Monday, August 15, 2011

White House Discussion Groups

I was invited by the White House to be a member of discussion groups they have set up online. What a trip! Discussions on various relevant political topics can get contentious, and at times I want to pull my hair out with some of the arguments other participants make.



But this is democracy at its best! We are a diverse culture, composed of people from every race, religion, political philosophy, age, background, socio-economic status, employment, cause, lifestyle, favorite ice cream, etc. And we are talking! Sometimes yelling, okay. But the point is, this is what we as a people are all about. Plurality and democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people. We're all on the same team here, we just have different opinions on how we can win the game. And through discussion, through communication, we will eventually work things out.

People may get mad, may disagree, may throw a tantrum, and that's okay. But after they are done, it is important that they come back to the table and talk it out. This is the way you solve problems, whether in a family, a company, a nation, or the world. Arrogance and an "I refuse" attitude will leave you standing on the sidelines of the path to solutions and victory. Only through struggle can any system achieve growth, from cellular level to the most complex economies.

Leave your politics, your biases, your bigotry, your self at the door. Come on in to the table, and solve some problems.