Are we entering a new post-partisan time where elected officials work together for the greater good, take time to inform citizens about the complexities of policy-making, have a broad world view and seek our communities' better angels......... or................
Are we going to keep alive ideological divisions, perpetuate parochialism or short-term solutions, have a small world view and not effectively address persistent issues of poverty and inequity, particularly in urban America, where 60% of Americans live.
We are a dynamic and diverse country, changing at warp speed, as is our entire world. Serving this diversity and complexity is not easy. Leaders who listen only to some constituencies or serve some interests at the expense of others prevent our democracy from being completely fulfilled. And a narrow world view threatens our security and that of other democratic nations, and limits a thriving global economy.
We have a choice. We can seek the first or be satisfied with the latter. But to do the first requires courage and honesty in our leaders, high expectations, and a collaborative spirit that builds the kind of infrastructure, public and private, that maximize access to the education and opportunities needed to pursue the American Dream and maintain a healthy society.
I hope that everyone will seek the first, and not the latter. And I hope that everyone is discerning, thoughtful, open-minded and mature in their consideration of the choices for President, Vice President, and other national and local positions. It is important to read between the lines, get beyond the rhetoric, ask the hard questions, and expect solid answers. We are at a crossroads, a significant one. It is not melodramatic to say that our future hangs in the balance.
7 months ago