Don't Complain, Offer a Solution!

One of the reasons that I like to read Josh Tinley is that he is what I call 'ideologically honest' -- that is, he does not reflexively tow the party line on every given topic. For example, although he opposes the Iraq War, Josh is also critical of a recent UM Bishops' statement from that same perspective:

If the bishops really want to raise concerns about the war, they also need to offer solutions. Plenty of people are critical of the war; too few people are putting forth ideas about what to do now. The UM bishops who signed this statement need to meet with retired high-ranking military officials and with experts who really understand the Middle East and American foreign policy. They need to develop a viable strategy for ending the Iraq war and occupation, and they need to present the plan to the administration before going public with it. (The administration probably won't be receptive, but the President is a United Methodist, so it's worth a try.)

Complaining has its place, but after three years complaints just aren't productive anymore. We need fresh ideas and solutions.

Josh is contemplating running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives. I don't live in Tennessee or his district so it's not my concern, but it's his kind of ideological maturity (however often I disagree with him, which is a lot) that results in sound public policy and civil discourse.