It's Time

 

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

I don't think anyone is going to argue too strenuously against that thought, and I'd like to believe that most of us would embrace it enthusiastically. But in regards to our current heap of economic, social and political problems, so far we're being treated to the same old same old.

Possibly the worst example I've seen so far was the proposed legislation Mike Cooper wrote about today in his blog post Headlines that make you say, "Great!" And, headlines that make you say, "Uh Oh!". It seems some genius congressman wants to provide $20,000 down payment assistance subsidies to home buyers.

 

But we're seeing this kind of nonsense from everywhere, left and right: more taxes, less taxes, tax breaks for corporations, more public works stimulus programs, more regulation, less regulation, more consumer protection, blah, blah, blah.

When we're figuring out ways to recover, it seems the worst rut we're in is the one where we accept that pain is inevitable, but it's only acceptable if it falls on the other guy. How about instead, we adopt the idea that pain is inevitable, but it's only acceptable if we can all see the benefits from sharing it?

We need to rebuild an economy. Here's a few basic principles we might use as a foundation for our thinking:

● The most important capital we have is human capital. Education is basic to the quality of our future. We can't cut back on education and expect to lead anyone anywhere.

● Innovation is the best road to real growth in our economic base. Innovation comes from entrepreneurs, whether they be small businesses or those really rare big corporations that can see the long term. This is where we should be incentivizing R&D and experimentation.

● Our economic institutions are a mess. The tax code is a joke, our regulatory structure is dysfunctional, and special interests run the government. We need ways to let the market be free, while we ensure that it acts responsibly.

We also need to rebuild our political institutions. Here's some basic ideas to consider:

● Effective political discourse should be a rational conversation based on mutual respect. Our country was built on freedom of thought, belief and expression. Competition in ideas doesn't need to be a shouting contest or a smear campaign.

● Let's stop playing to what we think is the lowest common denominator. We're better than that, but you wouldn't know it from all the money bet on us being stupid, mean-spirited, easily manipulated fools.

● Together let's search for and respect truth.

● And let's stop giving the store away to special interests. Corporations are not people, and we are not for sale. Let's start demanding that our leaders and institutions act responsibly and transparently. And while we’re at it, let’s expect more from ourselves.

And that's just my list. I'm sure you have yours. And I respect that it may be different - and possibly opposed - to mine. But we can have a civil discussion about it, can't we? If not, then maybe we're destined to be led around like sheep.

 

And after we talk about it, let’s go do something positive. Maybe it starts with just small steps, like the one my amigo David Shamansky posted about: If You Could Make A Difference...Would You? Or maybe we write our Congressman or even go visit him. Maybe we even go to a protest. But let’s get involved and stop waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting here. We have minds - let's start using them.

It’s time.

 

 

Mary & Dick Greenberg Coldwell Banker - Fort Collins 702-A W. Drake Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80526 970-689-4663 www.maryanddick.com