Vision Problems

I'm still really enjoying reading God's Politics by Jim Wallis. Here's a quote I came across today about the underlying problems with politics in our country and some solutions for those problems, as idealistic as they may be:

Today [our country faces] two vision problems. One is lack of vision in public life...But the other is when political leaders have a clear vision- but the wrong one. When politics is being shaped by visions that defend wealth and power, rather than opening up more opportunity; that are more exclusive than inclusive; that pursue policies that destabilize families and communities; that exalt private interests rather than the common good; that simply leave too many people behind; that seek national or coorporate interest over international peace and justice; or that increase conflict rather than reducing it- then such political vision can be as destructive as having no vision at all. It seems that we are afflicted by no vision, on the one hand, and narrow vision on the other. Neither will suffice, neither has the capacity to meet the challenges of our time. And neither is faithful to the compelling public visions contained in both our best religious and democratic traditions...

I am convinced that we can make key "wind-changing" or paradigm shifts on a wide range of issues. We can create new ways of looking at and talking about crucial questions that could significantly alter the framework and spirit of the current debates, which have deadlocked the public discussion and blocked solutions to some of our most serious problems. In many cases, it means a commitment to stop making false choices and inviting the critical insights from diverse political traditions- many of which are necessary to move us forward beyond more blaming and posturing. And new ways of thinking lead to new ways of acting.

Jim Wallis, will you run for president??