The people of Massachusetts finally deserve a governor who endows the unique ability to relate to the broad spectrum of the residents here. Of all the candidates, Deval Patrick is the only one who posses that ability to the fullest capacity. He personally understands and is able to identify with the widest range of residents. Deval Patricks genuine interest in peoples best interests, as well as his vast array of experiences, makes him the personable candidate and compelling choice for governor. Its time to look beyond the political rhetoric and determine what really makes Deval the ideal governor.
Its hard for us (consumers of the American political system) to know what the genuine article is when it comes to a politician. How do we know who is truly authentic? Which candidate truly has the commitment to better society? Understandably, we are weary of them kissing babies, shaking hands, and posing for next photo opportunity just to gain political favor.
Deval Patrick has shown that he has the lifelong commitment in helping others and that his intentions are real. For example, last May I attended a Deval Patrick fundraiser. As we all quieted down to hear Deval speak, we became mesmerized by the introduction given.
The speaker wove a story of an undergrad at Harvard who had partaken in a Roxbury reading and writing program for elementary school students. The 19-year old undergrad had written a letter to one of the young students, telling the student that he was inspired by the students personal story. This young student unexpectedly passed away as a teenager, and up until his death had kept the Harvard students letter tucked away in his desk. The undergrad was Deval and the woman sharing the story was the young students sister. The crowd stood silent, entranced by a tale of promise and hope given by such a young Deval.
As you can see, Deval has been the real deal and is the real dealnot just since entering the spotlight in the race for governor. Devals ability to motivate people shows he can relate to people, too.
Deval came from the impoverished Southside of Chicago, on A Better Chance Scholarship to Milton Academy. He was from a family where every third night he had to sleep on the floor because his family could not afford enough beds. Milton Academy gave Deval the tools he needed to pull himself out of the perilous cycle of poverty. The scholarship allowed Deval to travel as a Harvard undergrad to the Darfur region of Sudan, become an executive at Coca-Cola, and eventually fulfill the role as a Civil Rights Attorney for President Clinton. He epitomizes the realization that you cant pull yourself up by your bootstraps if you dont have boots in the first place. You have to be given opportunity in order to succeed.
Not only is this a compelling personification of the American Dream, it enhances Devals ability to lead. Devals exposure to the reality of so many different walks of life indicates that he understands the different struggles of different people.
If you are still unsure, consider this. Last January, while interning at headquarters in Charlestown the chaos of phones ringing, people running from department to department, and NECN in the background, I met this man from Dorchester who claimed he hadnt voted in “20 some-odd years.” We were both being trained for the upcoming season of caucuses. He told me that he went to “Street Corner University.” I was personally impressed that a man who had not been involved in politics had been inspired to work for Deval Patrick. This past September, I meet an 83-year old man from Sudbury who came out to help Deval on primary day. We were phonebanking this time, and I overheard him say that this was the first election he had every participated in because he felt so compelled to help Deval.
Deval has the extraordinary ability to motivate people and bring people together. Both the Roxbury and Sudbury residents took an afternoon to devote to Deval and participate in their first political campaign. From a larger perspective, Deval Patrick is able to stratify class lines and galvanize support from a large group of diverse people. From the Boston Brahmin to the blue-collar worker alike, Deval unites people and motivates them to work towards and hope for something better.
When you cast your vote on November 7th, look beyond the rhetoric and consider the character and substance of the candidate. This is a man who believes in a better Massachusetts. Join me in changing the way politics are done in the Commonwealth. Deval Patrick, Democrat for governor.
Nicely done! You’ve inspired me to do something similiar and submit it to my community newspaper.