What’s key to being effective?

What will it take before we put our children first? Before we come together, respecting our differences, and do so with integrity?

Before politicians stop playing ideological games and work for fairness, equality and opportunity for all? Before businesses stop “off-shoring” and invest in America to restart our “consumer-driven” U.S. economy? Before the parties unhitch their wagons from lobbyists and institute meaningful election reforms?

Before common sense shows how easily we can afford to take care of our own disadvantaged, disabled and elderly? Before we choose politicians who understand America shouldn’t police the whole world? Before we stop greedily denigrating our government and their workers, friends and neighbors alike, and focus on “improving,” not just cutting? Before the “win-at-all-costs” attitude is replaced with patience and resolve to be a better, less reactive country? Before we see there is enough money for everyone and no real crisis of time? Before we reject our obsession with being right and prefer to be effective instead?

What’ll it take? Nuclear war? World pandemic? Global financial meltdown? Maybe.

I suggest it’s when our missing-in- action silent majority, not extremists or partisans of any party, come together and demand better. We sorely need that now.

Michael Quick

Newport, Wash.