The fuss about the mid-term elections is dying down a bit. The country, in characteristic fashion, has to a great extent undone much of what it did during the last election. The Republican party has regained control of the House and gained a number of seats in the Senate. Government, politics and business as usual.
One of my law school classmates, Ben Quayle, was elected to Congress, following a successful legal and business career. And I find something about that inspiring. Perhaps it's because I know him and know that he is sincere in his beliefs. Or perhaps it's because he was a bit of an underdog who succeeded. But deep down inside, I think I'm inspired because I know he knows what he's doing. He did well at Vanderbilt, while mainitaining a very low profile as well as his humility. He's a smart guy and he knows what he believes. And that gives me hope for this country. It's pretty easy to be cynical about government and politics these days. But as long as we keep electing bright, principled and dedicated folks like my friend, there's hope for this country.
As I've blogged before, a law degree is excellent preparation for a variety of careers. And there is perhaps no better use for one than in the creating and passage of law. So I'm encouraged that our Congress has as its newest member (and probably one of its youngest) someone who understands, really understands what the law is about. And in a way, I don't really care what his politics are. I just take comfort in the fact that he will be involved in helping to set this country's agenda.
When I get on a plane, I hope to see a pilot who is quietly confident; someone who simply sets about fulfilling his obligations without a lot of fanfare. But I know that his training will serve him well, no matter what we might encounter on the flight. In the same way, I have hope for this country because many of our lawmakers are like my friend- well trained, well educated and dedicated to their obligations.
So, dear law student, as you wrestle with those cases and struggle with the vast and complex curriculum offered in law school, remember that some day you might be using this knowledge in extremely important and meaningful ways. I don't know whether my friend thought about politics when he was in law school. But he's there now. And I am confident that he will serve this country well.
One of my law school classmates, Ben Quayle, was elected to Congress, following a successful legal and business career. And I find something about that inspiring. Perhaps it's because I know him and know that he is sincere in his beliefs. Or perhaps it's because he was a bit of an underdog who succeeded. But deep down inside, I think I'm inspired because I know he knows what he's doing. He did well at Vanderbilt, while mainitaining a very low profile as well as his humility. He's a smart guy and he knows what he believes. And that gives me hope for this country. It's pretty easy to be cynical about government and politics these days. But as long as we keep electing bright, principled and dedicated folks like my friend, there's hope for this country.
As I've blogged before, a law degree is excellent preparation for a variety of careers. And there is perhaps no better use for one than in the creating and passage of law. So I'm encouraged that our Congress has as its newest member (and probably one of its youngest) someone who understands, really understands what the law is about. And in a way, I don't really care what his politics are. I just take comfort in the fact that he will be involved in helping to set this country's agenda.
When I get on a plane, I hope to see a pilot who is quietly confident; someone who simply sets about fulfilling his obligations without a lot of fanfare. But I know that his training will serve him well, no matter what we might encounter on the flight. In the same way, I have hope for this country because many of our lawmakers are like my friend- well trained, well educated and dedicated to their obligations.
So, dear law student, as you wrestle with those cases and struggle with the vast and complex curriculum offered in law school, remember that some day you might be using this knowledge in extremely important and meaningful ways. I don't know whether my friend thought about politics when he was in law school. But he's there now. And I am confident that he will serve this country well.
