The Future Starts Now: We Must Create It Together

 The Future Starts Now: We Must Create It Together

Jubilation, Tears and Thanksgiving

Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential race on Tuesday night was a time of jubilation, tears and thanksgiving that I will never forget. One of my most indelible teenage memories is of watching civil rights demonstrators being sprayed by fire hoses while my father screamed, “Get those niggers!”  To see this man elected President was the fulfillment of a dream for me and for so many others.                           

Tsunami of New Energy Released

The eruption of dancing, and joy on the faces of people all over this country and around the world was utterly remarkable. People saw a possible new future for themselves, for their children and future generations.  A wave of energy was released, which some have compared to a tsunami.  It is absolutely vital that this energy is not allowed to dissipate.

Problems too Complex to Leave All Up to Government

The problems we face now are far too large and too complex. We cannot leave handling all these problems -from the financial crisis, education, health care, energy, transportation,- to the federal and state governments.  If we leave these policy decisions to Congress the lobbyists will descend on Washington once more and the money machine will start all over again. Then all hope for change will go out the window. We must take advantage of this energy and empower ourselves.

Ordinary People Must Involve Themselves in Government Routinely

It is time for democracy to shift from being about voting to direct engagement in government by ordinary people.  What I am suggesting is that ordinary people participate in studying and recommending action to state and federal governments by serving on policy councils on energy, health, education, transportation, infrastructure, finance and other critical issues.   Such volunteer councils could be convened at every level (local, county, state) and would be composed of people from the entire political spectrum.  They would be trained in how to listen and talk respectfully to each other.  Issues would be studied and the very best ideas and recommendations would be passed up to the federal level.

Set Up Policy Councils at Every Level to Recommend Wise Action

The findings of the councils in every state would be collected and put together.  Congress would know pretty quickly what the public thinks and wants. This would obviate the need for the Congress and even the Executive level to do such tremendous research.  This should help make for a leaner, less bloated government.

In Our Urban Society People Need to Encounter The “Other”

The most critical reason for increasing involvement of citizens in government however, has more to do with our changing world and how people live now. In an increasingly urban society where many of us do not even know our neighbors, social life is becoming increasingly fragmented. Many of us tend to associate only with those who are “like us”. We join churches and clubs where people hold the same beliefs and values that we do.

Growing the Democracy of the Twenty First Century

 We want to be comfortable. We avoid interaction with those who differ from us, especially on political questions.  So when it comes to a bitterly contested election, no wonder we treat each other like enemies.  We don’t even know how to talk with each other!  If Americans were to routinely become politically engaged as part of ordinary civic life, they would meet and work with people espousing very different l viewpoints on a frequent basis.  The ability to solve problems, across differences, while treating each other with respect will only grow our democracy.

What do you think? Let us know. Please comment on this blog.