Making Good on our Promises
Thursday, January 25, 2007(The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation)
Making Good on our Promises
9/11 is now two years behind us. Rather than
look back, what should we expect of our nation,
of ourselves, as we move ahead?
After
9/11 we heard promises that politics would
improve, news media coverage was to become more
serious, and citizens were to be more involved.
It's fair to say that after an initial surge of
activity, such long-term changes haven't come
about.
I have spent the last two years
crisscrossing America talking with ordinary
citizens, civic leaders, politicians, news
media and others about the state of our nation.
Divergent views exist on different issues, but
one message is clear: we missed an opportunity
after 9/11 to change our nation.
So, how
will we move forward? This 9/11, will we merely
hear the expected rhetorical flourishes from
our leaders, see the displays of the
red-white-and-blue, and listen to the political
analysts handicap the upcoming presidential
race?
Or, will we also take the next
step - the one that so many people know in
their hearts awaits us, but which we have not
yet fulfilled: making good on our promises
after 9/11.
Use these questions to watch
events on this 9/11 and to think about where we
are as a nation, and the direction you believe
we should go. If you'd like, send me your
responses at
thi@theharwoodinstitute.org.
It's time.
Let's make good on our promises.
On this
September 11th:
- Do we as a nation get beyond flag-waving
and ceremonies to a deeper conversation about
what patriotism means?
- Do we find genuine ways for citizens to
improve their communities - rather than promote
cosmetic ones?
- Do the news media help people more deeply
understand the events of 9/11, terrorism and
the world beyond us?
- Do political and civic leaders challenge
people to be citizens - to learn about issues,
vote, and work in their
communities?
- Do we Americans examine whether we truly
care about each other, or merely give lip
service to the idea?
- Do political leaders take steps to make
good on their promises to improve their
conduct?
This commentary originally appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal, Tampa Tribune, and Cleveland Plaid Dealer.