Monday, October 19, 2009

Speakers Electrify Crowd With Discussion on Values to Heal America

On October 18, 2009, This World: The Values Network hosted a world-class panel discussion on ‘Values to Heal America’ featuring prominent personalities including: America’s Doctor, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Nobel Peace Price Winner and Professor, Elie Wiesel, Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey, and America’s Rabbi, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.
More than one-thousand attended the fascinating discussion focusing on the leading social ills—from greed and materialism to the broken American family to ineffective religious beliefs to America’s celebrity obsession. 

Heated debates arose between Rabbi Shmuley and Elie Wiesel on whether one was allowed to hate terrorists while additional debate was had between Dr. Oz and Elie Wiesel over the causes of depression.  Dr. Oz cited clinical causes while Elie Wiesel focused on an overall moral void within society. 

One of the great surprises of the event was when Jon Gosselin, currently involved in a public divorce and best-known as the father from television’s Jon and Kate Plus 8, stepped to the microphone during the question and answer portion of the event.  He asked the panelists to provide the most important values for raising children. 

Mayor Booker cited the need to set a personal example for children.  Dr. Oz cited the need to show children respect and always teach respect.  Eie Wiesel cited the need to teach children to love learning and to instill a love of continuous education.  Rabbi Shmuley spoke directly to Jon about the need to ensure that his celebrity status be used for a higher cause as opposed to the tabloids.  Shmuley encouraged him to focus on making decisions for his children, rather than his fame, and strongly encouraged Gosselin to take his children off of the television program, especially during times of strife between the two parents. 

The event ended with a truly fascinating discussion on whether any of the panelists harbored feelings of self-anger toward God.  The entire event was extremely positive and well received by the many in attendance.

Video clips of the Gosselin exchange are currently available on YouTube via the link below.  Photographs are located here, with more coming soon.  Full-length clips, DVDs and professionally-produced edits will be available later this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7clZG38m-A
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