New Look at Newt

          Over the last few weeks, I have carefully listened to both Newt & Mitt (odd noun names). I was pleased that these guys have moved beyond the staged b.s. called debates and subsequent sound bytes and are doing 60 & 90 minute town halls. I have always thought Newt to be "eccentric" but creative. Like a songwriter, most of what you create is crap, but sometimes you get a real gem. I have always thought Newt was erratic but entertaining. I've been told he's difficult to work with. However, he valued history and solutions, both passions I share. I thought Newt was a better thinker internationally than domestically. Then I listened to these two candidates at length.

          While there are directions and policies that concern me, I am increasingly impressed with Newt. Not so much with Mitt. This is not an endorsement, but rather a self-discovery. I slammed Newt in recent posts and need to retract/ clarify some assumptions.

Things that impressed me about Newt:

1.     Well grounded in history and the foundational beliefs of the Founding Fathers

2.     Has a respectable grasp of foreign policy. I watched a 90 debate between Newt and Huntsman and was very impressed with the cogent, adult conversation that was held.

3.     Has some interesting and novel solutions to domestic issues. Newt seems to listen to the other side and adopt what he believe will work, then gives credit where its due. He has very specific and clear solutions to address economic growth, job creation, energy & infrastructure renewal.

4.     He's VERY specific about his policies and course of action, often talking them out day by day concerning steps he would take. His thinking is more specific than any other politician I have ever seen.

5.     He's a big picture thinker. Most of our national problems are higher order and connected to one another. Newt expresses these connections and states solutions addressing multiple issues.

6.     He has a very aggressive, decisive leadership style. This is particularly refreshing after the last few guys we've had at the helm. Newt comes on a bit strong, kind of a "here's where I'm going...get on board or get out of my way" style of leadership. I'm concerned that he may try to aggregate more power and expand the Executive branch and diminish other branches. Not a very Founding Father value if that's the case. We could then call him High Lord Newt. I think I will copyright the phrase.

          Lest one think I now have a bromance going with the Newtster, I find him intriguing but am cautious of him as well. I am unclear as to his authenticity or personal agenda. Since he is a self-proclaimed hawk, I am concerned about him involving us in more costly foreign adventures. At this point, I'll keep my ears and mind open (and probably snag a few of his solutions).   

          Whoever is next at the Presidential helm, it is crucial to open new channels of access and communication with the American People. People also need to be steered away from the bitching/ whining which passes for discourse. Bitching and whining reflect a frustrated, powerless populace. People need to be moved into solution space. People need to create and own national solutions.

          While Government can establish a policy framework/climate and advocate a direction, actual innovation and implementation comes from the "private sector", i.e. the American People. Renewal must simultaneously occur from both top down and bottom up. If the People don't help create and own the change, the change won't occur. Our former/ current solutions are too siloed and inadequate. We need breakthrough thinking to produce breakthrough solutions.
Fortune cookie say: Think differently and create a new destiny.