Mary Robinson on Women Leaders

"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it." - Hillary Rodham Clinton, June 7, 2008.

While many lament the failure of Hillary Clinton to gain her party's nomination to become the first female American president, there have been many women around the world who have held their country's highest office. One member of that club, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, recently told AARP's Prime Time Radio that it's not as exclusive a club as many think:

Nelson Mandela and "The Elders"

Last week, former South African president Nelson Mandela announced the formation of a new organization to tackle the world's most difficult problems. Here is part of what he said:

"In today’s world, many of the problems we face are global in nature. These include climate change, pandemics such as AIDS, malaria and TB. And of course, that entirely human created affliction: violent conflict.

"The structures we have to deal with these problems are often tied down by political, economic or geographical constraints. As institutions of government grapple – often unequally – with challenges they face, the efforts of a small, dedicated group of leaders, working objectively and without any vested personal interest in the outcome, can help resolve what often seems like intractable problems.

"We have the makings of such a group...Let us call them Global Elders, not because of their age, but because of their individual and collective wisdom.

"This group derives its strength not from political, economic or military power, but from the independence and integrity of those who are here.

"They do not have careers to build, elections to win, constituencies to please. They can talk to anyone they please, and are free to follow paths they deem right, even if hugely unpopular.

"It is now several years since Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel came to me with their idea for The Elders. Since then I have watched the concept grow, gain structure and strength, and become a real, viable, and pragmatic initiative.

"I believe that, with their experience and their energies, and their profound commitment to building a better world, The Elders can become a fiercely independent and robust force for good, tackling complex and intractable issues, especially those that are not popular....

"The Elders can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken. They will reach out to those who most need their help. It is those who have the least and who therefore suffer the most. It is those who are rarely heard. This group of Elders can represent them and make sure they are not ignored.

"I am also certain that that they will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair....

"...I wish them well, and hope they succeed in bringing light to some of the darkness that afflicts our world, and new energy to areas where others have become weary because of the endless conflict."

Visit The Elders website for the complete speech, and much more information about this initiative.

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) Defends Himself on Senate Floor: "My Only Adversity is Age."

On June 28, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd responded to critics who have recently suggested that he may be too old for his job.

The 89-year-old Democrat is the longest serving senator in history. Commentators had recently pointed out that Byrd seems to be growing infirm, that his signature was shaky, and his attention often wandered.

Here's part of his reponse:

Mr. President, I feel compelled to address head on the news stories in recent weeks that have pointed out the shocking discovery that I am growing older. I find it no surprise, but then I have had some time to become accustomed to the increasing distance between the year of my birth and the current date. I may not like it, but as Maurice Chevalier put it, "Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative."

A recent Associated Press story ran in West Virginia's Charleston Daily Mail. The headline read, "Dramatic change in signature shows that age is catching up with Senator Byrd." The newspaper offered as proof the signatures on my Senate financial disclosure forms from last year and this year. It is true that this year's signature looks like I signed it in a moving car. Some days, the benign essential tremor that I have had for years now is worse than on other days – just as it is for the approximately 5 million other people in the United States who suffer from similar tremors. It is annoying, but hardly evidence that I am at death's door.

Nor should it come as a surprise that I use canes to help me get around, or that I am not always as fast as I once was. I am not aware of any requirement for physical dexterity in order to hold the office of U.S. Senator. The often grueling hours that work in the Senate requires are tough on far younger Senators, and I am no longer one of the younger Senators. But to worry in print that I have missed one vote this year? Really?! Out of more than 18,000 votes in my career, to miss one or two votes every now and then is surely excusable. Even old people can be allowed a sick day or two now and then, can't they?

That is really the crux of the matter here. In this internet-savvy, media-infused culture, we have forgotten that people get older. Even, dare I say it – old. Television is full of pretty, young people. The few white-haired heads that one sees on television are made up and glamorous. Off-camera, though, most bear little resemblance to their tv persona. In a culture of botox, wrinkle cream, and hair dye, we cannot imagine that becoming older is a good thing, an experience to look forward to and a state worthy of respect. If I were 50 years old, and used canes due to some injury, or had a disease-related tremor, the news stories would be about my carrying on despite my adversities. But my only adversity is age....

Abraham Lincoln once rightly observed that "…In the end, it's not the years of your life that count. It's the life in your years." My only adversity is age. It is not a bar to my usefulness as a Senator. I still look out for West Virginia. I still zealously guard the welfare of this nation and its Constitution. I still work, every day, to move the business of this nation forward, to end this reckless adventure in Iraq, and to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution against those who would reshape it to suit partisan agenda. And I will continue to do this work until this old body gives out. Just don't expect that to be anytime soon.

I believe that all ages and all occupations should be part of a truly representative body. I also believe that society works best when the energy and idealism of youth pairs with the experience and wisdom of age. America is the land of opportunity. I don't think our some 36 million citizens over the age of 65 are disqualified from participating in the life of the country we helped to build. Our country rejected those kinds of arbitrary barriers long ago -- and this Senator loudly and proudly rejects them now.

Read the complete speech here.