it becomes possible to eliminate the criticism
that this revolutionary form would simply empower our adversaries as none would involve an embrace of a particular ideology or conformity to a particular party regardless of location or need. There simply can be no
stronger deterrence against such adversaries than that which could be achieved by granting people a say in forming their own government, one more reflective of their personal character.
The reality is this: elected officials and their staff are so compromised by their investment in the status quo that change cannot come from
within. It must instead come from outside our political system and be led by individuals of intelligence and insight who not only represent
our common sense and communal interests but inspire change.
IX
Who Among Us Might Lead?
People who could lead would be the creatives and makers among us – intellectuals, scholars, scientists, researchers, artists, designers, and businesspeople – who so often stand at the forefront of change. These are people who do not engage in the propaganda that stifles thinking but instead create the conditions through which we might envision a future different from the past.40
Embracing this notion, it becomes possible to shine a promising light on the way forward, one which extends beyond politics into social and economic organization. There is simply a huge opportunity for businesses and communities arising out of the forthcoming convergence of environmental, demographic, and cultural forces. As people move, as they chase the freedom that moving brings, whether they come from within or outside the United States, they bring with them certain belief systems, certain ways of eating, certain ways of dressing, certain ways of sheltering, certain ways of engaging others and entertaining themselves through art,
music, and storytelling – each of which
provides new business and learning opportunities for eateries, fashion, architecture, art, music, education, publication, film, and, yes, even politics. And, as they bring with them a desire to experience what their new environment has to offer, they also open their world to us. It is a reflexive relationship, in
benefit of both – if only we reach out to them and offer up our better natures. Equally, if we finally give voice to the peoples and cultures that already exist within the environments that have been ignored, we can provide even more depth from the traditional knowledge that
arises from living within a particular place across time.
In short, environmental, demographic, and cultural forces provide us with the opportunity to capitalize on an explosion of creative potentiality if only we do it in the right way, in respect of cultural traditions and embrace of human dignity. This alone would provide a breath of fresh air into a stifling political climate driven by the winds and whims of personal benefit.
Think about it.
Creatives and makers stand at the nexus of communities and commerce. They, by nature and interest, have the capacity within their practice to respect cultures and move products and services forward responsibly regardless of political or economic trends or cultural
Hope is to be had. Ideas can and do move nations. But change will only occur when people act upon their ideas. In other words, decisions are made by people who show up, and goals are achieved when people enter the game not just to play along but play to win. You are and can be those people.
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