Abe F. March

We often hear the phrase, “Thinking outside the Box” (Novel or creative thinking).  This phrase is used in business environments, especially by executive coaches and management consultants. To think outside the box is to look further and to try not thinking of the obvious things, but to try thinking beyond them.

When we think about our country, are we boxed-in with our views?   Have you ever tried to see our country with an outside view?  

Observations about our country, expressed by foreigners, are often rejected and even resented.   Many only want comments from people living inside the box – people of the same mindset. Some writers view criticism as constructive while others only want to hear words that are comforting and supportive of their work.  It is natural for people to want affirmation for the choices they make and that includes their choice of where they live or work.  It can be a personal affront to hear criticism of one’s choice of residence and the impulse is to strongly defend that choice.  

When it comes to ideas, i.e., a healthcare system, only a system that originates within one’s country (the box) is even considered.  There are existing systems that have been proven to work, however unless it is American devised, it can’t work.

As an American living in Europe, I often hear critical comments about America.  If I don’t like what I hear, I rise in defense of my country.  Often the comments they make are valid and I can understand their POV.  I like it when I hear how America was (once) a beacon for the world.  America was the world leader and many countries, especially in Europe, adopted American ideas.  Now they complain that the bad things happening in America are coming to Europe.  It would be great to pick and choose what is good and reject what is perceived as “not good”.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, and once an infection begins, it requires an antidote – some remedy to diffuse or eradicate it.  One looks for the source of the infection, and often the source is easily identifiable.

Preconceived ideas are difficult to change.  Using universal healthcare as an example, those against it look for programs that don’t work well and find incidents where the patient experienced problems.  They use bad examples to defend their agenda.  If their agenda was in support of universal healthcare, they might investigate programs that work.  I don’t believe that there is a perfect system; however there are systems that do work.  I have experience with a program that works, is affordable and want to see my fellow Americans have access to a similar program.  A good healthcare program not only saves lives, but also saves money.  Government controlled does not mean government operated.  

Are we too boxed-in to entertain outside ideas?  Are we too blind to admit our faults?  Do we still have the fighting spirit to work for a better tomorrow?  Can we once again become a world leader?  Leading by example works.  Our current economic example is not something to follow.  Those who did are in similar economic straits.  The decisions made by previous American Presidents led to our current financial crisis.  The policies that created the problem can be corrected.  It will require not only thinking outside the box, but leadership outside the box of political philosophy that created the problems.  

The next election is important for America and the world.  The world is watching with good reason.  They want to follow a winner.  If American can’t lead, then America will become a follower.  Will China take the role of leadership?  Financially, China is already in the driver’s seat.