Editor’s note: Thume Ruhe is chief executive officer of NC IDEA., an economic development organization.
DURHAM – I spent last year’s Labor Day weekend considering how we would continue to adapt to life during COVID. The 2020 Spring grant cycle had started “normally” (in person) but we were forced to finish it virtually. In so doing, we figured out how to continue the vital work of helping people start high impact companies. Last year’s Fall grant cycle was our first completely virtual cycle – from start to finish. Again, we figured things out like many other organizations did and got money out the door and founders helped.
The unanimous consensus however was that COVID made things much harder and that the impact is greater when we can collaborate in person. Helping one another, shoulder to shoulder, is better. The nation will see that, yet again, as communities start recovering from Ida’s recent path of destruction.
Thum Ruhe (NC IDEA photo)
I am stating the obvious to make a point about where we find ourselves a year later; kicking off yet another virtual grant cycle. Last Fall, COVID deaths were rising at a terrifying rate, whilst most of the world frantically waited for a vaccine that would offer protection and our best chance at conquering the pandemic. After all, we have a long history of responding to pandemics including Smallpox, Polio, Mumps and Measles. During these challenges, our better angels prevailed as large percentages (>90%) of the public understood the common good in getting vaccinated. And that is why today we don’t have thousands of disabled children, as was common with Polio.
We are now regrettably divided and suffering from the cynical machinations of various groups, foreign and domestic. Our dysfunctional body politic is weaponizing and monetizing public discord. It is resulting in self-inflicted harm that is impeding what historically was the great export of American Exceptionalism.
The Spanish-born American philosopher George Santayana is credited with writing: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Variations of his quote would later be spoken by Winston Churchill and Harry S. Truman, to inspire the populace to join in common causes. But that sense of community, civility, and civic responsibility feel like a quaint memory of America past; a sentiment that might have been captured in a Norman Rockwell painting.
Our collective unwillingness to find common ground, to serve the greater good, has significant and long-lasting consequences. Last Monday, we closed our Fall grant applications with a record number of submissions. This may reflect the historic number of new firms currently starting in the state and the great need these brave souls have in starting companies. We’ll make our best efforts to understand what this may portend, but this historic opportunity to make significant equitable economic advancement is being impeded because we have failed to rise above misinformation and dubious actors that seek to consolidate power through chaos.
If we are to accept a certain level of intolerance in this country, maybe it should be reserved for those that continue to divide us. Maybe we can take inspiration from entrepreneurs that don’t waste their time on divisive rhetoric but are united by the power of ideas. They are by nature optimists, and society benefits from their efforts. I just wish more people could be inspired by them to find the common ground that strengthens our nation. Until then, we will do what we can, with what we have, to help them lead our country back to healthier times.
(C) NC IDEA
