Tuning-in to mass media exposes the receiver to a whole slew of problems. This is wrong, that is broken, that is unjust. I have no data to cite, but I'm confident in broadly stating that mass-media supports a problem-oriented outlook. Yet, as politicians use the poles of hot issues as cover for more of the same: little accountability and innovation, lots of politics. What's missing here is a focus on solutions for citizens.

Let's agree that we need intellectuals, researchers, etc. What we need most now are people who can move us toward solutions to our national problems. How can we create a healthier environment? How can we care for an elderly population? How can we educate our children more effectively? How can we promote a community spirit among diverse populations? From outside government, how can we solve problems using public data? And, inside government, how can we use the same data to enhance our workflows to eliminate low-value work, enhance accountability, and most importanty improve outcomes for citizens?

Surely there are new jobs to be created in these efforts! How can we restore the promise of an America that we want?

Instead of ad hominem attacks, let's give ad hominem support to the best solutions. Example: from the many models of health care delivery around the world, surely we can craft a workable solution for our country!

Mary Lund

i agree. focusing on our common ideals going forward, rather than placing blame on the past and/or those labeled as being on the opposite aide of the political spectrum is a way toward workable solutions.

enriching civic discourse is a necessary first step to identify what we, as a public want. there will always be political issues and stances that keep us separated and at odds. however, when we understand that policies are frameworks, and programs are the hands-on action, we can all focus more on programs we want, and support programs that work. i guess my point is that the BIG questions should come first, and it the responsibility of the public (Us!) to best identify/develop/solidify our desires clearly. we do have a voice.

for example, regarding the health care bill, yes it is complex. but i'd argue that is unnecessarily complex and convoluted. as a citizen, i would like to read the "executive summary" of the bill, or better yet, a simple paragraph (elevator pitch) that outlines that costs, and what the legislation is trying to resolve. i think the complexity of the bill (and the legislative process in general) lends to public confusion, which turns to skepticism.

(this argument would be more similiar to the flat-tax argument: simple rules = more easy to implement, manage, and monitor)

the complexity of any system correlates with increased coordination costs and an increased potential for failure.