The trust factor

Recently, the Progress Network had invited me to tackle a very simple and straightforward topic (sarcasm intended): How do we regain trust in our institutions? While many would prefer to see them burn, I’m an eternal optimist—perhaps occasionally to my detriment. But I’m a realist too, and so I realize that it is not an easy path. Not only will it take time, a willingness to change and rethink how these institutions function interact with people, it will also take an acknowledgement of past mistakes in order to truly move forward.

Is it possible? If we don’t at least attempt to, we risk a future in which our society is torn apart by division and mistrust, in which our leaders are unable to lead, and our institutions are unable to function.

With trust in the media and government near record lows, what can be done to repair some of the faith that has been lost?

Amid the cacophony of crises confronting us today, there is one that perhaps looms larger than most. One that, if left unaddressed, will make it difficult to tackle the many other challenges we face. This is the crisis of trust, the loss of faith in our most fundamental institutions, namely our media and government. Without it, our capacity to discern what is true and false is severely limited, and we are left questioning whether or not our leaders have our best interests at heart. As that trust erodes, so too does our ability to govern ourselves effectively, and to make the right decisions for our future…

[photo by: Andy Feliciotti]