Since the topic of this conference is Social Economic Development and features distinct perspectives of practioners representing the Baha'i Faith, my experiences involving travel and accomodations may be worth considering.

As I write this, the signs of (economic) contraction and disintegration are evident. Leaving for Detroit Metro Airport on Wednesday a.m. after a winter storm left the Michigan Interstates snow-covered on 1 of the 3 lanes. In Ohio, the Fulton County roads had not been plowed. Seems as if government serves may be presently sacrificed in light of economic constraints - civic complaints of a lack of tax revenue due to unemployment seem to be everywhere.

Expecting large crowds at Detroit Metro, Atlanta and Orlando Airports at this holiday season, I was interested to see that such crowds were simply not there. Attending previous conferences in the past during this season usually resulted in large crowds of people and longer waits getting thru various airport stations - a marked contrast this year for sure.

Transportation shuttles also were just a little more in disrepair. Shuttle door handles broken, heaters out of adjustment and vehicle appearances presented an obvious visual of a lack of resources all the way around.

The general consensus from the Staff of the Rosen Hotel indicates that business is down. The hotel receptionist areas and restaurant staff seemed to be at minimal level but still offered excellent service. There are additional signs that things are different this year - Ice Machines commonly found on each floor level were not working, bathroom fixtures leaking, room climate control systems not functioning as engineered.

These pre-conference reflections are not intended to convey that people are not doing their jobs...or otherwise shirking their responibilities. On the contrary, all persons that I have encountered have shown great service and accomodation. These reflections are intended to convey what is presently happening; that things simply do not work as they used to - perhaps and maybe due to the present economic condition that we and the rest of the world now find ourselves in.

Social Economic Development is a term that I find quite important to this present situation. How does one make all of this somehow better...how does a person of (any) faith rebuild what we now have to sustainable foundations...what is required of people in this day? I am sure that these questions will be addressed during the conference.

JohnK