Remembering Sarge

R. Sargent Shriver
 November 9, 1915 – January 18, 2011

I first met Sargent Shriver in September, 1975, during his all too brief run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew he was the founder of the Peace Corps, waged a War Against Poverty, was Ambassador to France, ran for Vice President on the McGovern ticket in 1972 and was a Kennedy in-law. How quickly I discovered that the totality of Sargent Shriver was so much greater than the sum of all the individual parts. His intelligence, moral vision, compassion, exuberance and idealism were quite unlike anything I had ever encountered. I also realized that if America was ever smart enough to elect Sargent Shriver to its highest office how different and how much better we as a society would be.

It was because of Sargent Shriver and my relationship with him that I have devoted my life to the fight for greater social and economic justice for all Americans. Throughout the years I kept in close contact with Sarge as I participated in many legislative and political battles to keep the Shriver vision of America alive; a vision which, because of Shriver, has become my own. Of the thousands of hours I spent working with a sometimes hostile Congress, I must admit that my most enjoyable experiences were the three or four times a year that Sarge would join me for a day of walking the halls of Congress and visiting its members. I was always struck, not only by the warm affection members of both parties felt for Shriver, but also by how much they needed him to reinforce their will and determination to fight for those less fortunate.

Many times, old Congressional allies would want to relive past glories and previous battles. Sarge would, of course, listen intently, make an insightful and often times amusing comment, but just as quickly he would turn the discussion into how much more we should and could do to provide economic and social opportunities to all. I was always sorry when the day ended but, just as Shriver had done for those we had encountered,  he always bolstered my determination to carry on “ the good fight”.

America today is caught up in a great debate about the role of government and by extension what its responsibilities are to the poor and disadvantaged. I am saddened that Sarge is not here to join in this fight. He would have relished it, and undoubtedly his vision and his beliefs would have triumphed at the end of the day.

Sarge often told me how lucky he felt in life’s assignments given to him. Whether it was the Peace Corps, the War Against Poverty or the Special Olympics he felt it was truly “a gift from God” that he had been given a chance to help so many people. Lucky he was. But how fortunate we as a nation were to have a public servant the likes of Sargent Shriver.

We mourn the passing of Sargent Shriver, but it is wise to take comfort in the fact that because of Sargent Shriver, America and, indeed, much of the world is a better place. The legacy of Sargent Shriver, this visionary, this remarkable individual, will endure forever.

I’ll miss you Mr. Shriver.

A Troubling New Reality

Gabrielle Giffords- I've met her just a few times. I've always found her to be impressive-smart, obviously a hard worker, a leader, well liked by her peers, and bipartisan.  Exactly the kind of individual we want to serve in congress.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by this tragedy.

The events last Saturday bring home and awful fact of life.  The number of threats against Members of Congress- Democrats and Republicans alike- frightening.  I don't know when the threats started to spike- perhaps in 2008-  but it is another very troubling development in our country's civic life.  I really hope this is a moment in which the vitriol in our public discourse is toned down.  I fear, however, it is just a pause and the coarseness of our political life will return in the not too distant future.

Reading Time Well Spent Over the Holiday

I received a number of books for Christmas, one of which was Unbroken,  by Laura Hillenbrand.  It is the true story of one man’s perseverance and faith during World War II and pretty much his entire life. 

Hillenbrand is quite an author.  She also wrote the novel Seabiscuit, which was of course an absolutely terrific book.  Her own story is inspiring as well. 

I recommend Unbroken; it is motivational and inspirational. I am actively seeking an opportunity to someday meet Hillenbrand and thank her for providing chapters in history that most of us would never have had the opportunity to learn.

Day One of the 112th Congress

I spent yesterday, the first day of the 112th Congress, in meetings, receptions and, it seemed to me, pep rallies with almost a dozen members of Congress, both veterans and newly elected members on both sides of the aisle. Usually I try to avoid these events at the beginning of the session- too partisan, too time consuming, and too many calories- but I wanted to see some of our friends such as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Patty Murray, and outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I also really wanted to meet some new members who I have never met and my only knowledge of their governing philosophy was what I had gleaned through the political kaleidoscope.  Overall, I really found the new crop of legislators to be impressive, sincere and motivated to do what they believe is the right thing for the country.

I like new Speaker John Boehner. He is a decent, honorable fellow. I enjoyed his acceptance speech, it was terrific. He will soon be tested by not only Democrats, but some of the 85 newly elected House Republicans. He has a very tough job ahead.

However, after spending the day listening to so much political rhetoric, I came back to the question in my head that won’t go away. I ask it of myself everyday, many times a day: will  members of Congress ever be inclined to reach across party lines and truly work in a bipartisan fashion? It is a question that remains unanswered. Yesterday provided very little hope.

A lot of calls and emails have been coming in to me concerning LIHEAP funding or, more specifically, lack of funding. I’ve raised the issue at the very highest levels of Congress, both parties; we are on the case. I do think the administration is hard at work on clarifying the LIHEAP language contained in the latest CR and I am optimistic we will see a release of funds very, very soon.

But I am troubled by the current politics surrounding LIHEAP. Some LIHEAP advocates have been critical of Senate Labor-HHS appropriations Chair Harkin for the lower LIHEAP funding this year vs. last year. It is misplaced blame. I know first hand, including as of yesterday that Harkin is fighting for every LIHEAP dollar possible. The fact that the current CR added LIHEAP dollars is a testament to Harkins, (and Obey’s) leadership. The omnibus appropriations bill that couldn’t clear the Senate would have provided another $1 billion in funding.

But perhaps what is most disturbing is the suggestion that somehow we let House Republicans know about the shortage of LIHEAP dollars so that they “can criticize the Administration's incompetence!" That has been suggested to me on more than one occasion.

If the day ever comes that we use our programs and most importantly the millions of people who depend on them in such a partisan way, that will be the day to call it a career and move on to bigger opportunities in baseball.