Fouling one off at #phxdw

Some think it’s the trying that’s important. Others believe that stepping up to the plate is a success in itself.

Not me.

It doesn’t count unless you get a hit. Unless you make an impression. Unless you inspire.

Wanting wasn’t enough this morning. Questioning wasn’t enough this morning. Doing wasn’t enough this morning.

My panel, “Where is Phoenix Going,” was conceived as a rallying cry to the creative class. Developed by me as a solution to the lack of camaraderie and collaboration we have in the Valley, I had hoped it to be more than a discussion about economic development, more than a discussion about infill and more than a discussion about what the Valley’s problems are.

But I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of issues we as a Valley face.

The creatives in those town aren’t ready. They are talented, they are driven and they are successful, but they aren’t ready to compete on a national stage. They’re still waiting to be told what to do, how to affect change and what that change actually means.

Is it too late for us? Are we destined to solidify our reputation as a gay-hating, intellectually-inferior, immigrant-unfriendly megalopolis? I don’t think so, but it’s time we stop waiting for conferences before we get together.

It’s time we make mistakes. It’s time to lay down the bullshit. It’s time we stop taking things personally and debate ideas, not people.

We owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be in all facets of life. So, what are YOU going to do?

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