Partway Along the Path

Post #57

I started writing this post as I watched my State & Local Government students at Montgomery College take their final exam.  This year, as before, I grew quite fond of each student.  Most of them did not end up earning an A in the class; most are unlikely to pursue work in politics or government.  It is, however, a real privilege to get to know this talented and diverse group of young people for a few months as they continue to mature.

I look around the room, trying to conjecture what each might become.  What paths might they pursue?  Who will become parents and raise a family?  Who will finish their two-year program at Montgomery College?  Who will continue their education and complete their degree the Universities at Shady Grove or somewhere else?  Will any of my students go on to pursue graduate work in business, social work, the law, or other professions? 

Regardless of the career and personal paths each takes, I wonder what effect our class might have had on them.  I hope that this semester's many discussions of current events have given them a greater understanding of the world around them.  From budget cuts making classes unavailable to new laws regarding cell phone use, what government does impacts them directly. 

I hope that having our students role-play being a candidate, strategist, or reporter gave them a better understanding of electoral campaigns.  I hope that our discussions about advocacy and how individuals can make a difference will inspire them to speak out when they disagree with proposed government policies.  They should (they'd better!) have a fairly sophisticated understanding of how government makes budgetary decisions.  And, because the class was held in an era of scarcity, I hope they developed an appreciation for the vital role played by the nonprofit sector.  Finally, we spent significant time talking about ethics and the importance of perception, whether or not an action was in violation of a law.  I hope they carry these lessons into whatever they do.

My teaching colleague and I invested a considerable amount of time preparing for each class.  We leaned on a number of our friends and professional colleagues to share their knowledge by speaking to our students.  This semester, we got to know only a bit about these young people-- their jobs, family, and life struggles, but I think we connected with each of them.  I can only hope that – at the very least-- our students will become life-long voters who know that their voice can make a difference in our democracy.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  If you've ever taught young people, what sort of goals did you have for them?  Were you ever able to find out if they were realized?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#57) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.

Everyone Loves a Parade!

Post #56

This morning, the City of Rockville held its 66th annual Memorial Day parade.  It was a wonderful mix of veterans, public safety personnel, elected officials and candidates, floats, local civic organizations, music and dance.  As a long-time parade goer--and former member of the Maryland legislature--I used to worry that the presence of politicians might distract from the honor due our fallen heroes on this special day.   But I now I believe that the presence of candidates of every party and persuasion, all celebrating together, is a fitting testament to the both the pluralism and the unity that Americans have fought and died for over our nation’s history.

Today, as in the past, I worked my way along the route, greeting friends and neighbors.  The children are always so adorable in their red, white and blue outfits, waving their flags!  The community comes out to see the Cub Scouts, marching bands, and fire trucks.  It wasn’t the best time for lengthy issue-oriented conversations, but I was able to say quick ‘hellos’ to hundreds of people.  Today, I was offering my campaign stickers to kids and adults who wanted to wear them.  Everyone was in a good mood, happy to be enjoying a sunny day at the end of a successful Hometown Holidays in Rockville.

Only one parade observer chose to be belligerent and partisan as I made my way along the route today.   He was a Republican with many unkind things to say about all Democrats.  I firmly believe in his right to speak out and share his opinions in any appropriate forum.  Unfortunately, he chose to express them today in front of a large group of children which added a negative tone to an otherwise lovely day.  We reminded him that on this day, we are ALL Americans, and moved on to a more receptive audience.

There is much that divides us as a nation.  Whether it’s politics, religion, ethnicity, race, or beliefs on any number of issues, the United States has always been a patchwork of people with different backgrounds and values. It is what makes us special. Each year, on Memorial Day and Independence Day, I hope we can unite as a people to love and celebrate our country, and to honor those who have made America great.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you believe it’s important that there be times and events that transcend politics, such as when we pay our respects to those who have served (or are currently serving) our country?   Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#56) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.

School's Out for the Summer!

Post #55

Students of all ages are starting to wrap up their academic year and enjoy some time off.  But after the initial relief of finishing the spring semester, each young person must decide how to spend the weeks between now and the start of fall's classes.  I’m always disappointed when high school or college students shrug their shoulders indifferently when asked about their plans for the summer.  Those 10 weeks provide a lot of opportunities!

For many, the only option is a paying job-- assuming they can find one in the midst of the Great Recession.  Whether it’s to help defray tuition and living expenses in college or to help support one’s family, a summer job can be a vital source of income as well as good training for adult employment.  Other young people may be lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel with family or friends or even to spend some time at a summer camp.

If they do have free time, young people and their parents might give some thought to goals for the summer.  Has there been a book list assigned by a teacher or recommended by a guidance counselor or librarian?  Is there an opportunity to explore museums and galleries, taking in all the cultural gems our region has to offer?  Is there a chance to spend more active time outdoors, getting in shape and avoiding the growing (no pun intended) problem of childhood obesity?

Finally and perhaps most urgently, it would be great if our young people committed some time and energy to a cause dear to them-- something greater than themselves.  Devoting a few hours, days, or weeks to those less fortunate or an issue that affects the broader community would be an experience with long-lasting impact on our students... and on the people and causes they support.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  How have you tried to balance time off, travel; work; and community service or educational opportunities for your kids?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#55) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.

Mentors & Proteges

Post #54

The word “protégé” (from the French “protéger”- to protect) is defined as one who is protected or trained or whose career is furthered by a person of experience, prominence, or influence.  

During the course of this campaign, I have often made references to my many mentors.  Over my 30 years in politics and community service, I have been lucky to have received the generous counsel and wisdom of several amazingly bright and accomplished women and men.

When faced with competing job offers near the beginning of my career, I called a longtime political consultant and talked through which was the better path for me to pursue.

When deciding whether to run for the House of Delegates, it was a Methodist Minister, the founder of the Faith & Politics Institute, and a Member of Congress who provided me with the insight that enabled me to make that life-changing decision.

Eight years later, when I was struggling with the idea of not seeking re-election, I sought the counsel of a wise man and dear friend who had served in the House.

In each of these instances (and countless others, both small and large), I was blessed to be able to confide in wonderful people who were looking out for my best interests.  They knew me well and provided sage advice with no personal agenda or motivation.

Many people claim an intimacy or presumed closeness with people in public life.  It truly “takes a village” to nurture a successful leader.  I am fortunate to have the support of successful and trusted colleagues and friends who have helped me through personal and political struggles.  By having them as sounding boards, I am hopeful that I can be the very best person... and the very best leader and representative... that I can be.

I am honored by everyone who has helped protect and further my career over the years, and I am reminded, as I move forward, of the need to pass that protection on to others.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Have you had one or more mentors who have helped you make difficult decisions?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#54) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.

The “Other” Kagan

Post #53

In Shakespeare's “Romeo & Juliet”, the young couple is forbidden from falling in love because they come from different sides in an ancient family feud.  Chafing under the Capulet-Montague split that divides her from her lover, Juliet ponders philosophically:  “What’s in a name?”  For me in the past few weeks, a name has meant quite a lot!

As soon as President Obama nominated his brilliant Solicitor General, Elena Kagan, to the Supreme Court, the questions began:  Are we related?   Do I know her?  The answer to both questions is no.  And yet, it’s the nature of politics that her nomination and confirmation hearings will undoubtedly have an impact on my campaign.

First, I have been told that my alleged “name recognition” levels, normally low for most of us at the state level, will rise significantly.  People will believe that they've heard of me because the name “Kagan” will have been in the news a lot.

But an association with someone more famous can other effects, as well.  Any controversies that emerge in the course of her confirmation may, inadvertently, be ascribed to me in the minds of some voters.  I may have to spend some time and energy among the electorate this spring separating Elena Kagan’s positions from my own!

Of course, I’m proud to be associated--if only by surname--with such a qualified candidate.  I suspect that our views may be aligned in many areas, even though we are different people who have led very different careers.  Although we’ve both been involved in public policy, as a lawyer, she has of course worked in much greater depth in various areas of the law; whereas, unlike her, I’ve held public office.

Let's hope for timely, thorough, substantive, and respectful confirmation hearings.  My “Cousin Elena”... and our country... deserve nothing less. 

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you share a name with a celebrity?  Has it brought you pride, embarrassment or something in between?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#53) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.