The Global Philanthropy Forum presents A Conversation with Ted Turner
Mr. Turner discusses the Nuclear Threat Initiative, his Billion dollar pledge to the UN, philanthropy and politics in a candid morning sit-down with Jane Wales.
Bio
Ted Turner
Ted Turner has received recognition for his entrepreneurial acumen, sharp business skills, leadership qualities, and his unprecedented philanthropy. Turner is co-chairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a charitable organization working to reduce the global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; chairman of the Turner Foundation, Inc., which supports efforts for improving air and water quality, developing a sustainable energy future to protect the earth's climate, safeguarding environmental health, maintaining wildlife habitat protection, and developing practices and policies to curb population growth rates; chairman of the United Nations Foundation, which promotes a more peaceful, prosperous and just world.
What a visionary man. I had no idea. The thought that we can create a world in which future generations are living "in paradise on Earth" is beautiful.
I walked past some garbage bags on the sidewalk today. I used to pick up garbage. I thought it mattered. But then I lost any kind of hope that we aren't killing the planet. No one else seemed to give a sh** But Ted does!
I now feel guilty (again) about not picking up garbage and all of the other things you and I know about but haven't done - like caring about the fact of nuclear weapons. But we will.
Turner's view of Governments being monopolies, and his view of the US Government being hypocritical concerning nuclear power, is candid and I appreciate him for admitting it. I have to admit I was unaware of the majority of his philanthropy work, before watching the program.
Beyond all the bombast and charm, he is a great patroit and a far too rare business leader, willing to both speak truth without regard to PR flackery and to put his money where his mouth is. A great philanthropist and a great American.