The League of Extraordinary Gentlepeople

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's actually a bunch of geriatric politicians and dignitaries! According to the New York Times, former South African president and patriot Nelson Mandela, retired Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the human rights activist and former Irish president Mary Robinson, and other notables have joined forces to "launch diplomatic assaults on the globe’s most intractable problems." The group calls themselves the Elders, named to model the hierarchical elders in African village societies, and are funded by the British business mogul Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel (formerly of Genesis). Mandela commented that "together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."

Though it's too early to see the results of this elite diplomatic force, some of the issues they may tackle include climate change, the genocide in Darfur, and the elimination of global poverty. One thing's for sure--their help will certainly be well used.

Rock the Vote Ireland

Here at Rock the Vote, we've been amazed by the global growth of the Rock the Vote style and brand in the aftermath of the 2004 election. With people all over the world following that election so closely--and witnessing the rise of youth political power here in this country--we're not surprised that we've started to get a lot of inquiries from overseas about how to link up with our campaign.

Well, we're pleased to announce our first licensed affiliate... Rock the Vote Ireland.

We've teamed up with them because they're independent and non-partisan, which is a prerequisite for the Rock the Vote brand. They've also got a sound organizational structure and some funding, which doesn't hurt.

They haven't launched yet but they're working very hard on plans and we think they're going to be a big hit. Way to go!