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Posted on October 26 at 4:27 p.m.

A few further "what's? " :
What can I personally do to make our community more open?

What will I press my neighborhood association leaders, my church leaders, my city council representative, to ask about the issues J.R. correctly identifies at their next meeting?

What can I do to encourage our civic groups ( Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.) to address these themes in a meaningful, substantive manner?

There is no doubt that Baton Rouge today is a far different city from what it was fifty years ago, even ten or fifteen years ago.

We are far more diverse, with enormous potential economically and educationally.

It seems to be that we are on the cusp of a far better time, but we in some ways resemble the adolescent that isn't quite sure of whether to grow up or remain a youngster.

A truly great city embraces diversity, cherishes its young and future leaders, and searches for a better way in all the categories J.R. raises.

What will it take for Forum 35 to host a special evening for every "young-er" citizen to REALLY feel free to speak her/his mind knowing that on this evening there would be no repercussions of any kind? In my idealized vision of this evening each city council representative would be invited and respectfully requested to simply LISTEN for the first half of the evening, and then to join in several smaller group discussions.

Might take a few such evenings hosted by a variety of community groups to really achieve - incrementally - the kinds of changes many of us are seeking.

Town meetings, neighborhood gatherings, civic and church groups, all need to agree to dedicate themselves to a single theme for 2008 :

My suggestion: "What are the pathways to creating a more hospitable, open, and loving community that embraces the gifts that every citizen brings to our city?"

On Why ask what?