Q Notes: change through participation
This column was originally published in July 2008 in Billboard magazine.
I recently announced that I have no intention of canceling my plans to participate in the 2008 summer Olympic Games in Beijing as a culture and art consultant. I care too much about Darfur and China–especially in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Southwest China–to pull out. If I can stay in the games with others like us, I feel we can make a difference. I don’t pretend to be a politician. I’m just a musician who cares.
I recently met with Chinese Ambassador Liu Guijin to discuss the ongoing crisis in Darfur and China’s role in the region. It was the second time that I met with a Chinese official to discuss the situation in recent months. I was encouraged by his promise to personally discuss my concerns for the people of Darfur with his superiors in Beijing, as well as my deep sympathies for the victims of the devastating earthquake in China’s Sichaun Province. I remain hopeful that the government of China will take a lead role in helping to bring an end to the carnage taking place in Darfur as soon as possible.
I feel that the whole world has got to start taking responsibility for each other. With today’s lightning-fast global communication, we can no longer afford the luxury of thinking about only national kinds of issues. Everything that’s done anywhere is a world issue, and together there are lots of things we can do that nobody can do alone. Not one country is perfect enough to throw stones at anybody. Not one, especially not us.
These are huge issues that shouldn’t be taken lightly. They’re something that I’ve given considerable thought to and have researched thoroughly. As musicians and entertainment executives, you may find yourself in a situation in which you can affect change by either choosing to participate or boycott an event. Taking a stand is never a bad thing if it’s something you truly believe in. All I ask is that you take the time and do your homework. As the great Canadian physician William Osler once said, “We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it.”
Mr Jones ~
Please update us on your ambitions of getting named as an Art & Cultural Ambassador for the U.S.
What a fantastic idea for someone of your caliber to want to aspire to open doors for our artists.
I can only imagine the empty spot you now hold with Michael Jackson’s light now dark. My condolences.
Thank you for all you bring to us,
I enjoy your book! – Did you journal all these years to recall so well?:)
Be well and do good things,
Sue
aPPEARING IN vIRGINIA bEACH/hAMPTON rOADS
APPEARING IN VIRGINIA BEACHOR HAMPTON ROADS VIRINIA ANY TIME SOON//// you are a fantastic musician..I GUESS I WILL WAITING A VERY LONG TIME…