Don't lose sleep over things you can't control.
That's what I've always told myself. This week, it was easier said than done. Look at what has happened in recent days in Iowa and in Washington, D.C. and it's hard not to see a failed state. Even though you and I have no control over the App-ocalypse or The Acquittal or what's become of the hallowed tradition of state of the union speeches, it's hard not to be tormented by it all. I don't know about you, but I lost some sleep this week.
What rescued me was reading through all the replies to the question asked in our recent blog post: What should Wisconsin be the first state in the nation to do?
After reading the article, some said amen to Wisconsin aspiring to be the first state fully powered by renewable energy, first to wage an all-out assault on economic inequality, first to guarantee access to affordable and high-quality health care, and first to recriminalize bribery. Some marveled at how many times in the past Wisconsin blazed new trails on so many different frontiers. Others shared general observations or hopes for the future. One favorite: "Run the country like a family rather than a business."
Quite a few took up the challenge of spelling out what Wisconsin should be the first state to do. Eliminate all lead pipes in municipal water systems. Make the Internet a public utility, like electricity, to guarantee universal broadband access at a reasonable price. Make infant care available through the public education system by allowing children to be enrolled at six months of age instead of kindergarten.
One called on Wisconsin to be first to give constitutional rights to nature and not just people. Another said Wisconsin should be first to tax food produced with chemical pesticides, herbicides or non-organic fertilizers so the price of sustainably grown food can be brought in line with the price of industrially manufactured food.
It was suggested that Wisconsin be first to establish ranked choice voting. Great idea, but Maine beat us to the punch, although Republicans there want to repeal the law. Along the same lines, it was suggested that Wisconsin be first to make Election Day a public holiday. Another excellent idea, although some states already have done it, including Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and the territory of Puerto Rico. More than one said nonpartisan redistricting is an idea whose time should come in Wisconsin, although we wouldn't exactly be breaking new ground. More than a dozen states have established independent, nonpartisan authorities or processes for drawing political boundaries.
Reading all the replies and thinking about what Wisconsin has the potential to become was a much-needed tonic in the midst of a depressing week. At a time when government is gridlocked and so many politicians seem to believe they have more to gain from aggrievement than achievement, it's so easy to be overcome by feelings of frustration and powerlessness. But it's fruitless to lose sleep over things you can't control. It's far better to challenge each other and inspire each other with creative thinking about what our state and our country can and should be.
Keep the ideas coming.
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