Bring something to the table

Does this look familiar to anyone?

• Statement of what is wrong
• Specific examples of what is wrong
• Impact of what is wrong
• Cost impact of what is wrong
• Proposals to remedy what is wrong
• Cost vs benefit to remedy what is wrong

Do you know what that is?  It's a basic problem statement.  This is how serious people address issues and find solutions.

Anybody can complain about what's bugging them.  Anybody can shout and demonstrate and bring all kinds of attention to an issue.  I've done my share of complaining about stuff.

It takes a bit more than noise and finger-pointing to specifically and productively address a problem.  Fixing something that is broken takes thought.  It takes understanding of root causes.  It takes a clear and truthful discussion of circumstance and reality.  It takes research to understand the situation.

Sometimes it even takes reaching out to others, talking things out, and rationally agreeing to the best possible compromise.  And sometimes that best possible compromise takes time to settle and implement.

Otherwise, all the noise is just useless bluster and whining.

I don't think we improve situations through bluster and whining.  At best, I think we confuse ourselves and our neighbors when we don't slow down and think.  At worst, we become short-sighted bullies.

So if you think something is wrong, do more than complain about it.  Bring something to the table.  If you're not in a position to directly contribute solutions, then write to a person or group who is.  If all you have is your vote, then use it.


Be more than just a whiner about stuff.  Be a positive force to make things better.

We're counting down to Blog Blast for Peace on 4 November 2010 with 30 days of peace quotes.

"Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions."  Edward R Murrow

Check the top of my side bar to your left and click on any of the Peace Globe links for all the information you need to participate in this year's Blog Blast for Peace.  Or go directly to Mimi Writes and click any of the links just beneath the blog header.

If you need help with your Globe, let me know in comments.

You know you want to join us.  Come on.  Do it.

I believe that words have power, so this matters.