We Don't Fit In

We shy away from politics not because we are apathetic, lazy or just don't get it. Richard C. Harwood, the founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, says the lack of participation is because we don't see ourselves reflected in politics. He says we just don't all...

By Cecilia Lai

March 9, 2006

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We shy away from politics not because we are apathetic, lazy or just don't get it. Richard C. Harwood, the founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, says the lack of participation is because we don't see ourselves reflected in politics. He says we just don't all fit the current political divisions of red and blue state-ers. Harwood's new book, Hope Unraveled: The People's Retreat and Our Way Back, explores the elements that cause disengagement in politics and the reasons why many people have retreated from public life into the comfort zone of family and friends. So according to Harwood, indifference and passivity are not the problem. Since he's giving the greater American population the benefit of the doubt, his thoughts might be worth listening to. Plus it's free and educating. Those that still have a proactive bone in their body can hear Harwood speak at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the University of Texas at Dallas' Jonsson Performance Hall, 2601 Floyd Road at Campbell Road in Richardson. Call 972-883-2972.
Wed., March 15, 8 p.m.

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