Edition: U.S. / Global

Small Steps to a Greater New York; Awards for Courage

Published: January 2, 1994

New Yorkers argue about everything. But as the campaign for City Hall showed, they don't disagree that the quality of life here has declined. With Rudolph W. Giuliani installed as Mayor, how can the social climate be improved? The Op-Ed page invited recommendations and proposals.

What this city needs most is freedom from the idea that democracy is nothing more than special-interest groups moving toward positions of power. Morale is the real medicine -- the spiritual fuel that will enable us to take on challenges together.

So besides moving against crime, poverty, inadequate public education, unemployment and bureaucratic hanky-panky, Mayor Giuliani would do well to create a symbol that speaks to the perpetual expression of human empathy. He should establish a monthly award for citizens and public servants who reach across race and all other lines to express their courage and commitment to urban civilization. They do these sorts of things daily, in every borough. The Mayor should constantly remind us of that; and he should remind the hysterical press, which hucksters so much alienation.

Appropriate fanfare recognizing this sort of heroism could give New York a badly needed second wind of morale.