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Our "Thoughts and Prayers" Aren't Making Real Change

7/8/2016

2 Comments

 
With the horrific tragedy in Dallas—on top of what happened in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis, and Orlando (and unfortunately the list could go on)—it seems as though we, as a country, are sitting on a powder keg just waiting for the next tragedy to take place. Peaceful protests, shared words of concern, and 24/7 news coverage is not enough. I lived through the sixties. It can get worse.

This is a time when real leadership needs to step up, not self-serving political rhetoric. Rather than just bounce from one tragedy to the next with similar reactions, concerns, and appropriate talking points, we need to hear more about real understanding of what is going on in this country. We need to talk about the legitimate concerns of all, not just the population that fits your political interests.

This Presidential campaign has brought out frustrations from coal country to the rust belt to the many minority populations in communities across the country. From young people to the concerned families of the middle class who see opportunities slipping away, there are reasons why Independents are growing in numbers, and that will not change until one or both political parties step up to the complex challenges we face.

We need leadership that will be totally honest with the American people, that will listen as much as anything, and will acknowledge that the ultimate answers are not going to be at either extreme of the spectrum. We need leaders from all segments of our population to put the country first, to be willing to listen to each other, to commit to working together, and to putting the people’s interest above party and political gain. I know, given the environment we have today, that this sounds far off, but something close to it is the only way to real solutions. The American people want answers and real change, continuing with the same thoughts and prayers from tragedy to tragedy is simply not enough.
2 Comments
Christine Edmunds
7/10/2016 09:35:12 pm

Right on John Carlin! Speak more please,

Reply
Margaret Presley
7/11/2016 03:29:02 pm

Want to run for office, John?

Reply



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    John W. Carlin​—​61st Speaker of the Kansas House, 40th Governor of Kansas, 8th Archivist of the United States, and student of leadership

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