Message from the President
Is This the Best We Can Do?
We see it day after day. The headlines on the TV news shows, in the newspapers and over the blogosphere repeat the pattern continually. It doesn't matter if the topic is economic, political, human interest or even something supposedly lighthearted, like sports and entertainment. Regardless of the subject matter or the nature of the story, the formula seems to be the same:
1. Find the bad news angle to report
2. Figure out who to blame for the bad news
3. Apply 20-20 hindsight to point out why the bad news situation should never have happened
4. Seek to stir up impassioned debate about the bad news, preferably at high decibel levels
5. Figure out who to blame for not immediately fixing the bad news situation
6. Move on to the next bad news story
Nobody would deny the fact that we must contend with troubling societal issues on a daily basis. And clearly a Pollyannaish approach along the lines of "Don't worry, be happy" isn't the answer. Simply closing our eyes, clicking our heels and pretending all is well certainly will not make things better.
But what would be wrong considering a more balanced, inclusive approach to addressing issues that arise?
What about trying to focus on coming up with realistic solutions to resolving matters? (Or, heaven forbid, perhaps occasionally even shining some light on some of the positive things that occur?)
Whatever happened to taking the approach that good people trying to do their best in an imperfect world are sometimes going to make mistakes?
And is everyone who doesn't agree with the positions we hold automatically a horrible person who is not worthy of our respect?
More often than not, those who have accepted the responsibility to communicate news apparently believe their sole duty is to cover ad nauseam the latest titillating, scandalous situation that has been revealed. But this isn't just a media thing. It also seems that those in positions of influence with the ability to use their bully pulpits to advance ideas and find common ground have generally become far more interested in attacking the people with whom they do not agree. Is that really the best we can do?
This is not a political message, nor is it meant to criticize anybody for views they may hold. Instead, the hope is to encourage all of us to consider a different approach in trying to deal with the challenges of today.
These are certainly very serious times with some very serious issues. Clearly our best chance for solving them is to have our "best and brightest" working together, and there are many great folks who could be part of that effort. But that won't happen if we're not more willing to shift our focus toward working collaboratively for a greater good.
You know, kind of like they do in those things called credit unions.
Warmest regards and God bless,
Wally Murray
President/CEO
