Tomorrow we get a fresh start, or at least a large-scale reminder of the fresh start that presents itself every day. The economic problems facing the U.S. and the world — credit shortages, weak industrial and consumer demand, and so many more — are significant. The scale and severity of these problems does not justify the myths that are being promoted about the causes of the problems, and the best solutions to them.

Rather than building myths, we must insist on honesty in ourselves, in our dealings with others, and from our representatives. We must acknowledge failures in order to restore clarity, and reward success properly in order to restore trust.

A few weeks ago I posted an item linking to a photo series about decaying conditions in Detroit. My point then was that, as tempting as it is blame all the social and economic problems relating to the auto industry on poor corporate management, there are a lot more causes and individuals at fault.

As a follow-up to that photo series, I recommend this article, which details the human role in accelerating and prolonging that decay, as well as the human implications of what has happened there: “Somewhere along the way, Detroit became our national ashtray, a safe place for everyone to stub out the butt of their jokes,” the author observes. That's part of the problem. If we value honesty as a virtue we have to apply it universally. Not just when it serves us, and not just when it's convenient but not an obstacle. We have to be honest about identifying the causes of problems like social decay in Detroit.

But it’s not just Detroit, as I stated in that earlier post. Pretending that this decay is solely the result of “the decline in manufacturing,” as many “fair trade” advocates argue, or that it will be solved by massive infrastructure investments, which is Washington’s ascendant economic message, ignores the role of human nature in social and economic policies, and of personal responsibility in addressing such failures.

What this article also makes clear is that economic decline and decay are not the result of singular decisions or policies. They are the result of widespread corruption and irresponsibility. It also makes clear that sensible people can avert catastrophe by acting as responsible individuals and citizens. Yes, it’s important to set aside agendas (as elected representatives frequently urge), but it would be even more effective to restore in us the core principles — honesty, of course, but also personal responsibility — that make it possible for people to live together in peace, and to prosper.

Detroit, and Michigan, no doubt, have had federal money available over the past several decades when this decay set in: how much more infrastructure spending is likely to convert the corrupt political leadership in that city and state, and reverse the dire trends now prevailing there? Is money really the problem, when the leaders there ignore the horrifying results of their failure to carry out their responsibilities dutifully? And, if the people of Detroit and Michigan have endured and endorsed this catastrophe for so long, what else but a complete failure is going to restore peace and prosperity there?

Things may be different in 2009. I honestly hope they will be, for everyone.