With so many important debates going on at once, how does one ensure that his or her voice is heard? Some approach this matter with the notion that loud and dramatic expressions are the only voices that will be heard. This is most evident in the health care debate, where legislators’ town hall meetings famously have been disrupted by dramatic protesters, some who take the absurd stance of comparing President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler.

Although these individuals have found some success in that they have distracted the debate, it is difficult to measure their success in real terms. If their goal is to derail the conversation about how health care in the U.S. can be improved, then they have been somewhat successful, but beyond the scare tactics and the frantic fringe voices, what are they contributing to the debate?

If those who oppose elements of the plan being discussed do not have alternative ideas to add, then they forever will be in the role of distraction and our nation as a whole will not be able to make meaningful progress for anyone. On the other hand, if those who oppose what is proposed bring to the table different ideas and approaches to our shared problems, then there is an opportunity for respectful debate and the pursuit of mutually agreeable solutions.

The situation is quite similar in our state’s capitol as well as in our own communities. In Detroit, city employee unions have reacted to Mayor Dave Bing’s proposed cuts with much anger and protest, but have not offered many alternative solutions for providing services to a city that has lost much of its tax base.

Across the state people are expressing frustration and anger about the governor’s and the state Legislature’s inability to pass a balanced budget before the chaotic final hours of the fiscal year. Yet, when speaking with several representatives and senators this week, I kept hearing the same message: “Very few constituents are coming to us with ideas or solutions.” For every person that is offering solutions there are hundreds of detractors with little to offer except disapproval.

Perhaps the problem lies with some weak links in the democratic process. We have the power to elect people to represent our interests in the legislative process, but a minority of eligible voters actually show up to vote on Election Day. Most legislators are happy to meet with constituents to discuss their views, ideas and experiences, but how many people arrange for such conversations?

Perhaps this can best be summarized with two time-tested maxims: If you don’t vote, don’t complain; and if you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem. A healthy and functional democracy requires active participation at every stage. Our legislators are elected to represent our interests, but it is the responsibility of the citizenry to inform the legislator about their views and concerns. Equally, if we truly do aim to solve our shared problems, we also have the responsibility of contributing our ideas to the debates.

These same principles are true in businesses and other organizations. This is especially true here in Michigan, where the collapse of the automotive industry has taken a tremendous toll, even on industries that on the surface hardly seem related to cars. Our fates are undeniably tied and it will take contributions from all of the diverse elements of our society if we are to solve our collective problems.

Ryan Dinkgrave is a State News guest columnist and a public relations graduate student. Reach him at dinkgrave@gmail.com.