From www.myamerica2008.org:
My America 2008 profiles the challenges and triumphs of everyday Americans and how their lives will be affected by the plans and policies of the candidates running for the White House. This 26-part series, leading up to the 2008 presidential election will profile subjects selected from submissions from average, everyday individuals and families throughout the country.
Beginning in May, My America 2008 will get to the heart of the most pressing issues facing Americans today: war in Iraq, terrorism and national security, the economy, health care, education, energy, immigration and more. The program will explore and humanize these subjects through profiles of people who live the issue and conversations with a diversity of Americans who dedicate their working lives to making a difference. Listeners are invited to add their voices and votes: to share their experiences, help select topics for additional programs and offer home-grown solutions for consideration by the next administration.
An initial list of ideas will be developed from a comparative analysis of recent public opinion polling data from a range of sources (Gallup, Pew Research, Public Agenda, etc.). This will give rise to least half of the topics for the radio program.
For example, issues listed on the annual Gallup Top Ten include: Iraq, Terrorism/National Security, Economy, Energy, Immigration, Health Care, Education, Social Security, Fixing Government Itself and the Federal Deficit. These bedrock concerns fluctuate in priority but remain somewhat stable over time. And within each category there are subset issues that could emerge as separate program topics. For example, a program about Education might look at the state of public education since No Child Left Behind, urban-suburban inequities in funding and achievement, the rising costs of higher education, and/or the lack of vocational education available in this country.
Field producers will spend time with the individuals or families to bring the issue to life through an on-air profile. Then, Tavis will navigate this lively discussion toward realistic solutions that elicit the best of what America stands for and can accomplish. The remaining topics will be nominated and suggested by listeners, who share their stories of struggle or triumph with an issue that affects them and millions of Americans. These issues will be personal and political, and must be a something people expect and want to hear Presidential candidates address and pledge to take on with decisive leadership.
Each program will conclude with a commentary by a young (18-24 year old) American voting in his or her first Presidential election. By giving the final word to the next generation, My America will leave listeners with a powerful sense of the importance of these issues to those who shall inherit the country.
“I trust the inherent wisdom of the American people. Ours is a government of, by, and for the people, and now, with the internet, the media must also be of, by and for the people. It’s time for us in the media to become ‘the listeners,’ and to create new ways for ‘the people’ to connect and talk about things that really matter.”
~ Tavis Smiley
How often we hear Americans take pride in our national history: our foreparents created a new nation steeped in the promise of liberty and equality; we sent a man to the moon, and created a Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after WW II. With such awesome accomplishments reflecting the best in the human spirit -- and the American spirit -- many wonder, “why can’t we provide the best and most accessible health care, education or jobs”. If there’s a will, is there a way? Despite 9/11 and Katrina and the Iraq War, Americans are still deeply optimistic people of faith who believe that with commitment, technology and human ingenuity, our country can tackle the most difficult challenges we face. That’s My America.
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