For many decades economic deterioration and faltering social order have coincided for Americans with a steady loss of trust.  This affliction has come to degrade almost every aspect of American life.

Dispelling distrust is not easy.  It calls for respectful interpersonal dialogue and a willingness to live and work together.  Otherwise, nothing will be possible.

Yet, we resist dialogue.  We seem to be unwilling or unable to talk with each other.

What is to be done?

Trustworthy relationships are only possible if we allow for their possibility.  If we are determined to resist this degradation, the place to start is within ourselves.  We mustn’t wait for the world to change for us.

It is actually possible to live our lives with a disciplined commitment to truthfulness and moral integrity.  And the truth is that others are attracted to this way of being. 

Honesty with a pleasant face will be recognized by those who we will care to know.  We will find dependable friends and neighbors.

But we should not demand immediate success in the world as it is.  Integrity is its’ own reward.  A commitment to trustworthiness, especially one sustained in a fragmented society, is the means for living with authenticity.

The challenge is two-fold: First to be truthful even when no one else is watching, and then to slowly and consistently demonstrate honesty, truthfulness, and caring to those around us.

Many of you are aware that I have been writing about the loss of trust in America for quite some time.  It will be necessary to re-establish trustworthiness as the foundation for the character and prosperity of American society.

It will be in local neighborhoods and communities where the healing of distrust can realistically begin—and where it is most needed. 

When we face hard times, we will need dependable neighbors.  When the going gets tough, trustworthiness matters.

Americans are not accustomed to addressing this need.  As important as it is for our safety and well-being, few seem to have the vision and courage to build supportive relationships.

When we engage in genuine relationships, we gradually bring trust to life in ever-widening circles.  Trustworthiness becomes real as we experience dependability.  We want it because we need it. 

There are no shortcuts. 

Building a stable, prosperous society will take as long as intelligent and determined people need to make it so.

Tom

Please note: My book is now available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.  It is “Liberty and the American Idea:  Rebuilding the Foundations” by Tom Harriman.

You may watch for the next post on or about March 1.