Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. Jazz and critique...they go together for me. I write listening to songs, like the ones posted here. My editorial stance is that institutions across sectors are primarily self-focused--even those with mission obligations to serve the public good. It's gotten to the crisis stage as public disservice becomes increasingly apparent. Power and privilege ... strong attractors.... We need to be vigilant: name injustices, proclaim what's wrong, and disdain aberrant behavior. Then we need to provide an alternative--that which serves the public good. With that in mind I heartily endorse what John McKnight calls "The Fourth Sector": citizen-based associations. These are grassroots-based, citizen-led, self-organized efforts with minimal hierarchy and rules. This approach enhances prospects for power-sharing and the possibility of pursuing shared interests and goals. (See his publication, "The Four-Legged Stool" at http://kettering.org/publications/four-legged-stool/) McKnight's ideas align well with what colleague Jeff Nielsen describes as core principles of The Democracy House Project, an effort the emphasizes peer-led leadership. Nielsen adds a important dimension, too: how these ideas can be used productively in organizational and institutional settings. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_House_Project and his book, The Myth of Leadership. I address these issues in what I write--what I like to call "public writing." I write short essays on social issues of public interest. I consider issues and discuss how to address them from a "public good" perspective. Most of my public writing is published in newspapers as Letters to the Editor and as Guest Opinions. My posts also appear in commentary form at The Sports Column, where I write a weekly column. I hope you enjoy what you'll read here. I also hope the music refreshes you. Read me at LA Progressive http://www.laprogressive.com/author/frank-a-fear/ The Sports Column http://www.thesportscol.com/category/frank-fear/ Facebook frank.fear.71 Twitter @frankfear I welcome feedback at
[email protected] Thanks, again, for taking the time to visit. Frank
