Closing the Gaps

It was the Irish playwright and Nobel Prize recipient in Literature, George Bernard Shaw (1865-1950) who said “some men see things and say ‘Why?’ But I dream of things that never were and say “why not?’  This is a quote that is reflective and celebrates visionary and idealistic thinking. With this thought in mind, there is a shortage of “visionaries” today who are willing to work on solving many of the lingering historical and generational problems of our modern society.

This critical shortage of “visionaries” is showing up all over America. So much is going on these days that it is hard to keep up with the stockpile of issues that have become the norm, lead stories on cable and satellite stations, spotlighted on talk radio and 24 hour news cycles.  Many of these pressing issues mirror state and national trends. Some of these issues include opioid abuse, expanding poverty, gruesome slayings, gang violence, homelessness, mental health, public unrest, political corruption, sexual assaults, wealth gap and poor housing. 

Of course, Milwaukee is not alone in the growing list of issues that are emerging each and every day.  If fact, Milwaukee tops the list in many categories of major challenges and includes being listed as one of the top ten most dangerous places to live.  Milwaukee is also leading the way in the number of African American youth being suspended from high school, high infant mortality rates, and the highest percentage of African American men being incarcerated in state prisons.  These realities are also affecting those living in suburban and sprawling rural communities.  The sure impact of these issues are eating away at the core value of feeling safe, expressing religious faith, and perusing one’s dream while a resident of the most power country in the World. 


Without a doubt, it appears that what is missing today are those “visionaries” to come forth and help close the gaps in our society.  They see things differently, imaging the possible and are willing to work with others beyond the color line, socioeconomic status and religious beliefs.  They just want to get the work done, regardless of who gets the credit or the pat on the back.  They are there for the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.  To work on those social ills and to help us see what is possible.  The gaps are real, opportunities abound... but “visionaries” are few.