Policy, something is better than nothing 

By Robert Lilly

Policy is a set of principles, rules or guidelines created to influence and determine decisions, actions, and outcomes within an organization, government, or institution. It serves as a framework that directs behavior and decision-making to achieve specific goals or address issues.

Robert Lilly

I have become fascinated with the idea of public policy and its role in the governance of our daily lives for the fact that I am clearly aware of how it can circumscribe our lives in extremely negative ways.

I grew up in the South Bronx, New York City, and I saw, firsthand, the consequences of other’s decisions, the decision makers, on the lives of my fellow residents. Our city was left to rot, in blight and decay, and to add insult to injury, we were being set up to be blamed for its decimation.

Fast-forward to today, as an adult, my work is shaped by the way I perceive the past. It is evident that if we do not participate in the process of policy making, we are left only to reap the bitter harvest of its miserable failures.

We either participate or we acquiesce.

All areas of our lives are impacted by the decisions others make, for us, without us. Education, business and economics, parks, and recreation, housing, welfare, healthcare, criminal justice, environment, immigration, foreign and military policy all have ramifications for how we live and fair.

It is no good to complain, after the fact, when opportunities were presented, and we did nothing to insert our opinions and position.

I do not write this message to condemn anyone, because I know that you are distracted with living and surviving, as most of us. And what I want you to understand is that is how things are set up to be. You are supposed to be off guard, focused on your bills, your shopping, entertainment, and leisure activities.

Public policies in these areas shape how societies function, addressing challenges, protecting rights, and promoting well-being. At least in theory, that is how it should work.

When you are not paying attention, the decision makers can take full advantage of the situation.

Responding to unjust policies requires a combination of awareness, strategic action, and collective effort. Change does not occur just because we want it to happen. We must work for it, and even then, it is not guaranteed. Still, if we act, regardless of our winning, what cannot be said is that we were apathetic.

I want to encourage you to write an Op-Ed to your local community newspaper, send a message to your state representative, visit the Commissioners Court or City Council and weigh in on a critical issue that keeps you up at night. Just do something, something is better than nothing.