In an study conducted recently by the bipartisan (remember when that concept worked?) State of the Nation Project, the pulse of our country and each individual state in various categories was tallied and ranked.
Hawai`i ranked at or near the top in freedom of the press, youth and adult depression (which is getting worse nationally), air quality, murder rate (low), and life expectancy. We rank around the bottom third of states in economic productivity and output, poverty, social isolation, poverty, voter participation, academic test scores, and volunteerism.
The Project includes a diverse cross-section of thought leaders plus appointees and advisers from five presidential administrations, and 1,000 Americans from across the country. While not shocking, a key finding in the general report was “…the growing disconnect between Americans’ economic success and the decline in happiness and other broader measures of well-being.”
Compared to other high-income countries, the USA ranks near the top in economic measures, but ranks near the bottom “on measures related to mental health, citizenship, and democracy, inequality, and violence…”
The Rolling Stones’ opined 60 years ago that “you can’t always get what you want; but if you try sometimes, you get what you need”. The survey says that the gulf between our citizens’ wants and our needs continues to grow. Bemoaning that fact doesn’t affect systemic change. If you want results, you’ve got to get involved at some level beyond griping to your neighbor.
As we see far too often locally, “they” are not getting the job done. After all, “they” would undoubtedly be adversely affected by shifts and changes. Far too many local political races will (again) go uncontested or be decided via primary election outcomes. As faith in government, formal religion, the media, the judiciary and other institutions crumbles, it’s easy (yet cynical) to be a recalcitrant sideline viewer or web troll and simply pontificate.
Now’s the time for those who care to help re-establish trust in civic engagement and ethics while promoting a positive difference. Step up and get involved- through volunteerism, civic groups, planning committees, bridge-building, or school and work organizations with real plans.
Or, simply sit back as we ponder the next study (local or national) that comes out to notify us that important things are atrophying, that life expectations and basic standards are fraying, that we desire a renewal of hope and progress through better interaction.
Think about it…