Has his $1 billion pledge to the UN been effective? How does he see the international body evolving? What’s next for Turner, who has made international cooperation a cornerstone of his philanthropy.
Send us your comments and questions using the link below. We’ll get them to Turner. Paul Holmes, Reuters political and general news editor, will sit down with him on Sept. 19 for the next Newsmaker at the Reuters building in New York. They’ll discuss Turner’s investments and outlook on the UN, the media world and more.
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26 comments so far
Some Questions for Ted:
1. Part of our problem with the Islamic world is poor communications. We don’t understand them and it seems we haven’t effectively communicated why democracy and capitalism can offer a better life than radical Islam. You obviously know a lot about mass communications. What can the international media and the American media, more specifically, do to better to improve our understanding of the Islamic world and their understanding of us?
2. It is my opinion (and that of many others) that our current president has greatly damaged America’s standing and credibility in the world. What will the next president need to do to restore the United States as a beacon for freedom and as an example to follow?
3. What is your vision for what the UN could be? How would this work? What obstacles would have to be overcome and how?
- Posted by Jeff BurnsMr Turner, I applaud your efforts of improving the world through your kind and generous contributions. I must say I was sad to see CNN leave your hands. Do you think the UN is irrelevant and incapable in the world today, given the tendency of the United States to undermine its purpose to further its own economic interests? And do you need a socially conscious and caring person to join your staff in any way? I’m busting at the seams to make a difference in this world.
- Posted by John ParrisWhat will it take to fix the world?
- Posted by Allan SorensenQuestions for Ted:
1. How does your background as a businessman equip you to address foreign affairs, such as the current conflict between radical Islam and the West?
- Posted by Steve Bolin2. Why should we trust an organization like the U.N. where dictators and despots, and countries that allow the slavery of children have an equal vote (in the general assembly) with countries that reject such ethics?
3. Do you think improved mass communications in third world countries that are Islamic will actually change the mindset of millions, who are indoctrinated at a young age to hate the West and everything you represent?
4. Which do you think is more dangerous, Christianity or Islam?
5. As a man who has not hidden the fact that he dislikes Christians, do you think Muslims will embrace you as a possible Westerner in whom they can trust or deal?
6. As a businessman, do you think the U.N. has wisely used your donation? Did you have any say in how it was spent?
Mr. Turner, As one of the most successful entrepreneurs and businessmen of all time, as a world class sportsman, as a still relatively young man and international statesman, how can you possibly condone 100% percent of your historic and extremely generous gift being expended in a way that to date has excluded saving (current UNF endowment = $0, $700 million has been given, $700 million has been spent), has seemingly generated failed in its core purpose(the UN’s effectiveness and reputation are at an all time low), impact analysis (bottom line: what is the net impact of the $700 million you have given and the UNF has spent?, net impact? how if at all do you measure?) and perhaps saddest of all, has created one beauracracy to fund another, a double negative and an immediate dilution of your fund to the tune of a gross 30% administrative fee at least? Surely, you did not create your fortune with this kind of calculus or management.
Mr. Turner, understanding that it is your intention to support the UN, can you not imagine that in fact your support of the status quo to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars has in fact hurt the very institution you seek to aid?
John Bolton aside and given several hundred more million dollars of your, your, money, money that could go to many other worthy recipients, have you considered tough love? You deserve better, your legacy deserves better and ironically, so too does the UN deserve better. Wishing you better success with Ted’s Montana Grill.
- Posted by friend of TedThe UN would seem the ideal organization to step into countries which have extreme human rights problems, and poverty issues. Not the USA. Certainly the average person learning of the horrible conditions in Sudan and North Korea etc, wonders who will help? without political undercurrents. Cannot the world get together on what is acceptable and not and act and work as one to stop innocent killings, and death? Without seeming to use money donate to only promote the UN itself..but to actually do something..with a huge world force.
- Posted by Christina J deVilliersI’ve been fascintated with you since, I read a reader’s digest biography on you.
Did you get a tax break for your $1 Billion donation?
What do you think of Noam Chomsky’s views on the media?
Do you have a job for me?
Joseph Monteith
- Posted by Joseph monteithTed, Several years ago, while addressing a group of young business professionals in Atlanta, you were quoted as saying, “I know that I’m going to hell….and when I get there, I’m going to tell Satan to lighten up.”
Now that you are older, do you still feel the same way about eternal destiny?
- Posted by Mark SolowYour are your thought on the five permanent members of the UN Security Cuuncil (USA, Russia, Great Britain, France and China) being the largest arms dealers in the world? Do you think it helps maintain peace and security among nations?
- Posted by Allain Frigault(correction):
What are your thoughts on the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (USA, Russia, Great Britain, France and China) being the largest arms dealers in the world. Do you think it helps or hampers maintaining peace and security among nations?
- Posted by Allain FrigaultWhat is your take on the ABC/Disney broadcast of
- Posted by Stephanie Vasquez“The Path to 9/11″? Do you believe, as they do, that giant media conglomorates have no responsibility to the general public, and that there is no ethical dilema posed by airing politically inspired manipulations of historic events? I ask because many Americans can not tell the difference between reality and what they see on television, so the “fictionalized scenes” to them are an account of the true events.
[…] Turner addressed some of the questions from readers. Steve Bolin asked “Why should we trust an organization like the UN where dictators and despots, and countries that allow the slavery of children have an equal vote?” Turner noted that every country has “different rules and they’re constantly changing… We have a president who admitted secret prisons.” […]
- Posted by Iraq invasion ‘about dumbest move ever made’ - Reuters Newsblogs1. All true leaders, lead themselves first. What would you say are your top two driving forces that influence your ability to make a profound contribution to the world?
2. How do you balance your work, public and personal life?
3. It must feel pretty good to be you, knowing what you’ve accomplished. What are you most grateful for and who is your biggest role model?
Thanks in advance for your great insights. Keep on doing what you’re doing. It works well.
- Posted by Priscilla BokharaTed,
Why do you feel the need to be a do gooder. You are a smart man, so you should know the world must clean up its own problems, thus you need not feel you must help. I don’t understand why you didn’t continue to buy up land for wildlife and conservation. A billion dollars would buy a whole lot more land than you already own. Set it aside, Ted, you don’t need to control everything.
- Posted by GeneThe animals, plants and nature need your help.
Signed,
Nature boy.
Can you take me seriously now?
- Posted by Shawn HendricksCan you take me seriously now?
Can you take me seriously now?
Can you take me seriously now?
Can you take me seriously now?
In my opinion, Ted Turner’s comments add nothing to resolve worldwide problems nor is he widely thought of as having the knowledge or experience to lead others forward in today’s chaotic world. He is a media object because of his bizzare behavior and money and this is why his opinion is sought. It is simply, at best, entertaining but don’t take it seriously. Ted Turner has had a troubled background his whole life so why would we expect it to be any different as he steps into his final stage.
- Posted by Ed Colton[…] Also click here for more questions asked via the Reuters website. […]
- Posted by Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Ted Turner on the U.N.: Spoke but didn’t listenSaw Ted on TV. Said “early to sleep and early to rise” is key to success. Maybe better to say what is left out to create an environment condusive to success than to suggest creating an “artificial” environment.
- Posted by Dan MazurMy husband recently told me of Ted Turner’s pledge of billions of dollars to fight global warming. I am not in the habit of spending anyone elses hard earned money, but the thought occured, if it really is car emmissions that are responsible for global warming, which I do not know yet to be true, but have heard the theory, has anyone suggested that emmission safe vehicles be made available to the public at a much reduced rate?
- Posted by Heidi ColemanTed! You’ve done so much for the environment. Also, you’ve created companies that bring knowledge (good and bad) to light. You’ve created companies that help tell stories about elements of our world. You have brought news into our homes like no one else has. I propose that now you come onto the stage and play a character in a movie that can speak to the children of the world about the environment. I have that character and that movie and want you to put more than your time and your ideas and your money at risk. I want you to put your talent to the test. Why not? You’ve done almost everything else.
- Posted by Dennis ChristenMr. Turner - with all due respect, why did you replace Catherine Crier with Star Jones on your Court TV network? The only answer I will accept is your telling me that she was released from her contract to run for President. Why? Why? oh Why? I’m in Cullowhee, NC and we’re not going to let you come back here to fly-fish in our Tuckaseegee River until you bring her back - and I say that with love in my heart. catherine (no relation) baker
- Posted by catherine bakerDear Mr Ted Turner,
A small query. As I understand it along with Jeremy Isaacs you were closely involved in producing the “CNN Cold War Series” which was honoured with the prestigious 1998 George Foster Peabody Award. It is now out of print and almost impossible to find. It was aired in UK by BBC at one time and was a truely landmark peice of documentary making. Can you comment on rumours I have heard on Amazons review page, that the reason it can no longer be bought easily is due to the fact 2 episodes “Solgiers of God” and “Freeze” were reclassified by US government as they contain embarrassing references to the US when they are seen to be then prasising & covertly arming Afganistan fighters against the Soviets.
If this is true, then what comment do you have on US censorship of a historical document such as your critically acclaimed series. I hope the whole series will one day be released on DVD and get the credit it deserves.
Dr Colin Sinclaire (UK)
- Posted by Dr Colin Sinclaire (UK)I have seen you on talk shows and read many articles on you and, of course, your ex.Jane
- Posted by Donna DyxinI think you are one of the smartest men in the world and have the money to do all the right things, which of course, you ARE doing? You don’t find many like you anymore. BTW I agree with your theory on how much it would really take in $ to solve the world’s proverty. Don’t you wish others would get it too!!! Frustrating..for you I bet but keep on doing the right thing. I would if I had your intelligence and money. Maybe it’s just the generation in which we grew up in.
“Billionaire environmentalist says world has too many people”
Ted — DROP DEAD
- Posted by Henry DavidIt is quiet obvious that Ted Turner is one of the hardest working Americans alive. . They don’t make them like they use to, and with his intelligence and knowledge he has seen the outcome of American politics and society and change it has with our culture. Turner’s idea’s on Iran and peace keeping throughout the world shouldn’t be taken for granted but seen as an opportunity to make a large impact on our world. He took 1 million years ago and turned it into billions today, could you do that? The answer is simply no, it takes more than a genius, or a hard worker but someone who is spiritually and ethically a good and honest person. If I were to say first impressions make the biggest difference I’m wrong. I had a bad first impression of Ted when I saw him on Charlie Rose two nights ago, though through thorough research (and not with the internet, it is the most unreliable source of information) I have come to find Mr. Turner as a very remarkable character and the best of luck to him and his future endeavours, if you by any chance read this Ted could you open up a restaurant down here?
- Posted by Mark AvengardeIs it an accurate account that you said the world needs to be rid of as many as 5 billion people? What do you know about rumors about mass killings in the world?
- Posted by Kenneth Laster