Vitriol turns youth away from govt
With the temperature in the mid-90s most of that week, I sat in the cool Boston Public Libary in Copley Square or in my living room watching the entire confirmation hearings of federal Appeals Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court and the political commentary that was both inspiring and disappointing. Inspiring because I watched a brilliant Judge Kavanaugh answer the legal and political questions coming from both Democratic and Republican U.S. Senators with legal brilliance and public relations skill.
But how he answered questions about his personal life and experiences was what really impressed me. He answered each and every question like a good lawyer and an even better person. I had met Judge Kavanaugh at a Catholic social event in Washington years back, but was not aware of all his volunteer work on behalf of children and the needy in the Washington, D.C., area.
At the often contentious U.S. Senate Judiciary public hearing, several Democratic senators tried to engage him in petty partisan politics, but he constantly made it clear that while no person is above the law, no person is below the law. His commitment to his family, his Catholic faith, the homeless and needy children made it clear to all of us his priorities in life.
While I was deeply impressed with his values and intellect, it wasn’t until the next day that I realized the impact that Judge Kavanaugh could have on the young people of America.
While talking to a few young Boston College High School students and parents at the BCH-Mansfield High football game that Friday night, I asked them what they thought about what’s going on in politics today. Have they been following on TV all the partisan back and forth in Washington? Does it have any impact on your belief about our government? Does it discourage you or do you lose confidence when you hear all the negative and nasty personal attacks against one another?
One young student said, “Ambassador, people get turned off when they see all the political anger on TV, and many have given up on the system.” And they then hear adults say, “What’s the sense in voting, it turns young people against our government.”
Another student jumped in, “So, mayor, what do you think? What should we do?”
“First of all, giving up and not voting is the worst thing you can do,” I said. Get involved in civic affairs in your community. Let me give you an idea. You have concerned, great parents, outstanding teachers and administrators here today at B.C. High who could make a big contribution in creating a more accountable and honest government. One parent asked if I would tell them how to do that.
I thought later walking home from the game — I talk to great kids all over the city all the time with dedicated parents working hard for their children, along with local politicians who want to help families and set good examples. They deserve better than the circus they are seeing on TV coming out of our nation’s capital.