Friday, February 10, 2006
Not Enough
It is not enough to advocate for sensible, compassionate public policy. Nor to pressure decision-makers. Nor to tend to the neglected. (What political researcher Paul de Armond calls the diplomacy model of engagement--or negotiation.)
What advocates and pressure groups do not do is safeguard the democratic process--on which all public policy depends--from obstruction, abuse, subversion, and manipulation. Kind of like mopping the flooded floor faster and faster instead of turning off the faucet that's overflowing.
The reason for this is obvious: putting out press releases and position papers is safely-removed from the frontlines of conflict where evil has to be confronted. That's scary. Most people won't do it. They understandably prefer anonymity, hiding behind organizational facades and activities.
Having the courage to put one's name and face and life on the line is more than we can expect--even from the pious--and is precisely why the vigilantes are able to continually disrupt the public process, derailing progressive reform time after time. That said, the voice of reason as an alternative to the voice of hate is a welcome addition to the team.
What advocates and pressure groups do not do is safeguard the democratic process--on which all public policy depends--from obstruction, abuse, subversion, and manipulation. Kind of like mopping the flooded floor faster and faster instead of turning off the faucet that's overflowing.
The reason for this is obvious: putting out press releases and position papers is safely-removed from the frontlines of conflict where evil has to be confronted. That's scary. Most people won't do it. They understandably prefer anonymity, hiding behind organizational facades and activities.
Having the courage to put one's name and face and life on the line is more than we can expect--even from the pious--and is precisely why the vigilantes are able to continually disrupt the public process, derailing progressive reform time after time. That said, the voice of reason as an alternative to the voice of hate is a welcome addition to the team.
