No, this week’s article has nothing to do with my love life or yours. Besides, if you’re already married you shouldn’t even be thinking about engagement.
By ‘getting engaged’ I’m referring to the act of discussing, contributing, and participating in lively discourse and dialogue about matters important to our government and its effective operation.
This site exists as a clearinghouse or focal point for citizens and civil servants of all stations, shapes, and sizes to weigh in on the myriad of matters of significance in our lives. Virtually without exception, all these issues entail the function of government, especially employees of the Executive Branch of government.
The War in Iraq; formulating and conducting effective foreign policy; providing quality health care to veterans, seniors, indigents, or dependent children; enhancing the quality of education; protecting the quality of our food supply; and so much more, all falls under the purview of government workers.
How can we ensure that our government is best serving our needs?
By being engaged. By being informed. By opening your mouths or by putting your ideas down on paper or on the Internet. By sharing your thoughts on “The Forum.”
Sure, you’re busy. Sure, it’s easy to think it’s somebody else’s job. You may not even be, or feel like, an expert. Yet, you have a perspective that needs to be heard. You may know more about the process or issue than you think. You may hold the key to breakthrough thinking or break-the-mold outcomes.
First, however, you must engage yourself in the discussion.
My mission is to grow “The Forum” so that it will become the single source of dialogue within and without government at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels.
My objective is that “The Forum” will be the repository of incredible innovation and wisdom courtesy of you – its readers.
What if this site – or blog, if you will, although I absolutely, positively hate that word – was the authoritative Internet address for politicians, decision-makers, workers, and citizens to hold court about the great matters of the day?
Preposterous? Not at all.
You can light the way, if you engage, act, and participate. You can become ‘issue leaders.’ Your input will bring life and meaning to the entire enterprise of good and effective government operations. This can make a difference in our daily lives.
If you think that I’m begging, you’re right. I need you. We, at “The Forum,” need you.
Please, take some time. Share your thoughts.
There’s only one possible way that your feedback could be worthless, and that’s if you don’t provide it in the first place.
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Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 435 words.
© February, 2007