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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.