What should we discuss?

A great discussion has started on the Red Roach Blog about the power the media holds over our thoughts and the issues that we discuss. Red Roach makes a great point reminding us that we all have the power to decide what issues are worthy of our thoughts and energy. This started in reaction to a entry at Attacking The Demi-Puppets.

I posed the following question in my reply:
So my question to you is this, what are three to five issues/topics that you think need our attention as citizens, zinesters, bloggers, humans?

I open this question up to all of you reading out there. What issues are being ignored that shouldn't be? Make us care!

Here is my full reply to Red Roach:

Turtle said...

The media certain does influence us into debating and thinking about issues that really don't matter. Just look at how much time has been wasted discussing the Vietnam War---does it really matter at this point? Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for the amount of energy wasted discussing that non-topic.

So my question to you is this, what are three to five issues/topics that you think need our attention as citizens, zinesters, bloggers, humans? Here are my five (actually six) in no particular order:

1. Pedestrian/Bicyclist equality: I think we need to pay more attention to sidewalks in this country. Sure it might seem silly to you, but how often do you drive your car somewhere just because it isn't safe (or even possible) to walk or bicycle somewhere.

2. Urban sprawl. Very related to my first issue. Think of the waste that urban sprawl causes. Do we really need a McDonald's every mile (actually I can name a few places where it is even closer than that)?

3. Public libraries. I think it is probably one of the best government creations of the last century. An almost unlimited amount of free ideas and information to do with as you wish. Could they be better? Yes, but what in this world couldn't be? I sure some foolish people think libraries aren't necessary because of all the information available on the internet---but its just not the same.

4. Work week and mandatory vacation. Why does our country have the longest work hours and the shortest amount of vacation time? Everyone talks about the unemployment problem---why not just reduce the hours of work in a week by 5% If companies want to keep up productivity they will have to hire more workers. Make overtime ridiculously expensive for employers so that they stop using it as a crutch.

5. Travel. I think every American should be forced to leave the country at least once a decade so that they can realize how cushy and good we have it here.

6. Reduce the effects of our two-party system of government. Instant Runoff Voting? Establish parlimentary system? Eliminate the electoral college? Have our representatives picked at random in a yearly lottery?

If you asked me again tomorrow....I would probably give you five different topics. But those are the ones on my mind tonight.

Thanks also for the link for "Attacking the Demi-Puppets". It is always great to add a new blog to my reading list.