Politics - Ruining good policy?

As debate over the health care bill rages, and as news of the budget debacle in California (reminding me of the last several budgets in Michigan) appears, it reminds me of just how hard it is to forge a good compromise in government. Politics, and the constant election cycle continues to make it nearly impossible to get anything done in Washington, Sacramento, Lansing, or in any other capital in the United States.

Republicans who attempt to forge a compromise are portrayed as "liberals" by Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and the conservative media. Democrats find similar hardship when working with Republicans, painted by those on MSNBC or Air America as too close to corporations or as "anti-Obama," perhaps the worst insult currently in leftist circles. The media demands that politicians are always campaigning, causing many to stick to their partisan ways and hindering any chance of real progress.

There were times in the past in which candidates would proudly pledge their ability to work with members of the other party. We now live in times that discourage such statements. The permanent campaign, set to begin again for the 2010 elections very soon, will do nothing but hinder the ability to make any meaningful policy.

Bill Bishop, in his book The Big Sort, wrote about how more and more Americans are moving to locations surrounded by like-minded individuals. These people are also, through cable news and the internet, only focusing on media that shares their perspective on the world. This thinking becomes dangerous, reducing ideas not to good or bad, but rather "ours" and "theirs."

A troubled economy, unsustainable social programs, war against terrorists, and plenty of other issues face those in government. These times call for good ideas, innovation, and compromise, several methods that have worked historically. Social programs, balanced budgets, reforms, and tax policy have been created in bi-partisan exchanges. Rather than demonizing Republicans and Democrats working together, we should, as citizens, encourage such behavior.

Buy Local!

As you eat your next meal, spend a few minutes thinking about where what you are about to eat comes from. Chances are, whether you’re seated in a restaurant or at your own dinner table, the food you’re about to consume has traveled a few miles. A typical carrot has been nearly 1900 miles before getting to you according to a published study. Atlantic Salmon, featured at eateries and sold by grocers everywhere is caught off the coast of Norway. As Jeff Rubin, in his book “Why your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller” points out that from there, it is sent to mainland Europe, then to China where it is thawed, processed, and refrozen before being sent to the United States.

As I think of the distance food travels, I think of the number of Salmon and fishermen working in the Great Lakes. My mind also turns to the carrots currently growing in the garden behind my house. As the economy continues to stagnate, I cannot help but think of what a strong impact buying local can have in stimulating economies. Not only would consumers get fresher produce, local farmers would benefit.

The concept of urban agriculture continues to grow in Detroit. Abandoned lots are being converted into community gardens to supply the fresh produce restaurants and local consumers are eating each evening. There is also the rise of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in which shares of the fruits and vegetables produced at small farms sold to local consumers. Farmer’s Markets provide yet another way to purchase local food. Studies indicate that 80 to 90 cents of every dollar spent at a Farmer’s Market directly benefit those who bring their produce to sell.

Buying local keeps money within communities and is something we can all do to help improve the economy.