PublicFutures Blog

Whoever wins in November inherits the collective past with all its detritus and promise. There must be more attention paid to the evolving world and America’s role in it. More than ever, the lead must be taken by state and local government, while political parties focus on the wrong things, eviscerate each other and escalate senseless blathering and blame. The great challenge is to make real progress while the national political spectacle once again distracts and de-unifies a struggling nation. This very serious game is ours to win or lose. Visionaries from either party can surely see that.

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It is time to understand that foolish decisions, greed and myopic planning led to the current predicament. Virtually all celebrated economists encourage patience during this 6 to 10 year re-centering period. Careful, deliberate, and prudent community planning, along with deeper market understanding and commitment to value will generate growth. Critical questions center around what constitutes leadership and what this country needs during such a transitional period. Vision, insight, purpose and planning must integrate with value, equity and the common interest. The ultimate questions must pertain to what is in the best common interest of all citizens, not only in this country but in every culture. Who will work for the common good? Who will confront reality and have the courage to speak the hard truth?

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The Debt Reduction Committee has failed. Even with a clear and somewhat simple task that involved embracing former Republican positions to which Democrats now adhere, committee members reversed field and refused to compromise. Behind the scenes, the Beltway word is that dissention is contrived by strategists who are counting on twelve more months of unrest to unseat the president. Not by any measure a strategy born from a commitment to the common wellbeing of citizens, but rather, it is a tactic driven by calculated degradation of this country for political gain.

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European economics, global warming, the war in Afghanistan, escalating transportation costs, declining infrastructure, eroding pension funds, community security and economic doldrums are all having enormous impact on America. Add these to education issues, crime rates, the number of people incarcerated in America, declining immunization rates, the rise of gang violence, growing air traffic incidents, and literally a hundred other issues and you can easily reach a threshold of despondence, apathy, fear, or anger.

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Community leaders and public must err on the side of disclosure. Citizens have a right to know the extent of issues and challenges. They pay taxes that support programs and services and their awareness and understanding is crucial to gaining their support. Predictable and quasi-predictable events distill down into If-Then scenarios: If this occurs, then this will be the probable impact. If we take these preventive actions, we will 1) avoid the event, 2) delay its occurrence or 3) moderate its impact. Look at the data, consider various scenarios, and proceed with clarity, direction and as many facts as you can muster. If you understand social dynamics, you will understand that those who openly share information are typically accepted as the leaders.

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While decision makers are now (still) diddling around with 12% of the federal budget, the remainder is capsizing the country. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and defense are again being ignored this year while ‘conversations’ about various aspects of elusive ‘common ground’ are being held. While it is a sham, voters have historically excised those who have spoken truth about debt and sacrifice. The historic path to reality is littered with those who dared to share real data and suggest bold action.

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A leader’s most critical attribute is the ability to adapt while applying creative thought and energy to adversity. These are the personalities who understand the context of current difficulties, but are able to persevere and emerge stronger. These leaders are fearless but thoughtful, hardy but understanding, and willing to do what is necessary to ensure a better future.

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Strategic thought, when taken as a whole, is a combination of vision, reflection, analysis, honest appraisal, and a willingness to suggest bold action. It requires dedication to look over the horizon, consider the value or possible impact of major events or situations and facilitate collaborative approaches that improve process, product, or quality of life. Good planning deals with the finite while considering the enormously diverse expectations of a nation, state, county or city. To say the least, it is important; it is vital; and it is often difficult.

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Consumer confidence is not the issue. What appears to be happening is an awakening; there is a dawning realization that we have come to expect far too much, desire more than necessary, and, just perhaps, don’t need anything right now. A primary element of this ‘re-centering’ process is facing the reality that perhaps the car is acceptable for another three years, the house will suffice for another ten years, and we just don’t need that four-wheeler or motor home. For America’s vast middle class, the past three decades has been a time of plenty. Most have homes, furnishings, cars, TVs, and all types of assorted toys. It would appear that many folks are achieving a new comfort level with what they have and are delaying any expenditure that is not essential.

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