Early in my school board service, the president of a national bank introduced a new program at one of our meetings. The bank’s mentorship program necessitated that elementary principals identify fifth grade students with the potential for academic success, but who lack confidence or support from their families. These students would be matched with adult mentors, and both parties had to meet together regularly through high school graduation. Upon successful graduation, each student would be guaranteed a four-year scholarship to any Arizona state university.

Wow! What an exciting opportunity for those from low-income families. I was so impressed I signed up to be a mentor, and in 2011, my “daughter” graduated from high school. Of course, by then the bank was long gone, and so was the scholarship. Yet, four years later, I held her college graduation party in my backyard, and she secured a job in state government. Today, she supervises a large government agency, while raising two children of her own.

Nice story, Sue. What’s your point? Like most of us, I tuned in to the debate for a while and was both disgusted and appalled. Over thirty lies from one, old, white man, and babble from a lackluster other old, white man. Washington is filled with aging leadership from the White House, to the Congress, to the Supreme Court. The cause? A serious lack of mentorship, a lack of passing the proverbial gauntlet to others. America needs young idealists who are committed to making things better and more sustainable, rather than engaging in a pissing contest to see who can build the biggest bomb. America needs communicators, not bullies. America needs collaborators and cooperators, not egotists. By the way, Theodore Roosevelt was 42 when he became President; John Kennedy was elected at 43.

While I could continue this blog for another 1,000 words, I’ve got to go. My “daughter” and her kids are coming to frolic in my pool, and I’ve got to add air to their inflatables, set up the high chair, and make this Madrina’s famous Mac and cheese!