January 2011 opened in Washington with 90-some individuals taking oaths of office as new Members of the 112th US Congress. Most were elected by voters frustrated and angry over the state of America, emotions that many new Members share; they are determined to "do something" about it. What that specific "something" is they don't quite seem to know.

Purple agrees there are many things America must do if it is to realize Ronald Reagan's vision of a "Shining City on a Hill." That goal was first stated in Colonial Governor-to-be John Winthrop's sermon aboard the Arbella in 1630. His words "That we shall be as a city on a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us" had Biblical roots.

Anger cannot create carefully crafted, difficult measures to cure the national ills that block that vision. During December Americans, whatever their religion, again celebrated a new beginning. Many pledged "to love our neighbors as ourselves." Now, seeking to redeem that pledge, we are beset by complex difficulties as divisive as any since the start of the Civil War 150 years ago:

· Economic - unemployment, debt and deficits;
· Environmental - oceans, energy and threatened climate change;
· Social - an aging population, immigration, inadequate education and culture clashes; and
· Security - terrorism and expensive and perhaps unwinnable wars.

These problems impact one another. Military costs increase financial stress. Poor education harms economic competitiveness, and hinders understanding of environmental threats and cultural differences. Ideology competes with science and arithmetic in setting public policies. All is overlaid with negative, partisan politics – a search for villains, and selfserving "solutions" benefiting interest groups at the expense of the common good, threatening the nation's well-being and respect for it as a world leader.

There is a better way. It calls for a vision, a "Dream" for America, and a plan to implement it. Ideally, our political system should produce this "Dream", engaging leaders from across the political spectrum. Sadly, current Congressional leaders, scarred by partisan warring, seem unable to work together collegially. In the past moderates from both parties sometimes banded together to craft compromises. Today few moderates remain in Congress, most having been ousted by party extremists.

America has many wise citizens and "think tanks," but none seem appropriate to address the broad spectrum of problems and sell solutions.

One group who might develop this "Dream" and implementation plan are the living US ex-Presidents - Carter, Clinton, and the two Bushes. Convened by President Obama and staffed by whatever experts the ex-Presidents choose, and properly introduced, it would be seen as an effort to break the ideological gridlock which entangles Congress. It would consider the nation's issues listed above, addressing their interrelationships, and exploring their origins, not to place blame, but to define problems so they can be solved. It could present options, and seek input from other nations. Its conclusions would form a framework for public policies and legislative implementation, changing the debate from a negative "whether" (to take action) to positives of "how" and "when."

If asked for ideas, Purple would propose an America dedicated to freedom and opportunity for all, embracing a spirit of brotherhood, compassion and service; an America respected internationally, a leader dedicated to peace and collegial endeavour.

That "Dream" America would be well educated, respecting science, its own history, and diverse cultures. It would be financially strong, maintaining a sustainable balance between current consumption and investment in the future. It would be environmentally responsible, avoiding harm to future generations. It would be compassionate, providing care for those in need, believing that the most fortunate among us should give the most back. It would listen to and work with other nations, while remaining militarily strong enough to protect its vital interests.

In short, it would become that "Shining City on a Hill."