Good news, indeed, that MSNBC is developing a show for Chris Hayes (as the NYTimes reports).
Here’s a key quote from Adele Stan’s profile on Alternet:
“One of the most radical acts you can do as a journalist right now — the most important act you can do as a journalist — is the simple act of explanation,” Hayes says. “And you see this on a micro scale, [for example, in] financial regulation on the Hill, where it’s like the complexity and the arcane details are the friends of the entrenched powers.”
Chris touches on a theme that I think will be a big part of “The Jigsaw.” Heres why. . .
Not because I’ll be in the business of “the simple act of explanation.” There are better writers and outlets for that (I’ll try to point to them as much as possible). But, I have an abiding belief that we can all take more personal responsibility–as Citizens of the US and, of course, the world–to help ourselves and those in our social network to see beyond the “complexity and the arcane details” that allow the “entrenched powers” to have their way in the corridors of power.
But, fair warning: It’s won’t be enough to simply understand the arcane details–that’s just the first step. We then need to have the discipline, creativity and determination act deliberately and relentlessly to unwind the mangled knots of the systems and institutions that are failing most Americans. Choose the products you buy more carefully. Consume more high quality news sources. Share ideas and opportunities with your social network. Do the small things. Make personal sacrifices to support good causes. Reward good behavior and punish bad behavior–of both individuals, brands and institutions.
I know how hard this is going to be. A decade of political organizing, research and communications strategy have made that abundantly clear. But, I couldn’t go much longer without setting up a little space to do my part. Let me know what you think.
More to come. . .
