Skyscraper’s Recent Comments

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  Positive Change

  Great list of suggestions on priorities, Jon.  

  We can manifest positive change only if constructive alternatives to the current paradigm are articulated and discussed.  In this presidential election year, we have a great opportunity to bring about a quantum leap forward by being proactive in the idea generation department.

  Protest has a very short shelf-life, and many times resistance fosters momentum for exactly the issue the protest is against.  Opposition can prop up even the most indefensible position as benefactors of that position become more solidly entrenched as a reaction to protest.

  Showing people how to move to the next level and outlining the benefits to society and individuals is the key to societal movement.

  I have a complementary discussion on my blog - the New American Village - under the heading of "Stimulating Proposition."  

  http://newamericanvillage.blogspot.com/

  James Polk, Architect and Neighborhood Planner On Converting the permanent military economy to a green economy posted 1 year, 9 months ago 41 Responses

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  Spot On

  David's commentary cuts through the trivial and shines a light on why progressive movements stall - the lack of inspirational articulation of the big picture.

  John F. Kennedy challenged us to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade.  JFK articulated a big idea in an aspirational and poetic way, he called for an (outrageously short) timetable, and he challenged Americans to work together to accomplish the goal. And we did!

  Contrast this with the whiny pessimism of many liberals.  How in the world can you expect to bring anything significant into being without capturing the imagination of the public?

  Progressive thinkers are great at working out the details of an idea, but for moving the sentiment of the public, details belong down the page, not in the headline.

  Here's an idea.

  Let's have energy independence in the United States by 2020.  On January 1, 2020 or before, we produce 100% of the energy we use and export the excess.  The result: the economy booms (white collar, blue collar, green collar jobs) and we enhance national security by ending our dependence on foreign oil.

  Please check out my blog - the New American Village.  

  http://newamericanvillage.blogspot.com/

  James Polk, ArchitectOn A plea for some pepper in the climate change message posted 1 year, 10 months ago 13 Responses