A Better World; J. Patrick

James C. Patrick A BETTER WORLD THERE is one sure way that you can help make the world a better place in 1979. This is to concentrate on improving yourself. Obviously a lot of people think they could improve the world by forcing their ideas on others. Springfield and Washington are full of such people people who want to compel others to do things their way. Every time you hear somebody say, uThere ought to be a law," they are actually saying, ~~People ought to be compelled do to things my way." In the final analysis, that is what politics is all about. It is a way of deciding who is going to exercise power over others-of deciding whose ideas shall prevail. It is undoubtedly true that some people have better ideas than others-at times. But at different times,· those Uothers" may have the better ideas. One problem with trying to force our ideas on others is that they have ideas of their own as to what they want to do and how they want to do it.

This is one way conflicts arise. When you concentrate on self-improvement, there is little risk of conflict. And you may even achieve the position where others will imitate your example voluntarily. How do you go about self-improvement? Well, that is for you to decide. One person might sign up for a class in some challenging subject. Others could begin an exercise program or start reading some mind-expanding material. Many could probably find guidance at a church or temple. Concentration. on self-improvement could both decrease the causes of conflict and produce better individuals. Then the world would be a better place, by that much, and 1979 a better year. I) Mr. Patrick holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale and has filled many lay offices as a churchman. A former chamber of commerce executive, he now is an officer in a group of small-town banks In illinois. The message here is from his broadcast of January 2, 1979 as a volunteer commentator, radio WSOY, Decatur, Illinois.

245 John Semmens DEREGULATION OF ~ TRUCKING WITH increasing frequency, regula tory matters have been entering into discussions of national economic policy, and for good rea son. As the nation has become more concerned with inflation and its im pact upon economic growth, any op tion which promises some hope of reducing the cost of providing basic services is a prime candidate for serious consideration. The potential cost savings that could be achieved through regula tory reform are substantial. All told, current government regulation of business is resulting in an annual burden of $100 billion. 1 The great bulk of this cost is caused by inef ficiencies imposed by regulatory constraints. These costs are not merely transfer payments. It is not as if the money is being shifted from Mr. Semmens Is an economist for the Arizona De partment of Transportation and Is studying for an advanced degree In business administration at Arizona State University.