In America, special interest groups that compete mainly by mobilizing public opinion are aptly referred to as “veto groups.” They insure that problems get plenty of talk but little action. Their agenda is simply to muddle through by seeking the lowest common denominator. The result is a distortion of the broader picture.
Our political, business, media, and social leaders may recognize what is right. But I do not have the sense that they are able or willing to put their insights into practice. At times, they may well find themselves forced, for a change, to go against public opinion. The situation in Germany today is such that we can no longer always afford to choose the path of least resistance.
Indeed, I believe that, when faced with fundamental challenges to our survival, the only winners will be those who are really prepared to lead, those whose honest beliefs matter more than getting or keeping political, economic, or media power. We must never underestimate the common sense or wisdom of the people. On the big issues, they will reward those who maintain a steady course. Our elites must provide leadership on vital reform issues rather than lag behind!
The elite must justify themselves through achievement and decisiveness and be role models worthy of emulation. I also expect them to speak in plain language! Leaders – no matter whom they are leading – must be candid with those who follow them, even when it is an unpleasant task. I do not criticize the 35-year-old miners who demonstrated in Bonn to save their jobs. I know how much is being asked of them at present, and I feel for them. But I do criticize those who, twenty years ago, encouraged them to go down into the pits when they were fifteen years old by telling them that coal had a bright future – even though they knew better.
The simple truth today is that none of us should assume that we will remain in the same trade or profession all our lives. We must become more flexible in our attitude. In the knowledge-based society of the twenty-first century, we must all continue to learn throughout our lives. We must acquire new skills and expertise – and we must get used to the idea that we may have to pursue two, three, or even four different trades or professions in our lifetimes.
I could go on indefinitely about the problems we face, but, as I said before, what we need now is action, not analysis. Let me now turn to the question of what must be done. I believe we need a new social contract for the future. All the social entitlements that have accumulated over the years – and I do mean all of them – must be up for discussion. Everybody must contribute to this discussion. Merely making demands contributes nothing. It does not matter if those are demands of the employers, the trade unions, the state, the political parties, the government, or the political opposition, depending on where you are coming from.
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But we need not only the courage to have visions of this sort; we also need the strength and the will to turn them into reality. We need nothing less than domestic renewal! The long road of reform lies before us. Today, we must take the first step down that road.
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