstrong uttered those famous words “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind..” Sixty-six years after the invention of early forms of airborne human transport, we were walking on the moon!

Now, less than half a century later, the space shuttle Endeavor has docked with the International Space Station marking the first time that 13 people have been floating around in space at the same time.  It is an incredible age we live in, and a huge tribute to mankind that we have made the technological progress that we have.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.

- Albert Einstein

One of the most miraculous things in nature is the ability for a plant to blossom. As the plant is nourished and cared for, it develops into a radiant flower: As it opens its’ awesome beauty is revealed.

It is apropos to celebrate Nancy Salzman’s Birthday as the “Festival of Flowers”. She is an exceptional gardener. Nancy has touched the lives of so many of us, and helped us to blossom.

The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.

- John Ruskin

Countless times she has helped me to be able to uphold myself; to be the kind of person I want to be, and I am one of many!!

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

- Albert Einstein

And there comes the most profound recognition, which is the principle of interdependence: Each of our victories and achievements, no matter how small, raises every person up. This essential fact, the profound essential relationship between all of us brings with it a pure joy, honor and respect for the oneness of humankind, our team.

- Keith Raniere

My mother has always referred to my sister and I as “half and half” – you will have to imagine the British and American accents!! Born in NYC, and raised in the UK. Most of my life I considered myself English – today I feel more American. In some ways I feel very proud of this country – if I look to the foundation upon which this country was built; starting with the Declaration of Independence, I am left in awe of the principles upon which the United States of America was founded! However in the same breath I reflect upon where we stand today as a nation – sadly, far from the intention of said Declaration.

“All men are created equal” is one of the most profound statements in the declaration. To truly honor this statement would be to put our prejudices aside and honor our brothers and sister regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, wealth, and age, and to recognize we are all on the same team: The human team.

Every time I have moved to, or even visited a different country I have initially felt afraid. I initially found all of the many ways in which I was dissimilar to the new people around me. If we are to transform this one declaration we must all search for and embrace the similarities we share with all humans.

This past weekend I was in Sun Valley, Idaho with my 6 siblings (with an additional 4 in-laws), 23 Nieces and Nephews (with an additional 2 in-laws), 1 great niece and 1 great nephew along with many extended family members and friends to celebrate my fathers’ 80th Birthday. Over 70 people traveled from afar to join in the celebration. This was a rare occasion!!

We came together to pay tribute to my father, who has affected all of our lives greatly - directly or in-directly. Through my relationship with him I have built the desire to strive for excellence, to find within myself the strength to uphold the things I believe to be important and to endeavor to use the wealth and power entrusted to me for the good of humanity.

The things I enjoyed the most were re-connecting with family members, experiencing some of my nieces and nephews for the first time now they are old enough to interact, and hearing the various stories from each generation enabling me to get a better sense of our family. I walk away from the weekend forever transformed.

“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future”

- Alex Haley

China is the largest country in East Asia and the most populous in the world, with 1.3 billion people,  it equates to approximately one fifth of the world’s population. China’s importance in the world today is reflected through its role as the world’s third largest economy and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In addition, it is a nuclear state and has the world’s largest standing army with the second largest defense budget. It is a socialist republic ruled by the Communist Party of China under a single-party system, China is commonly thought of as one of the “super powers” of the world, and for this reason its seems, often left unchallenged.

The ideals of the Chinese communist party claim the “fundamental rights” of citizens include freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, universal suffrage, and property rights. But events such The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 which culminated in the Tiananmen Square massacre tell a very different story.

A series of demonstrations in and around Tiananmen Square, Beijing, led mainly by students and intellectuals, later joined by workers and civilians were one of the only attempts ever made by the Chinese people to exercise their “freedom of speech”. The movement lasted 7 weeks, there were estimated to be 1,000,000 people camping in Tiananmen Square (which ironically translates as Gate of Heavenly Peace) calling for political reform. As the numbers grew, so did the fear of revolution.

Late in the evening of June the 3rd 1989 the Chinese government ordered armed soldiers into the square, opening fire on the thousands of peaceful protestors and innocent civilians. Survivors have described how many people stood in the line of fire, frozen in disbelief - these people had been brought up to believe that the government “loved the people” - this violent attack was in such contrast to their beliefs that it was almost impossible to take in the reality of the situation.  The true number of casualties that night will never be known, although the massacre caused widespread outcry and revulsion. The government quickly took all possible measures to cover up the event and people were forced back into line through threats, beatings and imprisonment.

The protestors of Tiananmen Square were unsuccessful in gaining political reform but they did shed light on the true intent of a power hungry inhumane system. Twenty years on, the government still denies knowledge of the thousands killed that night and anyone who tries to mourn the deaths of the protestors or pay tribute to their noble cause, is immediately either imprisoned or put under 24 surveillance.

The tragic events of Tiananmen Square prove the Chinese government’s claim regarding their people’s “fundamental rights” was mere propaganda. The many individuals who were killed and injured are a testament to the people’s struggle to attain these rights.  Twenty years on, China is still ruled by a communist regime, the question is; what are the rights of the people? Do their “fundamental rights” exist?

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.

- Mahatma Gandhi

The Summer Olympics 2008 played host to an amazing display of human excellence - a new 100 metre world record. Usain Bolt’s seemingly effortless performance was like poetry in motion, giving us a glimpse of what the human body can achieve.

“You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.”

- Clarence Darrow

In 1493 Christopher Columbus returned to Spain with tales of a discovery of the “New World”. This “New World” was the discovery of what is now known as America, a land that had been long inhabited by a civilization of self sufficient and spiritually evolved human beings. This discovery marked the inception of a new era for this civilization – the need to fight for their heritage and right to live freely in a country that was their home.

The catastrophic clash between the “Native American’s” and European American societies maybe one of the most well hidden, under publicised atrocities of the world today.

When the colonies revolted against the United Kingdom and established the United States of America - the idea of “Manifest Destiny” became an integral part of the American nationalist movement. Manifest Destiny (1845) was a term coined to explain/justify the American expansion and invasion into Native American territory. The American government took it upon themselves to capture the children of the natives and sent them to boarding schools where they were forbidden to speak their native language, denied the right to practise their religions and forced to abandon their Native American Identities. This process was deemed “naturalisation” and mandatory for Native Americans to become citizens of the “New” America - a country they had inhabited for centuries.

The Native American people of today’s world are still struggling to keep their traditions alive. Over time their land has continued to be captured and their way of life controlled and suppressed by the American Government.

We had the privilege of meeting and learning from Russell and Pearl Means and Phyllis Young during our inaugural WEFC event. They shared a unique perspective on life and a culture so few of us have ever heard of. The Native American way of life promotes compassion and respect for all life. They believe in a Matriarch system – a system provides for a strong, compassionate, peaceful and harmonious foundation. It is a tremendous tragedy we have oppressed a civilization we could learn and benefit greatly from. How different could our world be if we were able to let go of our fears and live peacefully amongst one another recognising our differences are blessings as each individual, race, culture, religion and country brings something unique, and potentially beneficial to all of humanity.

Photography by Michael Eldredge

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit has come and gone, and I believe left a distinct impression on those of us directly involved in his visit, those who came to, or saw, his public talk, our entire community and I believe the world. For me he leaves an impression of nobility. His leadership is exemplary; his firm commitment to uphold the values he deeply expresses despite adversity is such an inspiration to me. His ability to balance being firm, direct, compassionate, humorous and humble is remarkable – something I hope to learn from and grow with in myself.

Due to the on going struggle several of my closest friends and I have here in Albany - how we have been portrayed in the media – his visiting and message was particularly moving. His coming brought about a certain contradiction: what is written about NXIVM, Keith, Sara and myself in the press – being labeled as a cult – and a world leader showing his support for us after thorough investigation.

How do you resolve such a contradiction?