The present status of America justifies deep concern. Suddenly we are no longer the leader of the Free World. Even worse, we are foundering. It is as if we are living in a fog of indecision and quandaries. Have we forgotten who we are? It seems we cannot see ahead.
Our Present Malaise
In past eras in America I have seen celebrations of who we are and enthusiasm in regard to possibilities before us. Granted there were major conflicts among our people but we prevailed and forged ahead. Now it seems the fog and conflict are so deep we cannot even grope our way ahead. Some of it is political but too often that is all we see it as. To me it seems it goes deeper. Take away the party rhetoric and we still seem to be somewhere between unable to see ahead or not paying attention to what is going on. We seem unable to forge dreams for our future.
Having Lost our Way
Have we lost our way in this fog? Or are there other reasons why we seem so lost and stuck in pointless conflict? I’m not sure that we can address the problem globally. Perhaps it makes more sense to look at specific issues which can be addressed. They may take vision or they may be addressed piecemeal but in whatever regard we need to begin.
The Future Takes Shaping
One thing about the future. It will not wait. It comes whether we want it to or not. And left to itself it will take shape. It would be better if we sought to take on the challenge.
Opportunity
When we step back and look we can see that there is a dynamic future which is accelerating. Perhaps that is part of the problem. It is accelerating in all regards and it is difficult to adapt. But if we don’t adapt, we fall victim. It’s better to not be arrested by alarm because the opportunities are numerous and stunning. Maybe first we each need to examine what is holding us back personally. From there we can address specific issues. It would help if we restored the balance between conservatives and liberals. I happen to believe it was a dynamic partnership. If conservatives are described as people devoted to preservation and improvement then they can join liberals to shape a view they see of dynamic change. But balance is required and we each have a contribution to make. Unfortunately we seem to have lost our sight of this partnership and the partnership need not be seen as political but rather social dynamism.
More Than an Abstraction
We can describe the partnership but what we need to address is not abstract. We can agree there are changes needed and if we will honor the dynamic differences between Conservatives and Liberals we can make important partnerships. Unfortunately much of the rhetoric is abstract and designed to feed emotions. Again, perhaps it is worthwhile to approach specific real world issues where we can employ our partnership.
What would be your first target task?
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