Problems Have a Solution
Since the days of the Greek Gang of Three, a problem, by definition, has a solution. If there is no solution, it is not a problem. This basic logic has prevailed throughout the ages and reiterated by many philosophers and scientists. A problem without a solution is a “puzzle” and can’t be explained by nature or science.Today, our society is faced with many puzzles for if they were problems, the collective genius of the US would have a solution. For example, the conflict in Iraq is not a problem because it has no solution, much like the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians. If US troops pull out of Iraq, civil war between the major sects of Iraqis is likely to occur. Plus, there may be outside issues such as other countries invading Iraq for its oil wealth.
There are so many layers to this puzzle confronting Iraq that everyone can have an opinion and be partially right. An all-out evacuation of troops would save their lives, an important consideration, but would leave the area vulnerable to a larger war that may cost even more American lives.
On the home front, the problems of healthcare and education are two prominent puzzles. Billions of dollars are spent every year trying to solve problems related to each social program. And every year, in each program, the situation seems to get more desperate.
Both healthcare and education were “born“ in the same year, 1965. Both programs were part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “great Society” initiatives. Healthcare saw the launch of Medicare and Education saw the enactment of the Elementary and Secondary School Act. Since then, legislative bill after bill has been funded to create the “mess” of today. Even if the US had the resources to begin addressing each program systemically, all the layers created over the past 40-plus years would need to be peeled back and “solved” before moving forward. This is how puzzles are maintained: adding more and more layers onto the original until the rules are so muddied that solutions are no longer evident.
People create puzzles and nature creates problems. The first changes as the whims of people change. Nature just unleashes powerful forces.
Just like one would do with a “crossword puzzle” (actually it is a problem because it has a solution) that he or she finds too frustrating to solve, it is discarded and tried again tomorrow.
There are acceptable healthcare models in our world. The current system needs dismantling first (probably through financial implosion). Education would benefit greatly if the public school monster would be placed among the “OK” ideas of the 20th century.
As you encounter various “problems”, be sure to recognize it is a problem by determining if it has a solution. You can use the “scientific method” of researching the issue to see if there is an outcome. (A “null” hypothesis works best.) Otherwise, it is a puzzle designed to frustrate you and feed the growth of bureaucracy.
On another subject: What great insight by those folks over at Met Life! They are reminding us that “IF” is a part of “LIFE.” Uncertainty is the cornerstone of our existence and to deny it is like burying your head in the sand. Instead of fearing “IF”, we should embrace it as the challenge it was meant to be. That’s LIFE!
And, finally, I heard this today: a child spends 900 hours in the classroom during the typical school year. They also spend 1023 hours in front of a TV every year. And people wonder why one-third of all 8th grade students are below basic in reading and math. And don’t forget those bulging waistlines developed through inactivity!
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