by Benjamin J. Kirby
So I'm obviously a day late and a buck short posting this, but I sincerely do hope you'll welcome my friend Laura Jane Cohen to the Spencerian. She already said a bunch of nice stuff about me -- mostly true -- so this is my chance to return the favor.
She and I worked together at the Parkinson's Action Network in D.C. for a few years. We spent a lot of time talking about the politics of our community in places like DC Coast over fish-bowl martinis. Or just gossiping.
To this day, it's still one of the best jobs I ever had, and she was a big part of making it such a great place to work.
Laura Jane, as you have seen already, is a gifted writer. She's also not afraid to tackle the big thing head-on.
She has a family whom I adore. Laura Jane was one of the first people I ever knew who got pregnant and left her job to raise her baby. Remember, this was Washington, DC: it's all about the gig. And so I have undying admiration for her when it comes to issues not just around her children and family, but all children and families.
So why did I ask LJ to contribute? All those reasons, which I happily told her when I asked her.
And one I didn't.
I try not to be prideful of too many things. You inevitably get shot down, brought back to earth, grounded in some way. But I am proud of the fact that, through a lot of hard work and practice, I know a thing or two about politics. I've developed some political awareness, some astuteness after years of working in federal and local government, non-profits, and campaigns -- not to mention reading endles non-fiction on the subject.
Laura Jane has as shrewd and savvy a political mind as I've ever encountered. Ever.
I, and most people I know, had to work -- and continue to work -- to fully understand the things that happen in politics each and every day, and why. Those things come naturally to Laura Jane.
Welcome her to the blog when you can, we'll read some more of her stuff when she submits it, and I think you'll see what I mean.
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