I’ve enjoyed personal and social media discussions with many of you and decided I ought to formalize some of my options. I’ll still use Facebook, Twitter and email for various e-frivolity opportunities and photo presentations. But I want to be better able to focus on the issues of the day and tap your wisdom and observations. A separate blog site seems the answer.

The website intros explain my intent and the derivation of my “Mosey” theme. Simply put, it’s my response to my concern that too many good folks are not paying attention to the world around them. To government, to community building and to the complexity of people and organizations that either work well, or don’t. Too many of us are buried in our devices, or otherwise distracted from our opportunities and responsibilities as parents, neighbors, role models and engaged citizens. We’re seeing the painful consequences of defaulting to the few charismatic and shrill individuals in politics, pulpit and corporate offices who may not have our best interests at heart. But that won’t/can’t change until we’re willing to step up and be better stewards of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

My West Texas background prompted me to see the cowboy’s “mosey” as a good reminder to “Slow Down, Pay Attention, Be Informed, and Make a Difference.”  My goal is to work with diverse community leaders and constructive activists to influence a better informed and engaged citizenry. Most of us are embarrassed that we’ve let down our guard, allowed our values to be compromised and put our children’s future in jeopardy.

But while we’ve got many valid reasons for concern, we know that there are many good folks representing innovative programs that can make a positive difference if they’re emulated and supported. We’ve stumbled a bit, but still have the potential to put constructive energy, creative thinking and community collaboration to work to honor this Country’s great legacy and do ourselves proud.

I look forward to highlighting issues, sharing links to thoughtful minds and programs and seeking your ideas as we move together beyond this election cycle. We’ve been bombarded with cynicism and divisive rhetoric. We know we’re better than this. I believe that most of us want better than this. It starts with our friend in the mirror.

I so appreciate the many of you who have shared valuable opinions (some appropriately contrary) and encouraged me in my writing and community commentary. I look forward to our continuing and expanding this conversation. I hope you’ll join me as we “Mosey” a bit in a mutual quest for healthier community and responsible government at every level. That’s not a pipe dream if we “Slow Down, Pay Attention, Be Informed and Make a Difference”. Let’s Mosey!