Issues That Matter

A lot of issues have been tossed about in public media as though these are the important issues we need to focus on. One wonders how these became the issue of the day?

In its rush to ‘balanced journalism’ mainline news outlets seem to report everything that emanates from a pair of lips these days, whether they are important for our consideration or not. Apparently little thought is given as to the value of the source.

If pressed media people will probably say the issues came from public personages, those in the news frequently, or those who speak for a political sect, party or interest group. But what makes these speakers important or credible? Who gave them the authority to speak on that particular issue?

In this manner our social media has often thrust these issues before us:

·         Charter schools: a right of democracy? Or a tool of discrimination?

·         Sanctity of marriage; should it be restricted to a man and a woman?

       ·         Wealthy taxpayers create new jobs and should be taxed less
       ·         Illegal immigrants are lawless, and keep unemployed Americans from jobs
       ·         Nuclear energy is dangerous and should be eliminated
       ·         Foreign oil is good for our economy; American oil is even better; drill baby, drill!
       ·         Urban areas contain the users who drag down our ability to expand the economy
       ·         China is buying the American economy; how do we stop this?
       ·         Liberals are tax and spend monsters
       ·         The death penalty is a God given punishment; use it
       ·         Unemployment is the fault of the unemployed; they managed their affairs badly
       ·         Homosexuality is the curse of the modern age
       ·         Foreign cars make American auto companies healthy competitors
       ·         We are a Christian nation; why have we strayed from that path?
       ·         [Add your own pet issue here]

You have heard or read about the issues listed above over and over. But are the voters listening and agreeing? The only way to learn that is at election time and then it is never clear that the voters are homing in on just one issue. Or polls; polling uncovers public sentiment fairly well, but it requires rigorous scientific method to ensure accuracy and fairness. Most people think the poll is accurate if the findings agree with their point of view; if not, the poll is bogus.

Well, let’s forget the specious issues and home in on what is really important, such as:

• How do jobs get created by public policy?
• How does the economy really work? What are the primary elements of economic theory and how they work?
• What public policy efforts actually move the economy in one direction or another? We want the factual information, not opinion, please!
• Is homeownership an ideal our nation should embrace? How well are we doing?
• How do we measure effectiveness of the education system? If it is lacking, how do we fix it and who pays for it?
• How do we replace the “oil standard” economy with another energy base? Would this produce more jobs and a more stable foreign policy in the Middle East?
• What role should religion play in government? Any?
• If religion is to be kept separate from government decisions, why then do we make laws about homosexuality, abortion and other elements based on religious tenets or dogma?
• If religion is not public policy to be discussed, then why do we ask candidates about their religious beliefs and affiliations?
• How diverse is our nation and is that a good thing?
• Are all terrorists Muslims? Should we be afraid of all Muslims?
• Is America a Christian nation or not?
• [Add your topic here]

Hopefully our minds focus on what really matters and what questions should be pursued. This takes discernment. The little details matter. What is fact and what is fiction? Which matters are more important than others? Which ones serve as building blocks to larger issues and solutions?

I know this is getting complicated, but that’s life. Simplicity should sound the warning bell that someone is avoiding facts. Life is complicated and it takes more than sound bites to manage our life together. It requires us to ask good questions. Are we doing that?

I believe the American culture is special. It is inventive and resourceful. We have built a huge and sophisticated society/nation in which diversity is predominant and individual liberty is the foundation. When someone cheapens our national character by spreading half truths and misinformation for their own gain of wealth, power or ego, then it is up to the rest of us to call them out on it. And to make it good. To fix the problem, not cover it up and blame someone else for it.

Let us regain our self respect and strength. Grasp the truth and work to build a strong future for us all! Are you ready to be a soldier in this crusade?

October 10, 2011