The human voice is a marvelous thing to behold, witness our fascination with the vocal prowess of the Houston's and Bocelli's of the world.
When we speak, debate and publicly discourse we like to be heard. Nobody enjoys one sided conversation, especially with our spouses , friends or business partners.
So too, in what I refer to as "The Forum of Public Opinion", it is more productive to listen and be heard. Today's topics that are read and discussed daily in the press, television and Internet are onerous and have far reaching ramifications.
The EU Debt Crisis, Public Pension Reform and Property Taxes to mention only a few. How can we possibly discuss these tough issues unless we remain civil in our approach.
Freedom of Speech is a fundamental tenet to our American way of life, and I truly enjoy the benefits of this great Freedom in my limited public role. That being said, if you or I talk like tough guys or we ridicule our opposition, how can we then expect those with different points of view to listen to us when we speak?
America is at a crossroads, and She has to start making some very tough decisions. Decisions about Public Policy and our way of life that will effect our grandchildren will be made and they will be made by all of us.
To do so, many of us will have to serve and get involved.
The Forum of Public Opinion is a wonderful arena, something akin to the Roman Coliseum but without the Gladiator and his weapons. How we enter and compete with one another in this Forum over the next few years will have a positive or negative effect on America.
America must resolve her problems and we can, but only by a two way approach in our debates.
