Let's Start a Discussion...

I have spent quite a bit of time before--and even more after--Common Sense from the Purple State was published in late 2007 discussing with many different individuals the concepts and ideas it strives to convey. While the overall feedback has been one of consensus, there have also been places of disagreement resulting in some very entertaining and educational debates. I and others have enjoyed these exchanges tremendously.

Unfortunately, the drawback to a book is that it can start a conversation but it is a poor medium for continuing it, which is what has led to the creation of this blog. It is meant to be a venue for the exchange of thoughts on everything from how our founding fathers would implement their own ideals in our present world to our opinions on how we can make this country better for future generations.

Many blogs--especially at first--will likely be by me, but we welcome the contributions of any who feel so inclined. If you would like the opportunity to author a blog for Purple State, USA, please just email us. We will note blog authors at the end of each post. We do require that you be a contributor with a vested interest in the well-being of the United States, as this is intended to be a discussion between family about how we might better serve ourselves, our children and--lastly--the rest of the world.

There may be some who wonder if their time here will be well served. Can a few words change the course of a life? A group of people? A country?

For my part, I contend that they can; that people with big ideas who can communicate to overcome sometimes paradoxical obstacles can in fact achieve breathtaking innovation and rewrite otherwise ominous futures. I believe people that can learn to talk with each other, to appreciate their differences and find the common ground they share, are a people who can learn to peacefully coexist with themselves and the world around them.

History can serve as witness to the power of words over the actions of mankind. Indeed, no crime, no war, no violence--no sword, gun or bomb--has ever had its roots in anything but words. Words--those small things so many of us throw about haphazardly hundreds, if not thousands, of times per day--have long held the power to start wars and been fundamental to ending them; they have built walls and torn them down; they have been used to plead for food for the hungry, beg justice for the wrongly condemned and mend fences written off as unfixable.

So let's start now. Here. Let's start a discussion with our friends, our families, our acquaintances, our enemies. Let's be real but let's be respectful. Let's agree that we have the common goal of a better future for ourselves and for all those who will come after us. Let's use words to compel action in our lives, in our communities, in our country. Finally, let's enjoy the process of learning from each other.

-Juli

Comments

[Kathy Staples]

I love this blog, Juli! Thank you!