Watching the early stages of the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake may offer some lessons for the paranoid among us. In my time on the radio and in various speaking engagements I have frequently encountered Americans who believe their government is planning to subjugate them. They offer as evidence press releases about contingency operations plans for potential disasters in our country which include the military. I have some knowledge of those plans, given not only my background but the fact one of my old units is a key component of those plans.

The fact is when a disaster strikes, be it natural or man made, the time has long past to ask, "What should we do in those circumstances?" Those plans must already be in place and equipment and supplies stockpiled so the various agencies can react immediately.

What you see moving towards Haiti is a result of that sort of contingency planning and the capability of the military to move into a situation and bring order to chaos. I pray that unlike Katrina, those in charge of those plans have been both competent and thorough and the resources allocated to them are equal to the task.

Let’s hope the planning, execution and resource allocations are equally robust should there be a natural or man made disaster in our own country. Should one of those disasters occur, we will be exceedingly glad those contingency plans exist if they work—and mad as hell if they don’t.

Finally, let’s all offer our prayers and support to help those in need.

Last week I wrote about the book and movie The Blind Side. My belief is this story of how football evolved to be a better game is a metaphor for how our politics can be better, too. I want to continue that discussion with you.

During my work life in the military and private industry at all levels I have seen numerous examples (at both low and high levels) of how relatively minor changes to the rules for how things are done can have a huge impact on the improvement of an organization’s functions and results. The Blind Side is one of the best documented examples I’ve ever seen of this phenomenon.

Usually those changes involve overcoming the objections of traditionalists who have a vested interest in seeing things remain as they are. What usually happens is a few clear eyed seers come into a position of authority with a vision for change and take the actions needed. Once people see the results, the attitude becomes, "Why didn’t we do it this way sooner?" The answer is obstinate people with turf to protect fail to appreciate what could be in favor of what is and delay the change for as long as they can.

My hope is if you can appreciate the story of The Blind Side then you can appreciate the parallels applied to other situations, as well.

Last week I noted two changes to the rules for pro football that profoundly changed the game. People have a variety of reasons for watching football. Some watch for the violence. Others watch for the acrobatic athleticism. Some watch for the matching of wits via strategy, the X’s and O’s, if you will. Others watch for a combination of these and other factors. When allowing blockers to use their hands and not allowing contact with receivers five yards beyond the line of scrimmage was proposed, the purists who only watched the game for the macho violence objected. The purists wanted defense to retain superiority over the offense. But those with vision in a position of authority saw a larger audience was needed to make more money and they approved the new rules.

But one other change was needed to really change the pro football marketplace. That change was the coming of free agency for players. Suddenly players were no longer locked into playing for just one team throughout their career. Applying the rules of economics, when the need for a product is high, but the availability of that product is scarce, the price for that product goes up. And so, the price (salary offers) to left tackles who could and would protect the blind side of a quarterback went up and up and up.

Compare the teachings of The Blind Side to our recent and continuing health care debate. Realize that, at its core, . . .

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