When I was a child, what I wanted to do “when I grew up” was be President of the United States.
I read biographies of quite a few of the presidents; I think their stories connected with the take-responsibility, first-born, older-brother part of my personality.
Politics seemed exciting, especially from the vantage point of living in the country outside a rural small town, and focused on important decisions. In elementary school, my class took a field trip all the way to the state capital, and actually went into the state capitol building. I learned about state and national government; I knew the names of the governor and my representatives. I read about political history, and volunteered on political campaigns.
I got a Bachelor’s degree in political science, and was the president of my student body. I went to law school, practiced law, and got a Master’s degree in public policy and administration. I have been to more than half of the state capitol buildings in the United States. There was a time when I could not pass a newsstand or a newspaper dispenser without stopping to check the headlines. I loved CNN and C-SPAN. I enjoyed arguing about the issues and speculating about what was coming next.
While I still enjoy a good, energetic discussion, I am a lot less interested in what we consider politics now. There is an almost myopic focus on competition and the tactical aspect of public life now; it is almost as if no one really believes anyone is paying attention unless there is a dramatic fight. It is almost as if we do not really believe that anyone can understand and resolve the questions and issues that we face.
It may be that I am not really recovering at all; it may just be that what we call politics now does not make enough of a difference for a true mainliner like me. I spend my time and energy going deeper, searching for the exciting, important questions.
I want everyone to feel like I felt, going into the state capitol for the first time.
[ Image of Wisconsin Capitol by Aaron Patterson ]
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