THE NEXT BEST THING IDEA CHALLENGE

I find it particularly interesting that conversations about the middle east seem to indicate that the societal issues and political unrest are somehow taking place in a vacuum. With our own unemployment rate rivaling many of the countries experiencing turmoil compounded by bleak economic growth projections makes one question our own ability to survive and innovate under mounting selection pressures.


Protests at some level are useful to bring attention to a movement or efforts you feel passionate about, but they are one facet of a multi prong attack to move an initiative forward, and should not be confused as the sole means to get what you want. I fear many Americans feel that protests are sufficient, or do little more than amuse those with power (references to teachers and other state workers) It's like throwing sticks and rocks at a brick wall mounted with assault riffles, it doesn't make good sense.


Instead, I'd like to see people with the gumption to stand up for whats right begin a conversation and become part of the solution rather than look for a way out. Any time the government takes this sort of stance it should be viewed as a challenge; the problems have exceeded the governments ability for solvency, which makes it the perfect opportunity to stand up and be the one who does. If everyone brave and smart enough to organize and participate in these protests came together to strategies, create, and innovate while pulling their collective resources think about the good that could be accomplished. There needs to be two parts here and by every right protesting is one of them, but it should be viewed as the short term goal and not the long term achievement for the group.


I think the lack of unrest and drive to step outside the box and take risks is the problem here not the other way around. Too many quantitative driven initiatives (people) and not enough qualitative results. The bottom line is we need more creative people or at least some robots open to new ideas with the capacity to get their hands dirty. I know its scary getting rid of silly things like permission which only serves to keep those experts in their respected places, and holds little to no real value other than to stroke inflated egos. But it is necessary in our current predicament 


That's why TPD is putting out an open call for the "next best thing" idea, where we will be happy to lend any and all resources to help drive the future of innovation.