Can We Talk!

The three subjects that Americans refuse to openly discuss. It is interesting that a vast majority of our citizens will state emphatically that “I do not discuss religion, politics and race.” Yet, these same citizens will discuss these topics within their selected groups. How can we address our differences if we are afraid of sharing our opinion with others? At the core of all of our problems lies this failure to engage in a dialogue with another person regarding our views. Are we so afraid that our secretly held core believes would be altered by engaging in an intellectual discussion? Are we so divided as a society that we are more concerned about our political party’s ideology rather than addressing societal needs? Are we so race conscious that we cannot philosophically discuss the needs of all ethnic groups? Are we so engrossed in religious dogma that we are unable to discuss our faith with others?
From my vantage point our failure to adhere to these fundamental adages; “Only when the questions are more important than the answers will we find solutions. I have found that solutions generally last for one or two decades, while answers will last a life time.” Why not take a chance; you just might assist someone in reexamining their long held views. Some place I read that Jesus often spoke with those who held views that was in opposition of his views. Some place I read that the genesis of this country began with individuals of different view came together to create this great republic. Some place I read that many individuals through our history came together to abolish slavery and attempted to create a more perfect union. Edward Kennedy summarized our need for communications when he stated: “the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.”

Cleaning a House!

Cleaning a House! Recently on a local radio show the panelist, including myself, were asked to grade the policies of President Obama. This morning while listening to the radio, Chris Rock was asked to evaluate President Obama’s performance. Chris Rock used the following analogy: “When you are cleaning a house it will look more cluttered as the cleaning is started, everything is thrown everywhere. He further stated: if you walk in why the hotel maid is cleaning your room, the room will also appear to be far more cluttered than when left the room.”
President Obama assumed office facing the task of cleaning a dirty house. Of course this house appears to be more cluttered at the present time. I think it takes time to clean a house as large as America, therefore let the President clean the house.