Highlighting a Problem Without Offering a Solution... is a Problem
Solutions to Problems That Keep Me Up at Night
"If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention," was a popular bumper sticker in the 90s. I remember looking at it and thinking, "if you are outraged you're part of the problem!"
Sometimes my social media feeds are so filled with people complaining and pointing out systemic flaws and problems without even attempting to discuss, or offer, solutions. The key to fixing problems is offering constructive criticism, new approaches and ideas, or examples of proven, successful solutions.
Below are some of my favorite tried and true solutions to serious global problems:
TERRORISM - A DENMARK TOWN'S SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION
The only proven, successful approach to combating terrorism of which I'm aware. And the approach has much broader implications and applications as well.
WAR - HOW COLOMBIA ENDED 52 YEARS OF BLOODSHED
CURING THE GLOBAL DRUG EPIDEMIC
The global war on drugs has been an unmitigated disaster. It has dramatically increased drug crime, addiction, death, homelessness, government expenditure, and a host of other problems. Below is a TED Talk by Johann Hari, author of Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, which is hands down, one of the most well-written and best-researched nonfiction books I have ever read. The book explores, in detail, the origin of the war on drugs, it's subsequent impact on society, and resultant failure. But more than that, Chasing The Scream examines a proven, real-world solution to the drug epidemic, which was enacted by Portugal. I cannot recommend Chasing The Scream more highly. I've purchased multiple copies to give away, and everyone who's borrowed my copy has ended up buying their own.
It may sound naive, but the truth is that there is one central, common theme that all of the above solutions share: compassion.
Is it really possible that human connection, empathy, and understanding can act as a panacea for so many of society's greatest problems? Mounting evidence suggests it is. I'd love to learn about big-issue solutions that you find impressive!
