Thanks for the report. Sounds like he was interesting, but didn't draw much of a crowd. See, that's the problem with these types of "spouters"... they don't draw the crowds that will DO anything about the problems. There has to be a happy medium somewhere, so a speaker draws a crowd of "doers" rather than "talkers".
I like his idea on junk mail. Hmm... where have I heard that one before? I also like the "None of the above" idea. So now that another couple hundred people have heard his ideas, will anybody move forward to make them happen? Or will they just talk about how much they like the guy? THAT is the question, in my opinion. Good ideas are like opinions are like asses. Everybody has one. So do something about it.
One thing I'd like to further comment on: the rebuilding of New Orleans. I was invited to take part in what is called the "Unified New Orleans Plan." Basically, several hundred people get together in groups of ten or so to discuss plans for rebuilding different parts of the city. A mediator and/or facilitator sits with each group. Information is entered into computers as the discussions unfold, and the information is compiled. It is giving the residents an active say in what happens in their city. It's not like the government can just waltz in and rebuild... it is a huge project that will take a long time to complete. I'm not saying FEMA didn't majorly screw up when the disaster hit, but I can guarantee you people aren't just sitting on their asses doing nothing. This will be the second "UNOP". The first took place earlier this year. I'll see what information I can dig up on it, if you're interested.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2006-11-15 12:44 am (UTC)I like his idea on junk mail. Hmm... where have I heard that one before? I also like the "None of the above" idea. So now that another couple hundred people have heard his ideas, will anybody move forward to make them happen? Or will they just talk about how much they like the guy? THAT is the question, in my opinion. Good ideas are like opinions are like asses. Everybody has one. So do something about it.
One thing I'd like to further comment on: the rebuilding of New Orleans. I was invited to take part in what is called the "Unified New Orleans Plan." Basically, several hundred people get together in groups of ten or so to discuss plans for rebuilding different parts of the city. A mediator and/or facilitator sits with each group. Information is entered into computers as the discussions unfold, and the information is compiled. It is giving the residents an active say in what happens in their city. It's not like the government can just waltz in and rebuild... it is a huge project that will take a long time to complete. I'm not saying FEMA didn't majorly screw up when the disaster hit, but I can guarantee you people aren't just sitting on their asses doing nothing. This will be the second "UNOP". The first took place earlier this year. I'll see what information I can dig up on it, if you're interested.