So on the heels of our most recent discussion, allow me first a brief shout out…
On Sunday we talked about America’s abortion debate. That’s not a subject in which our country consistently dialogues respectfully, and yet, hearing from many of you publicly and privately, I witnessed numerous dialogues laced with significant diversity, courteous communication, with varied conviction. Yes, there is hope (and need) for respectful dialogue.
With such a backdrop, allow me another challenging, but worthwhile subject to ponder. However, for participation in this conversation, I’d like to humbly request one additional ground rule…
One ground rule. Two questions.
Question #1 comes today. Question #2 comes Sunday. Allow me first to set the backdrop…
For years pollsters have asked respondents where they think we’re heading. Are we going in the “right direction” or are we on the “wrong track”?
Currently (merging the data of the Economist, Harvard-Harris, Investor’s Business Daily, Politico, Rasmussen, and Reuters), only 39% of us believe the country is going in the right direction. 56.3% of us believe we are on the wrong track.
Prior to any “told-you-so’s” or fist bumps in the current, volatile, socio-political climate, let me add some relevant historical data…
At the beginning of January 2016, the differential was somewhat greater. 24% of us believed the country was going in the right direction; 65.7% perceived us on the wrong track.
At the beginning of January 2014, those numbers were 30.1% in the right direction and 63.3% on the wrong track.
At the beginning of January of 2012, the numbers were 24.5% in the right direction — 70% on the wrong track.
And at the beginning of January of 2010, 35.9% of the country believed we were going in the right direction — 56.7% in the wrong. Note: those numbers are almost identical to today.
So here’s my observation…
Noting that the numbers 9 years ago are almost identical to today, the perception that our country is going in the wrong direction is not based on any singular party or personality. In fact, data shows a solid wrong direction perception for well over two decades. Americans get that something is deeply wrong. We know this isn’t working.
Hence, first the ground rule — in addition to being respectful, of course:
Please name no names and no parties. Make no references to specific people.
Then, the first of two questions…
Why do you believe America is headed on the wrong track? In other words, what’s wrong?
(Or if you don’t believe such, why do you not?)
Be respectful. Be semi-brief. But be sincere; what do you think? Feel free to reach out to me publicly or privately — private message, email, comment or text. Let’s see what one another thinks.
Next post will pose Question #2. It’s a little more targeted, asking for feedback on specific issues, utilizing similar ground rules.
But this process makes me ponder…
If we adhere to the ground rules, could we actually ease the tension? And if we could actually ease the tension, could we make more progress on the issues?
Ah, more great questions…
Respectfully…
AR