be the arrow, not the target.

The opening ceremony of the IAMCR conference was tonight & the guest speaker was the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Before I provide some commentary on his address, I must say that I was fairly shocked by the lax security.  No guards or special forces were there to ensure the area was safe, and no measures were taken to check any of the conference attendees. I cannot even imagine this low level of presidential security in the US.

Some of the topics he addressed were:

Marxism & "creative destruction"

Media ownership, does it really matter?

Cultural pluralism

Mobile health technology

One of my favorite things he reminded the audience was "to be the arrow, not the target."  Though he was referring to the media, I think this phrase really drives home what public health stands for.  In this time, we must think not only of ourselves, but of each other, and of the generations that will follow once we no longer live on Earth. Our minds must not be closed to a singular lifespan, and public health wants to ensure that populations are healthy and sustainable, that communities work together based on common interests, that access to healthcare is available to all, and finally that health information is accessible, knowledgeable, and participatory.

Following the opening session, there was mingling with cultural music and food.  I enjoyed networking with intelligent minds from across the globe.  Everyone here is brilliant and inspiring, and there is incredible diversity among the attendants.  I've hardly spoken with anyone from the US, and it's been eye opening to garner their perspectives on any topic.  Now, my homework for the evening includes practicing my presentation a few times and sifting through the 118 page program to determine which sessions I want to attend tomorrow. Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day in Dublin.