Locke Confirmed as Secretary of Commerce

Former Washington Governor Gary Locke was confirmed today as Secretary of Commerce after President Obama's first two choices withdrew themselves from consideration. Governor Locke was the first Chinese-American to become a state governor, serving from 1997 to 2005. I met Mr. Locke a decade ago while he was governor. He and his lovely wife came into the Waldenbooks at the Southcenter Mall in Seattle where I was working at the time. Mona Lee Locke was pregnant with their second child, Dylan, and had their two-year old, Emily, in tow. This must have been in early 1999, since Mona Lee was looking very pregnant at the time. She gave birth to Dylan in March of 1999. Their third child, Madeline, was born in 2004.

Gov. Locke came up to the counter while I racked my brain as to why he looked so familiar. When he handed me his credit card to pay for their book purchase, I read it and smiled at him. "No wonder you look so familiar." He laughed. Then I thanked him for the good job he was doing. Apparently politicians don't hear those two words a lot, that is, "thank you." He was a little taken aback but happy that someone had taken the time to acknowledge his efforts in a momentary exchange of basic humanity.

It's a shame to me that we are so hard on the very people who need us to support them, not by way of lip service, but by taking responsibility to be aware of what's going on in our communities and to remember to stop occasionally and say, "good job," even if we don't agree with them about everything. Sure, let them know what you would like to see happen that hasn't yet happened, but don't forget that they are human too and could do with a pat on the back now and then.

I realize there are crooked political figures, sometimes in very high places, but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't stop and thank the ones who are doing their best to move their communities forward. I, for one, think that Mr. Locke will be an asset to the Obama administration. Congratulations, Mr. Locke, on your commission as Secretary of Commerce. At least one person from your former constituency is behind you, cheering you on towards success at this next stage of your career.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008888361_aplockecommerce.html

Editor of AGNADL