My Leadership and Community “Holiday Wish List”

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, and holiday gift lists are taking shape, I thought this might be a nice time to put forth my “Leadership and Community Holiday Wish List.”

As I look around at issues we’re facing as a state, and as a country, its apparent even Santa would have a hard time straightening up the mess. Still, it can’t hurt to ask… so without further ado… here is what I hope Santa will deliver this Christmas:

1. An end to the gay marriage debate: Seriously, in this day and age can’t we just agree that people deserve equal rights no matter who they fall in love with? We seem to spend SO much time on this issue when there are so many other real problems we need to deal with. If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t marry someone who is gay. End of story.

2. Fewer flights out of Washington DC: When I hear a Rick Perry talk about how Congress should be a “part time job” and members should be required to spend more time in their districts, it makes my head hurt. If anything, Members of Congress should be required to spend MORE time in DC.

Not too long ago, members would bring their families to DC. They would spend quality time together, socializing outside of work.

Today members fly into the nation’s capital for a few days a week, and then take the earliest flight they can to get home “to their constituents.” They don’t know other members personally and definitely don’t know each others’ families.

Republicans and Democrats see either other as political labels, as opponents, as the enemy. How can you possibly collaborate and cooperate with someone you don’t know and don’t trust?

We need a sense of community in DC again. If you really have to fly home every few days to check the pulse of your constituents, you don’t know them well enough to begin with. They voted for you… now go and do the job they need you to do!

3. Come up with a Vikings Stadium plan (preferably in Minneapolis): Yes, I know… the Vikings are terrible this year. Yes, I know the state has serious budget issues (despite the rosier projections).

The fact is the Vikings are an important part of Minnesota. If we lose the team, it will be devastating to a lot of people. (see this story for ONE example: ) We will end up spending MORE to bring football back to our state.

Minnesota has always been able to find answers to difficult questions. This is another chance for us to show we can come together and get something done. Let’s do it! And then let’s move on and solve some even BIGGER issues!

4. The Wisdom to Invest in Children – As a state, and as a country, we can’t afford to forget that our most important legacy will be the future we leave for our children.
We don’t enhance future generations by cutting taxes for the rich.

Yes, I know it’s bad to leave huge debt for our kids, but if we simply cut our way to a balanced budget we won’t fulfill our promise as a country. We need to each put up our fair share to help our communities strive for greatness.

We need a collective mission, similar to our effort to launch the space program in the 1960s, but this time to plant a different kind of flag. How about a declaration that in the next ten years we will:

• Reduce the illiteracy rate to zero (You need to aim high! Kennedy didn’t call us to action to send a man NEAR the moon)
• Become number one in math/science
• Provide access to the best health care to ALL children
• Make sure NO child goes to bed hungry
• Give every child the opportunity for higher education/job training

Santa, I know I’m asking for a lot. But this is a season for dreaming. I know what we CAN be if we remember how to work together. Maybe a Christmas Miracle is just what we need to get us there.