The utility of pulpits and conference tables in public policy

One of the issues that those of us interested in public policy need to grapple with is the differences in utility between a pulpit and a conference table in the advancing new ideas. A pulpit is great for transmitting ideas but not very good to recognize the nuances between issues and positions. A conference table is a much better place for that.

But both sides of most debates in the public arena seem more intent on using the pulpit rather than the conference table. The pulpit degrades our public discourse and puts us in the unenviable position of not being able to search for the best kinds of solutions. Wasn't that why we formed our representative system in the first place? We'd be a lot closer to thinking out issues from Iraq to Immigration if our public officials just relied on a different piece of furniture.