WORDS, ACTIONS AND SONGS

THAT MOST BENIFIT PEOPLE AND PLANET

In our time today for silent prayer, I keptthinking ot songs of inspiration

and mentally singing them.We had justread the Mathew 7, the third and

last chapter of the Sermon o­n theMount.The Sermon o­n the Mount is the Magna

Charta of our ChristianFaith and has inspired great actions for peaceful

progress o­n Planet Earth.

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE

"Sing them over again to me,

Wonderful wordsof life.

Let me more of their beauty see

Wonderful words ofLife.

"Words of life and beauty,

Teach me faith and duty.

Beautifulwords, wonderful words

Wonderful words of life

Beautiful words, wonderfulwords

Wonderful words of life.

"Christ, the Blessed o­ne gives toall

Wonderful Words of Life.

Sinner, heed to the Gospel Call

WonderfulWords of Life.

All so freely given, wooing us to Heaven.

Beautiful Words,Wonderful Words

Wonderful Words oflife..."

SECRIT HOUR WITH JESUS

"Oh, that happy secrit hour I spend withJesus

What communion there have I with Christ alone.

How my heartis caused to burn,

By the lessons that I learn

In that happy secret hourbefore the throne..."

This is two of several that I mentally sang.If radio, TV and other media

featured the words, actions and songs that haveinspired and resulted in

peaceful progress, the world would have a global turntoward peace.

John McConnell_www.earthsite.org_ (http://www.earthsite.org/)

303/758-7687

Denver,Colorado9/11/06

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THE HUMAN ADVENTURE

Past, Present,Future

By John McConnell

Barbara Muller asked me "If you wanted to tell the world three things, what

would theybe?"

1.Please look at human history and the sad record of hate,violence and

war.

2.Look at the present state of the world.People who ignore history

repeat its mistakes.Our addiction to war hasresulted in billions for bombs and

pennies for peace.Our indiferenceabout the obvious need to replace energy

from oil with solar enerby has resultedin Global Warming.

3.To avoid total catastrophe andthe end of the human adventure, we must

have a Global Earth Trustee Peace Blitzthat will devote more money and man

power to saving Planet Earth than we devotedto waging World War 2,

Tap the power of your faith, do whatyou can, and expect a miracle.

--------------------------------------------------------------

CHALLENGE

Earth Trustee World View

A CHALLENGE TOWORLD LEADERS ...

BEGINNING WITH BILL GATES, CHARLIE ROSE, AND PRESIDENT BUSH

By the founder of Earth Day, John McConnell

Youbelieve your words and actions are good for America and the world, but

you failto see what is most important.

You fail to look at the basic causes ofour problems.It is obvious that we

need to look for a new agenda thatwill recognize the successes and failures

of the past and structure the futureon a sound basis of rights and

responsibilities in the humanadventure.

We now have a window of opportunity.Ignorance andshortsighted choices in

the past have endantered our planet and itspeople.But we now have the

information and technology that rightly usedcan provide an epoch of prosperity

and opportunity to realize our best humanaspirations.

We now know that this miracle planet has all the rawmaterials and natural

resources needed for a good life by the whole humanfamily.But to accomplish

this requires a new vision, a change fromexploitation to Earth Trustee

vision and action: actions to foster peace,justice, and care of the environment.

To bring this about we need aneffort equal to World War II.Our globe is

covered with the results of ourfolly.There is appalling waste sites;

crowded slums, violence, hunger anddespair in most of the world.And now Global

Warming threatens ourfuture.

This will require a moral equivalent of war.Instead ofdestroying men,

women and children, we will destroy poverty, pollution and ouraddiction war,

which makes skeletons of our enemies, when Jesus and his truefollowers have

shown how real love and prayer can make them ourfriends..

The way to success is to recognize that actions good or badbegin in the

mind.Let leaders and laymen, with the help of mass media,seize the idea that

we are all Trustees of Planet Earth, and must seek, each inour own way, to

make choices in ecology, economics and ethics, that will providelong term

benefits to people and planet.

It is a strange enigma that intodays worldall murderers are punished

unless they kill in large numbersand to the sound of trumpets.

TheEarth Trustee vision of life andits purpose will appeal to the best in

every creed and culture. It will deepenour sense of belonging to o­ne human

family, without compromising our separatebeliefs about the mysteries of life.

If we look at our economic crisis asEarth Trustees we may see new solutions

to our problems.For example,equal rights to the natural wealth of the

planet (the land -- withoutimprovements: gold, oil, etc.No person made any of

them.) These earthrights entitle every human, including the disinherited

poor, to somecompensation for their claim.Rights to their inheritance should

not belimited to the children of the rich.

The Bible says, "The Earth hath Hegiven to the children of men.Psalms

115:16."Since God intentedPlanet Earth for the whole human family and

dispenses equal justice for all, weall have an equal claim to Earth's natural

bounty.

A simple way toprovide justice in this matter would be to have everyone pay

two percent (2%)each year o­n the value of their assets in land or raw

materials --lessimprovements.This would go equally to everyone.Indigent or

disabled people would need the help of local institutions -- Red Cross, service

clubs, churches, etc. in managing their new inheritance.But this would

promote better attitudes of responsibility and function with far less

bureaucracy and waste than our present welfare system.

The industrialmachine that o­n short notice can provide billions of dollars

of instruments ofdeath would instead provide homes, equipment, education and

work for newinteractive villages.A new human breed will emerge o­n our

planet:Earth Trustees!

Along with this, action should be taken to eliminate theproblem of power

and its misuse in the market place.A first step would beto eliminate the

present trillion dollar debtThis can easily be done withthe stroke of a pen.

A resolution in Congress is needed that will enablethe United States

Treasury to act as a corporation and issue stock, which willreplace all bonds and

other government obligations.This would immediatelyconvert the debt to an

asset.Stockholders would be paid -- not interest,but dividends.And the

evils of compound interest would beeliminated.The dividends would depend o­n

the growth of the GNP and resultin purchasing power increase as production

increased.

Many other changeswould follow as our new open society with its democratic

internet made us awareof economic structures (Stock Market, etc.) that

reward power instead ofservice.There would be new methods of economic reward

for action inproduction and marketing that followed Earth Trustee policies.

The EarthTrustee vision, policies and agenda is now o­n the World Wide Web:

www.earthsite.org.There you will find "The Earth Magna Charta" which

George Gallup, Jr. says "...should be the rallying cry for the people o­n our

planet."

Let world leaders and all institutions affirm the Earth Trusteevision and

show how their agenda will accomplish its purpose.Here is achoice the whole

human family will welcome.The voters can turn theirattention to the vital

issues that will decide whether we have a future in whichto work out our

differences.

Then we can come together behind the winner-- aware of our differences but

inspired by the power of the truths we allsupport. With a clear vision of

the future we will then see new hope for ourplanet.

John McConnell

The Founder of Earth Day

_http://www.earthsite.org/_ (http://www.earthsite.org/)

---------------------------------------------

Iran, Earth Day and Star of Hope

By Earth Day Founder, JohnMcConnell

The media hype about Iran isunfair and dangerous.I went to Iran in 1980

to try and get the hostagesreturned.I based my arguments o­n the fact that

Iranobserves their New Year (Noruz)

on the same day as Earth Day - and o­nthat day call attention to the actions

that foster peace andunderstanding.

I did not get the hostages back, but fostered theunderstanding that led to

their return.

Following is an example of theresult.The Iranian Ambassador called

attention to Iran's positive actionsfor the Earth Trustee actions that Earth Day

seeks to promote -- "Peace,Justice, and the Care of Earth.There are many

positive things in theirwords and actions.When media accent the positive we

will have a greatglobal future.

Iran PressRelease

Mar. 20, 1999

Statement by H.E. Mr. HadiNejad Hosseinian,

Ambassador & Permanent Representative of the

Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in the Earth Day Ceremony at

the United Nations Headquarters, New York at the moment of Equinox, 8:46 P.M.

EST, March 20, 1999

Dear friends, Earth Trustees,Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a privilege and anhonor to have the opportunity to say a few words in

this small gathering whichhas a big and global agenda. I would like to

share with you the fact that sincetime immemorial Iranians have celebrated this

day at the exact moment ofEquinox, as the beginning of Iranian New Year and

of the miraculous rebirth oflife and the earth. More than seventeen other

nations in Central and West Asiaalso do the same with special emphasis o­n

thanksgiving, conciliation andextending love and friendship to all humanity, all

creatures and to the earththat sustains the balance.

On behalf of theIranian people, I wish to congratulate all Earth Trustees

for their nobleefforts, and to confirm our commitment to becoming real Earth

Trustees andworking hard together to make choices in environment, politics

and economicsthat are ethical and provide for a sustainable future for the

whole human familyon earth.

In the threshold of the thirdmillennium, celebration of the "Earth Day"

finds a renewed meaning andimportance. The need for a new and global

understanding of the earth's fragilityand the man's destructive power and habit is all

the more present. "Earth Day"is filled with symbolism for all

civilizations. They signify the care for theearth and fostering peace and prosperity for

all as the common denominators ofcivilizations.

Thedesignation by the United Nations of the year 2001 as the year of

Dialogue AmongCivilizations, as proposed by President Khatami of the Islamic

Republic ofIran

, is an enabling vehicle for constituents of allcivilizations to engage in

an enlightened dialogue to enrich each other o­nresponsible citizenship of

the planet while preserving each civilization'suniqueness.

Let us hope that the new millenniumwill be marked by a greater

understanding for peace, justice and harmony amongthe family of man o­n earth and by

living in harmony with the planet and all thatitnurtures.

..............................................................................

STAR OF HOPE

Global Agenda for a Peaceful Future

By JohnMcConnell: 91 year old founder of EarthDay.

Faced with a growing global danger of total catastrophe, we need aworldwide

agenda that will enable us to continue the human adventure.

Theoriginal Earth Day (March 21, 1970) followed two events I was

responsible for --the global Minute for Peace (December 22, 1963) and my Star of Hope

Satelliteproposal which obtained front page attention around the world in

1957.

Let's go back to the Star of Hope proposal.It providesastonishing ideas

that point the way to peace o­n our planet.HOPEstands for Help Our Planet

Earth and Help Other PeopleEverywhere.

STAR OF HOPE POINTS THE WAY

To peaceful progress o­n Planet Earth.

In October 1957 I obtained globalattention for an editorial in my weekly

North Carolina "Toe Valley View"newspaper.It urged that we launch a

Satellite that would have a brightflashing light that would appear every night and

be seen globally as a brightStar of Hope for all humanity.

Sputnik, thefirst Satellite, had just been launched o­n October 4th.None

of the mediaseemed to note that this was the "Feast Day of St. Francis."And

launchedby the then Godless USSR!(The person who chose the date must have

been asecret Christian.)

My own study and prayer life led to the convictionthat we needed a common

purpose that would appeal to people of all creeds andcultures - and a way to

get attention for it.We needed something thatwould endhistory's terrible

record of war and injustice.

When weset out to explore Space, we discovered Earth. Now we know we are

onehuman family and have o­nly o­ne Earth.

But our addiction to war and ourgreed have almost ruined planet Earth and

the future of its people.At thesame time there is a growing recognition

that we must change.

The Prayerof St. Francis appeals to people of every creed and culture and

aids the EarthDay goal of Peace, Justice and the Care of Earth.

The Space Program should plan now to launch a Star of Hope Satellite o­n

October 4, 2007.This will be the 50th anniversary of our human venture into

Space.This can obtain global attention for the wonderful way to global peace

that St.Francis provided -- and aid all sincere efforts for peace.

Prayer of St. Francis -"DearLord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where thereis hatred, letme sowlove...."

JohnMcConnell -- 91 year old founder of Earth Day

4924 E. KentuckyCircle

Denver, CO 80246_www.earthsite.org_ (http://www.earthsite.org/)

www.earthsite.orgStar of Hope

-----------------------------------------------

STAR OF HOPE

Global Agenda for a Peaceful Future

By John McConnell: 91 year old founder of Earth Day.

Faced with a growing global danger of total catastrophe, we need a worldwide agenda that will enable us to continue the human adventure.

The original Earth Day (March 21, 1970) followed two events I was responsible for -- the global Minute for Peace (December 22, 1963) and my Star of Hope Satellite proposal which obtained front page attention around the world in 1957.

Let's go back to the Star of Hope proposal.It provides astonishing ideas that point the way to peace o­n our planet.HOPE stands for Help Our Planet Earth and Help Other People Everywhere.

STAR OF HOPE POINTS THE WAY

To peaceful progress o­n Planet Earth.

(My comments are underlined in the text – Leo Semashko)

In October 1957 I obtained global attention for an editorial in my weekly North Carolina "Toe Valley View" newspaper.It urged that we launch a Satellite that would have a bright flashing light that would appear every night and be seen globally as a bright Star of Hope for all humanity.

Sputnik, the first Satellite, had just been launched o­n October 4th.None of the media seemed to note that this was the "Feast Day of St. Francis."And launched by the then Godless USSR!(The person who chose the date must have been a secret Christian.)

My own study and prayer life led to the conviction that we needed a common purpose that would appeal to people of all creeds and cultures - and a way to get attention for it.We needed something that would endhistory's terrible record of war and injustice.

When we set out to explore Space, we discovered Earth.Now we know we are o­ne human family and have o­nly o­ne Earth.

But our addiction to war and our greed have almost ruined planet Earth and the future of its people.At the same time there is a growing recognition that we must change.

SAINT FRANCIS PRAYER FOR PEACE

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury...pardon,

Where there is doubt... faith,

Where there is despair... hope,

Where there is darkness... light,

And where there is sadness... joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying

that we are born to eternal life.

The Prayer of St. Francis appeals to people of every creed and culture and aids the Earth Day goal of Peace, Justice and the Care of Earth.

The Space Program should plan now to launch a Star of Hope Satellite o­n October 4, 2007.This will be the 50th anniversary of our human venture into Space.This can obtain global attention for the wonderful way to global peace that St. Francis provided -- and aid all sincere efforts for peace.

DOOMSDAY-- OR OPPORTUNITY?

In Today's global crisis, are we approaching the doom of civilization or a new beginning for our planet and its people?

Can we get rid of our addiction to war and the lust for money the easy way -- by investing in devilish weapons to kill the enemies we have created by our evil control of their resources?

DEFEATING DOOMSDAY -- A CALL TO ACTION!

It is imperative the whole human family mobilize for a moral equivalent of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb.Every thinking individual who receives this message is urged to quickly choose what they will do.Think about it, pray about it, talk about it -- and then act.

Be aware that today global institutions induce individuals to accept as truththeir propaganda and keep them from thinking for themselves.Don't let powerful people in political and social institutions do your thinking for you. Carefully listen to what they san -- and think for yourself.You know the way to a better future is for everyone to follow their inner voice. Then they will follow the golden rule -- love of neighbor.

The Earth Trustee idea of the original Earth Day (March 21, 1970) provides the key:Every individual and institution must now seek to eliminate pollution, poverty, injustice and war by Earth Trustee choices in ecology, economics and ethics.(About the Earth Trustee choices: I find that there is missing o­ne more theoretical/philosophical choice revealing the modern social structure and finding out therein the social actors, those capable of eliminating pollution, poverty, injustice and war. Unfortunately the Earth Trustee does not offer now a similar choice. - Site editor Leo Semashko’s comment.).

Thousands of group projects are already helping people and planet.Their impact can increase dramatically by uniting in a global Earth Trustee Campaign with o­ne common cause -- peaceful progress o­n Planet Earth.

Until now, Earth Caretakers have been a sad minority. (The reason for the social weakness of similar projects, though beautiful in their intention, is their theoretical weakness and inability to open and comprehend those mass social groups and classes, which are objectively interested in changing the existing crisis condition. Tetrasociological approach overcomes this theoretical weakness and first opens the sphere classes of the population, which are objectively interested in Earth trusteeship and in the statement of the harmonious peace order excluding poverty, injustice, pollution and war. – Leo Semashko’s comment)

The most powerful institutions (global corporations and rich governments) have usually put financial profit first.The resulting social and environmental damage is disastrous.But Earth Trustee vision and action can change that (if they theoretically find and politically organize the appropriate social classes. o­ne more point is very important. The Americans are the richest people in the world. If they do not learn to share the riches with other countries and people, their ideas can hardly be embodied in life. It is impossible to call people to new ideas without sacrificing for this purpose the means to execute them. - Leo Semashko’s comment; June 11, 2006).It provides a way for you to tap the best in your thinking and in your faith.

MASS MEDIA

Press, Radio, TV and Internet play a vital role.Actions, good or bad, begin in the mind.Those able to command media attention have a special obligation to speak out about the crisis and its solution -- the Earth Trustee vision and agenda.(See:www.earthsite.org)

Here is an opportunity for ALL world leaders to call for prayer and heartfelt dedication to ending our addiction to war and to aiding peaceful resolution of conflict.The time and money devoted to war can then be replaced by education in non-violence and the care of Earth.We must now think and act as Trustees of Earth.

Mass media has a sacred obligation as the eyes and ears of the public to:

-- Feature solutions as well as problems

-- Headline cases of peaceful progress in the human adventure that replace hate, fear, greed and lust.

-- Give recognition and attention to people and projects that eliminate pollution and poverty and foster peace, justice and the care of Earth.

With the media's cooperation St. Francis Day o­n October 4 and Earth Day-- o­n nature's historic annual event, the March Equinox, will provide world wide participation by people of every creed and culture.This will inspire actions for Earth's rejuvenation in this new millennium -- with peace, justice and prosperity for all.

*****************************************************************

John McConnell -- 91 year old founder of Earth Day

4924 E. Kentucky Circle

Denver, CO 80246www.earthsite.org

McConnell Family History

John Saunders McConnell, Sr. (Evangelist J. S. McConnell) was my father.He was born in Seattle, Washington January 9,1892 (died in Ahwahnee, California in 1966).His father was Rev.T. W. McConnell and when I was small, Grandpa told about his going to Oregon in a Covered Wagon and how the Indians they met did not attack them because he prayed and trusted God.

When I was a teen-ager I heard many stories about how we were related to Daniel Boone and the pioneer spirit was in our blood.When I was about ten years old we were living outside of San Diego.I was walking down a dirt road and picked up a piece of paper which had a poem o­n it.It said,

"Lord give me the strength of the pioneer

and the faith of his hardy soul.

Provide me with courage to persevere,

make me fight till I reach my goal.

I want to be known as a man who wins,

as a fellow with nerve and pluck,

Who finishes everything he begins

And as o­ne who can whip his luck."

I still remember the poem and feel it contributed to my drive and persistence.

On March 22, 2006, I became 91 years old.I hope you who are younger will pick up the ball (the Earth Trustee idea) and help turn the global crisis into a new beginning for the whole human family.

Help make the March 20, 2007 Earth Day a global Turn Toward Harmony o­n our planet.The human family should then launch the Star of Hope Satellite o­n St. Francis Day -- October4, 2007, celebrating life o­n our wonderful planet.

TEACH ME TO PRAY

Teach me to pray, Lord, Teach me to pray.

This is my heart cry, day after day.

I long to know thy will and thy way.

Teach me to pray, Lord, Teach me to Pray.

..................................................................

Living in Thee, Lord, And thou in me.

Constant abiding, this is my plea.

I long to know thy will and thy way.

Teach me to pray, Lord, Teach me to pray.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ALL MY DAYS AND ALL MY HOURS

All my days, and all my hours.All my will, and all my powers.

All the passion of my soul.Not a fragment but the whole

Shall be thine, Dear Lord.Shall be thine, Dear Lord.

FAITHTHATWORKSBYLOVE

(Song my mother wrote and sang when I was a child. )

Faith is the hand, that touches God, Until His Heart of Love

Is moved to meet, the world's dark need, His power, and love to prove.

God hearkens to, our fervent cry, When listening from above.

He sees behind, the prayer we pray, The faith, that works by Love.

Chorus

Oh the faith, that works by love, Will move the mountains, when we pray.

Oh the faith, that works by love, Will turn the darkness into Day...

(My Mother lived to be 100)

www.earthsite.orgStar of Hope

----------------------------------------------------
John McConnell

The Founder of Earth Day

A STATE OF THE WORLD MESSAGE

Dream of a Better Future

EARTH TRUSTEE FORMULA FOR THE FUTURE

As we enter civilization's Third Millennium we are faced with both formidable dangers and auspicious opportunities. There is now, more than any time in history, an urgent need to examine the state of the world -- its history, dangers and possibilities -- in order to determine how we can come together, avoid catastrophe, and cooperate to achieve our common goals.

An agenda is needed that will appeal to people of every age, culture and creed. The following Earth Trustee Formula can accomplish this purpose:

LET EVERY INDIVIDUAL AND INSTITUTION NOW THINK AND ACT AS A RESPONSIBLE TRUSTEE OF EARTH, SEEKING CHOICES IN ECOLOGY, ECONOMICS AND ETHICS THAT WILL PROVIDE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, ELIMINATE POLLUTION, POVERTY AND VIOLENCE, AWAKEN THE WONDER OF LIFE AND FOSTER PEACEFUL PROGRESS IN THE HUMAN ADVENTURE.

To successfully apply the formula let us first consider the resources available for our task.

To help us be objective imagine for a moment that you are a visitor from another planet. When you are informed of the amazing web of life that covers our globe, the raw materials and natural resources that abound, the magnitude of our knowledge and now the skills and technology at our disposal, you would be dumbfounded at the poverty, pollution and violence that covers our globe.

VISION NEEDED

The basic problem o­n our planet is the failure of people to look beyond the problem, see the solutions and act o­n them. An ancient saying tells us, "Where there is no vision the people perish." The Earth Trustee vision, policies and agenda can appeal to the most people and do the most good for people and planet. It can appeal to the logic and strength that belongs to "simple and clear souls."

ACCENTING THE POSITIVE

While people may use different words to describe their efforts, here and there around the world are success stories of efforts to eliminate pollution, poverty and violence -- to educate, cooperate and achieve worthwhile community goals. Giving these success stories a common Earth Trustee label will strengthen these efforts and foster support for a global agenda.

AGREE WITH YOUR ENEMY

A major policy that will facilitate success in cases where differences arise is to constantly look for and acknowledge important points of agreement. In my own efforts to help resolve differences between Soviet and American leaders (which succeeded o­n several occasions) I persuaded both sides to cooperate in matters of importance in which they agreed -- in spite of strong differences in other matters. Their joint actions in environmental matters and in Space then led to better communications and aided resolution of differences.

My own view of this approach was the result of my heeding the words of Jesus who said we should agree with our adversary, or enemy. This did not mean we should agree with something we did not believe, but that good will and an honest effort can lead to something important o­n which adversaries could agree.

WHERE WE AGREE

Let us then agree that we all are interested in what life is all about. And would like to see a better future for ourselves -- and our children. We should be able to agree that in today's world of cyberspace we are all so connected that problems anywhere will eventually affect us. Our best chance for the future is to pursue policies and choose actions that applied worldwide will benefit everyone.

WHAT HISTORY TEACHES

To understand what is best we should look at what history teaches. Since the dawn of history every generation has seen both love and hate, fear and trust, violence and compassion. Through the centuries, o­ne's loyalty to tribe, clan or country was repeatedly used for fighting, ever seeking more land, wealth or power. Power schemes were based o­n the idea that success will go, not to those who are right but to the force with the stronger weapons. Even today there are those who believe that bombs help us get "Peace through Power." While cities joined to form states and nations formed power blocks it was always to counter other groups with power of money and weapons. Finally, the League of Nations and then the United Nations sought peace through understanding. But the patterns of loyalty and fear of "the other" caused repeated failures.

The failures of the past do not necessarily condemn any new effort to failure. There has been a measure of success from time to time in history where religious faith provided creative altruism that was stronger than political or nationalistic rivalries. "This Freedom Whence" by Charles Wesley Brady, described the Wesleyan revivals of the 18th Century that countered social injustice, political rivalries and slavery with "Strength To Love," which later was the title of a book by Martin Luther King Jr. The efforts of William Penn and the Quakers were a positive force for relations with neighbors. Also important was the success of Ghandi in India's non-violent revolution.

There are new factors in the state of the world today that taken advantage of could finally enlarge our loyalties to include the whole human family. The enemy would no longer be other people, but instead would be the ignorance, poverty and injustice that is found in any part of the world. The key to defeating these enemies of humanity is the spread of solutions that are working. Now Internet can help make this happen.

Religion at its best has taught altruism and from time to time fostered peaceful progress. o­n the other hand, in the past, differences in creeds about the mysteries of life and death have many times resulted in conflict, violence and sometimes war. This need not be.

We all respond emotionally to icons of belief which have formed as a result of our personal experiences. o­ne of the best men I know, a man who has saved millions of acres of wilderness forests from being destroyed, has no religious belief.He said he did not have time to study things that are unknowable. And then he added, "The worst wars in history were fought in the name of religion." He is a thoughtful man. His experience and thought had left him with this view.

On the other hand, while what he said was true, I believe many of the greatest victories over difficulties have been the result of religious belief. In my own case I was o­nce in prison, because of my religious views o­n war and what should be done about it. Placed in solitary confinement I was limited to bread and water. I refused the bread for 11 days -- losing 40 pounds. I was without light or heat in what they called "The Black Box." Afterwards I was released and charges against me were dropped.

The thing that sustained me in this soul wrenching experience was the words in a song by Catherine Booth of the Salvation Army. Over a hundred years ago she was imprisoned in a French cell where she had to fight off the rats. While there she wrote, "Blest beloved of my soul. I am here alone with thee. And my prison is a haven, since thou sharest it with me."

Now the meaning of these words to me are far different than their meaning would be to others. Coming back to my environmentalist friend, the interesting thing is that while he has no interest in questions about God and we disagree o­n its importance, my friend and I firmly agree and have supported each other o­n environmental issues. Focus o­n common ground will prevent going to war over differences.

The world will be a far better place when people are taught to accent the positive and work together where they agree -- regardless of differences in other matters. The way to bring this about is to spread the Earth Trustee vision and agenda by word and example. Be an Earth Trustee. Have some project that will help achieve Earth Trustee goals. Persuade any group of which you are a member to adopt the Earth Magna Charta and its Earth Trustee agenda.

These efforts will help achieve a new global state of mind with hope and lead to vigorous efforts for Earth's rejuvenation. Following is a possible scenario for the future.

MIRACLE PLANET -- A Dream of what "Could Be"

The Secretary General of the United Nations issues a statement summarizing the role the annual Earth Day Ceremony at the United Nations has played in bridging differences and inspiring cooperation for mutual global goals. The President of the General Assembly announces a resolution has been unanimously passed in the General Assembly approving global celebration each year of Earth Day when the Peace Bell is rung o­n the first day of Spring.

Earth Day each year will be celebrated worldwide o­n Nature's Day, the March Equinox.Leaders of every religion are invited to consider Earth Day a holy day with special services related to stewardship and care of the precious skin of life that covers our globe.

Media Role

With the help of radio, TV, press and World Wide Web the moment of equinox o­n Earth Day will be observed as a special day for heartfelt dedication to think and act as responsible Trustees of Earth every day.

Cities and States

The state of Alabama issued an Earth Trustee Proclamation. Its city of Decatur was engaged in asking every young person to register as a Young Earth Trustee and volunteer for work in o­ne of the many organizations that need help. Many youth organizations --church, school, environmental, health -- are increasing their membership and efforts. Following their example can make all communities "Earth Trustee Communities" -- rapidly reducing pollution, poverty and violence.

To aid these efforts the local radio and TV stations can feature daily Earth Minutes and report o­n solutions being discovered and progress in pursuing the Earth Trustee agenda.Actions and progress can be reported o­n local Earth Trustee Web Sites. New environmentally sound production and marketing will provide better kinds of sales and jobs.TV networks should monitor the spread of Earth Trustee efforts. As religious leaders and celebrities in the performing arts discuss possibilities, boards of major corporations will meet to plan how they can help the effort. Politicians and TV anchors are invited to use items in the Earth Magna Charta to measure the harm or help shown in actions of individuals and institutions.

Nations And Continents --Examples of Possibilities

Reports are from other countries of independent Earth Trustee efforts, using the Earth Magna Charta as a guide for policies and actions. Nepal announces adoption of the Earth Magna Charta and is urging the United Nations to follow suit. Saudi Arabia approves the Earth Magna Charta and in accordance with its agenda uses two percent of its oil revenues to provide homes and education for the disinherited poor in neighboring countries. Iran is following suit.

Austria adopted the Earth Magna Charta and its United Nations Center now provides a World Wide Web Earth Trustee Information Center. Their interactive systems can assist Earth Trustee efforts worldwide.

Leaders of world religions will call for global observance of the daily Earth Minutes and participation in Earth Trustee efforts. The Pope could state, "The strength of simple clear souls can now bring the changes needed." "Let us prove the power of our faith in a future life by our works in this life."

Star of Hope

In this new millennium, NASA could announce they will launch the Star of Hope Satellite, which has been approved by the General Assembly. It will have a polar orbit and be seen each night o­n every continent. Flashing at the rate of a newborn child's heartbeat the Star of Hope will be as bright as Venus. It will contain a memory disk with the names of individuals from every continent who have mailed their names to the United Nations declaring their intention to think and act as Earth Trustees. The Satellite will also radio reports from the United Nations o­n Earth Trustee progress. The Star of Hope will be launched o­n Earth Day. A child looking up at night may say, "That's the Star of Hope. My name's in it. I'm a Trustee of Planet Earth."

NEW MILLENNIUM

In this New Millennium a new global attitude can result in common sense solutions to human problems. Instead of people in needy countries heading for what they think would be better prospects in crowded cities, they are being helped to form small Earth Villages where they are trained to operate computers with interactive systems for information and production. Cyberspace is now providing new systems of supply and demand that by-pass bankers and their unfair control of money and credit.

Through the spread of World Wide Web people everywhere are able to tap the latest solution in food production, home and community design, energy supply, products and travel.. Music, dance art, education and religious institutions also benefit from the Earth Trustee vision and agenda. More people have leisure to enjoy concerts, recreation, be with their families and pursue the great mysteries of life, "Why are we here, where are we going?"

The United Nations is now strengthened by a World Council of Communities that provides more decisions and responsibility at the grass roots level. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day with the ringing of a new Peace Bell in Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. People of all creeds and cultures join in the global Earth Day celebration of thanksgiving for love and life o­n our miracle planet. A new millennium, an Earth Trustee Millennium,of great promise has begun.

John McConnellhttp://www.earthsite.org

29/04/06

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The State of the World – and What to Do

"Oh wretched mortals, open your eyes"

-- Leonardo deVinchi

Many scholars agree human history will soon come to an end - unless there is a major change in human conduct. New technology makes it possible for massive destruction by a few seeking revenge for a real or imagined wrong.

There is little awareness of the history of our institutions and how human greed and lust for power produced structures and policies that are evil and reward deception. The banking system itself is a prime example. The people who control the banks, are a key factor in the control of the world. Today the most powerful individual or institution is the o­ne that has the most money.

President Bush controls our media-made views. As a result, most Americans support his belief that America should control the world.

Lust for power corrupts. President Bush inherited millions from his grandfather, who made millions by providing Hitler his weapons. If you want to make big bucks, invent and promote a new devilish weapon.

What could and should be most powerful are the voices that speak for peace, justice and the care of Earth's amazing web of life. Earth Day and its Earth Trustee agenda provides the way to a better future. Here is an event and vision that can appeal to the most people and do the most good. Here is The Way to a Peaceful, Prosperous Future all over the world:

One reason for poverty, pollution and war is the lack of a well-defined agenda for peaceful progress. As a result adversaries lack a basis for peaceful resolution of differences.Discussions too often neglect areas of honest accord. Peace efforts then stall in spite of international laws and United Nations agreements and resolutions. We need to stress where we agree and what we have in common. But again, we must be aware of the "Spin Doctors" who make our words mean the opposite of their intent.

Earth Trustee Solution

The Earth Trustee solution is for every individual and institution to think and act as a Trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will eliminate pollution, poverty and violence o­n our planet."

This will bring the rejuvenation of our planet and fair benefits for everyone. We will see a change of attitude and conduct world-wide from fear and despair to hope and faith. More and more people will act, each in their own way, as responsible trustees of Earth. They will sincerely act as trustees of Earth because they know it will be best for them as well as for others.

This will provide a moral equivalent of war -- a Peace Blitz for a Better World. Instead of wealth being spent for war, it will be devoted to projects that heal, build and unite. (Examples of projects that "heal, build and unite" include: the American Friends Service Committee, Fellowship Of Reconciliation, Franciscans, Menonites, Quakers -- Society of Friends.)

To succeed, leaders and laymen are asked to avoid the historic mistakes of humanity's past. Instead of emphasis o­n our differences, let us call attention to the important matters in which we agree. We all want a world without war and the end of poverty. We would like a stake in Earth's natural bounty -- for ourselves and everyone, including the disinherited poor.

Now is the time for the realization of human potential -- physical, mental, spiritual in a world of freedom and order. To achieve this we should look below the surface at the root causes of civilization's sickness. In the past individuals identified with and were most loyal to their clan, nation, religion or business. The narrow view of competing groups often led to conflict and sometimes war. Today, the astronauts and cosmonauts have provided a global view of our planet. "We set out to explore Space -- and discovered Earth!"

We are now aware that o­ne fragile planet is our home, the home of o­ne human family. Now we have a chance to see in our diversity a unity that will enable us to fairly adjust our differences with new solutions -- unseen in the past. In all decisions we must now consider how they affect the nurture and protection of Earth and the rights of individuals to the use of our planet. Seeing the whole picture will help us make the right choices.

Part of the problem is faulty economic policies and institutions. A basic mistake in history is the development and establishment of unfair, inefficient systems of money and credit. We have a planet with assets in the trillions of dollars -- much of it in developing countries. o­nce we see that money is not wealth -- wealth is land, raw materials, technology, factories, people with skills, etc. -- we might avoid the folly of war prosperity, followed by peace depression -- with more money for money manipulators than producers and workers.

By a change in monetary policies to fair, free credit -- based o­n adequate assets, and by making money an honest medium of exchange backed by assets and available in the measure needed for stable exchange of goods and services, we could soon bring prosperity to our whole planet.

Use the New Technology

To take advantage of the amazing new technology that covers the Globe, a vital necessity is to tap the spiritual and emotional resources of our religious faith ... in ways that will not compromise our separate creeds and beliefs.

Love of God, love of people, love of Earth, honesty, fairness and truth are to be found in every major religion. I may totally reject the creeds of other religions where they relate to a future life and at the same time approve their actions that heal and help people and planet. A deeply held shared goal aids communication and promotes more openness to each others point of view -- often resulting in a basic unity that helps resolve many differences, with accommodation or separation where needed. True love of God will result in love of neighbor and nature.

Once the primary universal goal of Earth Trusteeship is established and affirmed by leaders and world public opinion, we will more constructively sort out differences and find areas of agreement. This will increase understanding and bring better definitions of issues -- how they relate, provide direction, or help achieve global goals. Then, with the aid of an enlightened, responsible mass media, world public opinion, a powerful force, will promote good will, peace, justice and Earth's rejuvenation.

Now is the time to mobilize our faith and our institutions in an Earth Trustee Campaign for Earth. Now is the time, especially, for a new sense of purpose and responsibility by public media. Let them sponsor a Media Blitz for Earth's rejuvenation, with features and headlines for the many solutions that are working and need attention. Call attention to places where Earth Trustee words are being followed by Earth Trustee actions.

Earth Minutes

To aid inner commitment we are urging all radio and TV stations worldwide to program daily Earth Minutes at 0300, 1100, and 1900 GMT (Convert to local time in each time zone). These minutes without words will have locally produced music, views of Earth from Space, nature, and children.

When you hear Earth Minute announced you can link your thought, your prayer, with others all over the world. At other times during the day, there can be reports and features about Earth care solutions, planned or in progress. This can provide a new sense of Earth Trustee identity that will tap the best of our personal religious convictions, diminish fear, hate, greed and lust and assure an era of peaceful progress.

We ask radio, TV stations and newspapers to start an Earth Trustee Media Blitz. We have the raw materials, the technology, instant global communications -- and there are people ready and willing around the world. All that is needed is to get their attention. The picture here presented can then bring the needed Earth Trustee choices in words and actions -- and peaceful progress will prevail.

John Adams said, "Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The o­nly foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our people... they may change the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."

Gandhi said, "Pluralistic nationalism excludes the establishment of any State based solely or mainly o­n o­ne religion." Jerusalem -- holy to Christian, Muslim and Jew -- should be ruled by peace-loving leaders from all three religions.

What a great thing it would be to see Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders in Jerusalem thinking and acting as Earth Trustees. By focus o­n our common humanity and the right of everyone to an Earth Claim, they could provide homesteads for homeless constituents. Their actions would result in friendly communities throughout the Mid-East. Soon the whole world would see the Earth Trustee solution and we would be o­n our way to a Global Peaceful Future.

John McConnell trusteeone@aol.com , 4924 E. Kentucky Circle Denver, Colorado 80246 USA. Earth Day/Earth Trustees. You will find a partial record of what Earth Day and its Earth Trustee agenda has accomplished at: www.earthsite.org , www.wowzone.com/mc-lee.htm.

25/04/06

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John McConnell

91 year old founder of Earth Day

Hope for the future

Is there hope for the future of life o­n Planet Earth?

"Star of Hope"

It would be great if we could launch a bright "Star" in the sky as a symbol of hope for Planet Earth.

When it comes to the big questions of God's existence and what happens after we die, we are faced with inexplicable mystery.I don't have the answer.But for the here and now, I find that honest love (creative altruism) benefits people and planet and can continue the human adventure -- so that the next generation may continue to explore "What's life all about?”

The greatest mystery to me is how Bush and other Christian leaders can tell about how they exercised the love of Christ when they were converted and then devote billions of dollars to diabolical weapons and military programs, designed to make skeletons of their enemies, when the great Christian leaders of the past have demonstrated how to make your enemies your friends.

With love and faith there can be non-violent resolution of conflict.History shows this is true.I have proven it true in my life and actions.

OCTOBER 4 GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY

The best way to peaceful progress o­n Planet Earth.

In 1957 I obtained global attention for an editorial in my weekly North Carolina "Toe Valley View" newspaper.It urged that we launch a Satellite that would have a bright flashing light that would appear every night and be seen as a bright Star of Hope for all humanity.

Sputnik, the first Satellite, had just been launched o­n October 4th.None of the media seemed to note that this was the "Feast Day of St. Francis."And launched by the then Godless USSR!(The person who chose the date must have been a secret Christian.)

My own study and prayer life led to the conviction that we needed a common purpose that would appeal to people of all creeds and cultures - and a way to get attention for it.We needed something that would endhistory's terrible record of war and injustice.

When we set out to explore Space, we discovered Earth.Now we know we are o­ne human family and have o­nly o­ne Earth.

But our addiction to war and our greed has almost ruined planet Earth and the future of its people.At the same time there is a growing recognition that we must change - - if we want to continue the human adventure.

OCTOBER 4 SOLUTION

SAINT FRANCIS PRAYER FOR PEACE

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury...pardon,

Where there is doubt... faith,

Where there is despair... hope,

Where there is darkness... light,

And where there is sadness... joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying

that we are born to eternal life.

The Prayer of St. Francis appeals to people of every creed ant culture.The Space Program should plan now to launch a Star of Hope Satellite o­n October 4, 2007.This will be the 50th anniversary of our venture into Space.This can obtain global attention for the wonderful way to global peace that St. Francis provided.

WWW.EARTHSITE.ORG

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Dear Leo,

What you have done looks great.In my life-long search to know what life is all about I have been confronted with inexplicable mystery.But in the mystery of the cosmos there is also beauty and love.We must get more attention for the examples of faith and love, of non-violent solutions to problems.

DYNAMIC BENEVOLENCE

 

By John McConnell

 

A new system of economic incentives for a more creative society.

 

None of the economic systems in use today provide incentives for realizing the individuals highest potential -- the potential for creative love.Something new is needed.

 

In capitalism, business decisions are based, not o­n what will give the greatest service or meet the most urgent human need, but "What will bring the most profit."While there is talk of service and public benefit, it takes a distant second-place.Philanthropy is taught as a privilege of those who are successful in profiteering.

 

The ethic of Jesus is reversed.Where he said, Give and it shall be given to you, "Free Enterprise" people say, get and you'll be able to give.

 

The result is a rationalized greed in most of the business community.We have become an acquisitive society based o­n the false satisfaction of getting things.This is a tragic substitute for creative love -- the legitimate purpose of man and his most satisfying means of fulfillment.

 

Greed corrupts.Our competition for gain has resulted in a society that is saturated with devious methods of furthering personal and corporate advantage at the cost of truth, justice, and the common good.

 

Instead of an economic democracy where people with equal rights freely work together for inspired goals, we are cursed with economic despotism, where polite fraud, privilege and undercover liaisons are the way to success.Deception is practiced in labels, packaging, interest rates, carrying charges, and especially in advertising where, for instance, excessive and monopolistic practices by big food companies have increased the price of groceries fifteen to twenty percent.(In spite of slave labor in many places where the food is produced.)

 

People are denied equal opportunity to low interest credit.In fact they are denied simple explanations of where our money comes from, how it is created -- "monetized" by our banking system with the help of our government.

 

Instead of responsibly informing the public of matters which are of greatest concern, the mass media is filled with trivia, sports, crime and sex... "It sells more newspapers."

 

Is there an alternative?

 

Can society provide incentives for self-renunciation and creative altruism?Is it possible to have a society whose purpose would be the highest development of each individual's physical, mental and spiritual potential in an atmosphere of freedom and love?Is there a principle, other than greed, that could in a practical way attract the entrepreneur, the thinker, the artist, the builder and the workman?

 

One possible way to provide incentives for creative love would be to supply the means of extending it wherever it was at work.This would be a great task for some real philanthropist.

 

Will someone lead the way?Instead of competition for profits, there needs to be competition for beauty, efficiency, honesty, good will and service.We have a wonderful planet.Let's come together in a great global effort of Dynamic Benevolence that will provide peace, justice and a future of promise for ourselves and our children.

 

www.earthsite.org

02/05/2006 г.
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AN EARTH DAY FORMULA FOR THE FUTURE

 

By John McConnell, founder of Earth Day

The formula for the future that Earth Day has provided is a simple idea that can appeal to the most people and do the most good:"Let's all think and act as responsible Trustees of Earth."As Earth Trustees we can rejuvenate Earth by a common effort to eliminate poverty, pollution and violence and foster nurture of nature and neighbor.

 

The policies and agenda that can serve this purpose are in the Earth Magna Charta o­n the Earth Day web site: www.earthsite.org.It points the way to peace, justice and the care of Earth -- our global home.Every individual and institution can and should now take action to make its dream a reality.

 

The Earth Trustee focus o­n understanding and cooperation for a common goal can revive hope o­n our planet.Recognizing the great benefit the Earth Trustee agenda will bring, people will tend to accept or accommodate their differences, with a focus o­n matters in which they agree.

 

To foster an Earth Trustee world view, The Earth Magna Charta calls for daily Earth Minutes at specified eight hour intervals (0300, 1100 and 1900 GMT).These minutes will not have words.Instead, they will use appropriate sounds, for example: music, songs of birds -- with views of nature, children, wildlife, Earth as seen from Space.Independently produced around the world, they will reflect the better values of every culture and creed.Programmed o­n radio, TV and Internet for simultaneous participation by people worldwide, they will provide a global heartbeat of hope for the future.

 

Earth Trustees will then have new motivation and use Internet to aid their Earth Trustee efforts.Earth Trustee Web sites around the world will provide daily Earth Minutes and reports of Earth Trustee efforts and accomplishments.

 

Resources for efforts will be more than adequate as new Earth Trustee policies of fairness emerge in production and trade, in banking and credit.Especially dramatic and effective will be distribution of Earth Royaltiesto the disinherited poor o­n our planet.This will eliminate the need for welfare.A pilot effort by some farsighted corporation or country would now receive worldwide acclaim!

 

HOIST THE SAILS!

 

By John McConnell

 

Four billion years ago

Our lonely Earth

Set sail o­n cosmic seas

Guided by an unseen hand

Of nature, God or chance.

 

As life evolved

Through endles eco-cycles

Man was born, destined

To destroy or enrich

the Precious Ship.

 

And now his hand

Has seized the tiller

But his ear has not

Yet caught the Captains

Quiet command.

 

The sails are down, the ship becalmed,

Its fragil life at stake.

No longer do we ride the gentle swells of

Silent seas and breathe

The fragrant air.

 

Broken are the rhythms

Of our cyclic plants

And other living things

 

But now the Captain speaks again

Our quiet thoughts at last reveal his voice.

 

"Hoist the sails, Earth Man.

Set them for celestial winds.

Hold the tiler firm,

The course ahead is clear."

 

Be He nature, God or chance

His voice is heard

And we shall heed

The Captain's quiet command.

 

[ 9-4-04 Found the above in my 1976 records.]

www.earthsite.org

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