The 10 Best People Alive

Here is my list (based on pure fact) of the 10 most influential (in a good way) and respected people in the World:

10. Bono (singer from U2)
Not a big fan of his music but he has done alot for human rights and AIDS in Africa. Nominated for Nobel Prize twice. A good voice for Africa, as the continent is often ignored.
Quote: "As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both."

9. Jan England, UN Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs
This man travels full time to places with humanitarian crises, hoping to draw world attention to the matters. He has visited Gaza Strip, Uganda, New Orleans after Katrina, India after a major Tsunami and speaks against gender degregation, sexual explotation, and internal displacement, all major problems in Africa.
Quote: (As said by TIME magazine about him) "You will surely hear his voice when our conscience needs a little reminder"

8. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Africa's first woman president (Liberia) and only the second black woman elected head of state in the world. She has advocated help to end hunger in Africa and bravely campaigned against former military leaders. Has also promoted economic development and has worked with the world bank to get her country out of the hole. Is the epitome of a "brave woman".
Quote: "I have a great responsibility to meet the expectations of Liberian and African women. I'm humbled by the challenge."

7. Jigme Singye Wangchuk (King of Bhutan)
(Bhutan is a landlocked country between China and India)
Has been king for 34 years. He has brought enviornmental reform and unique national policies. He has a policy of "Gross National Happiness" over "Gross National Product". Has opened his country to foreign leaders, as it was closed before his reign. In 34 years, his country has only had 1 military campaign and it was very short lived to drive extremists out from taking land. The four pillars of GNH are the promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment, and establishment of good governance.
Quote: ""Gross national happiness is more important than gross national product"

6. Bill Gates
The man has endowed 29 billion dollars to fight global disease. Do I really need to go on here?
Quote: "I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act."

5. Ma Jun, Chinese scientist
Has called to attention great enviornmental problems that China faces in the next 100 years due to economic growth. A brave man to speak out against the Chinese communist government. Has become a powerful voice in Chinese politics and has proposed numerous improvements to prevent catastrophes in population growth.
Quote: "For the first time, there is some legal basis for public participation ... a major step forward."

4. Barack Obama
Yeah, so I have a soft spot for him. But he promoted many reforms for poverty and related issues. Will be the first black president at some point. Also has visited Africa promoting ethnic unity and peace. Could be the voice of peace for the world in the future. When he talks, people listen.
Quote: "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. "

3. Nelson Mandella
Spent 27 years as a political prison rotting in a jail cell. Yet, he promoted peace and unity in a divided South African nation through the 90's as their president. After his presidency, he has spoke out against social and human rights violations and has been a major advocate in fighting AIDS. He has won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Human rights Lifetime Acheivment award, and more than 500 other honorary awards.
Quote: "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people, I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if it needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

2. Oprah
Blah, blah, blah. I don't feel like describing her. You know she's influential. she has more power the Bush. Woman's rights, AIDS, equality, giving aid to victims of Katrina, rape, and gave cars to her entire audience once. Doesn't make my number 1 because of bias. So deal with it.
Quote: " Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."

The BEST PERSON IN THE WORLD:
A 130,000 Person Tie
All Troops in Middle East
Bravery. Fighting an unneccessary war. Patriots. Many words describe the fighters in Iraq. They truly are heroes and the epitome of bravery. It can't be fun to be there but they are there for their country.
Quote: " The young patriots now returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan and other deployments worldwide are joining the ranks of veterans to whom America owes an immense debt of gratitude."