Posted by: Bryce Cullinane in Untagged on Oct 25, 2009
(This article was written by Evan Beal and appeared originally on PoliticsUnder30.org)
When I arrived in Congressman Tom Perriello’s office I was reminded of the age-old fact: Congressmen are always late. We had an appointment for 4:30, but a swarm of visitors, meetings, and frantic staff, turned that 4:30 into a 6:00. Finally, when my turn came, he was already late for another vote. Seeing no time like the present, he took off for the floor with me in toe. Welcome to life in DC.
You were an Eagle Scout. What were the three most important lessons from that experience?
The first thing was the basic idea of self sufficiency. From the nights you had to spend in the woods, to the towers we had to build with ropes and lashing, we had to problem-solve and figure out how to do things we thought we couldn’t. As I went out to face challenges, whether it was in West Africa, Afghanistan, or other places, it gave me the basic sense that I have more ability than I might imagine to affect change; to accomplish something. I think that that’s something that has allowed me to think that I don’t have to accept the world as it is, I can think about how to make it better. The second thing is, of course, the motto “be prepared”. The essence of the motto is the idea that you can’t always control what opportunities are presented to you, but you can control whether you’re ready to make the most of them. The third one I would mention is the notion of service Boy Scouts gave me. I remember when I was a Scout back in the day, we went to what was then referred to as an “old person’s home”. I remember thinking that was going to be a real pain, but I wound up talking to these World War II vets who told me amazing stories about their experiences of war. I remember thinking it was one of the greatest afternoons I had ever spent.
When you prepared to campaign, what were the 3 three things you did?
The first thing I did was talk with my parents and family, to make sure they were up to the task of public life. Then I prayed. Lastly, I went out and listened to my constituents: to the business owners, the educators, and community leaders, and ask what would make a difference in their lives. I listened to these people and then asked myself if I could find solutions to the problems that affected them. I asked myself if my solutions could change lives for the better, and I found the answer was yes. I contemplated on how to create a competitive advantage for American enterprises, how to make security policies better, and how to find and utilize new energy sources, because the things we do today, our policies, are passed on like a torch from generation to generation.
Did your job as a national security consultant change your perspectives on America’s international role?
Yes.
How so?
Back home, foreign policy debates are usually reduced to two opinions: send more troops overseas, or bring back the troops. The reality, however, is quite different. There are many other influences and consequences to our actions abroad, so the question becomes not what do we do with our troops, but how do we create the best and safest international system. I also have seen that as a nation, we tend to dump every problem on our military, but as a national security consultant I have seen that often we need to be asking our local communities and private sector industries what they can do to help us abroad.
I noticed on your Facebook page that there’s a picture of you holding a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, so we can assume you’re not afraid of bugs. Is there anything you are afraid of?
The status quo. I truly believe that as a nation when we stop innovating, when we stop progressing, we start dying. You know, there’s the scene in the Shawshank Redemption where Andy says to Ellis that it comes down to 2 simple choices, “you either get busy living or you get busy dying”, well our Country is facing that decision right now. Our competitors aren’t sitting and waiting on the sidelines.
To win your seat, you had to beat a powerful Republican in a Republican district. How did you do it?
I feel I was much more comfortable with the internet, and using it as a resource and networking tool than my opponent. People also believed in my campaign, in my message, in what I was about and what I represented. I was bringing them this new style of politics and a new way of affecting change.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
At this point, I really don’t have spare time. I don’t get to exercise like I used to – being a Congressman is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, but I am trying to get in a run in the mornings. I like running by the monuments, it’s a great way to both boost your metabolism and get a better sense of all the history DC has to offer.
What is the most frustrating part of being a Representative and why?
I would say the partisanship. I came in here thinking there would be these great ideas coming from both sides of the aisle in this great dialogue, but that’s not the case. I wish it were different, because on the local level, I have grabbed some great ideas from Republicans I have talked to back home; one’s I have taken back to congress.
What piece of advice would you give to young people trying to start their political careers?
Follow your calling and go where you can do the most good. There’s plenty of places out there where you can make a difference. If you feel like being a Congressperson is where you can do the best work, go for it, but if you can do more good in the business or non-profit sectors, then do that. Photo credits here and here