Archive for November, 2008

Perfect Storm, Perfect Opportunity

Sometimes, the stars align. As 2008 closes on a low note, let’s not forget that change is born in turbulence.

At the mega-scale, there’s the economic crisis, global climate change, ongoing war, and a new regime in America. At the micro-scale, it translates into worry about personal finances, different decisions about lifestyles, public condemnation of those who believe differently, and leadership under scrutiny to do something.  

Let’s be honest. If times were good, we would want more of the same. Same economics. Same politics. Same relationships. Hard times create the chance to fix things that are wrong.

Finally, we are hearing: 

  • talk of re-making the economy as if the environment mattered; 
  • politicians admit we need to talk across the political divide to create a united effort; 
  • interest in finding educational and social change alternatives to war;  
  • that leading means being visionary as well as being pragmatic. 

It’s awful that people are getting beaten up financially. It will be even more awful if we don’t use this convergence of turbulent events to create a better, more sustainable future.  

Talking with the enemy

President-elect Obama advocating the politics of hope and caring communities in times of crisis has triggered imaginations around the globe. What captured my imagination was something he said that was written off as a sign of naivety. He said he is prepared to talk to those who are perceived to be enemies to the developed world. For this he was ridiculed and scorned. 

Peace is created through talk. This does not mean stupid give-it-all-away negotiation.  It means talk that strengthens understanding, creates relationships for the future, and explores options for co-existence. It may also include warning talk, power talk, exchange talk, and transformational talk.

Not talking means no learning and no change. Refusing to talk suggests fear of what might happen. In today’s warfare, no one wins and the war ends when people decide to quit fighting. Then they have to talk.

Does it make some sense to talk first?