America, for all its many and well-documented flaws, can be pretty great. Only a few decades ago, the circumstances that made this photo possible would not have existed. There’s no way that someone like me would have gone to law school, found a job, and traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of a leadership training. And there’s no way that a black man with an exotic-sounding name would have been elected senator from a Midwestern state. But in this country, things are impossible until, one day, they’re not. Separate paths of hard work and serendipity led us to this brief encounter: two somewhat geeky lawyers who don’t look like most of the people around us. Two guys who could not have gotten to this moment in time without the support of so many others.
In President-elect Obama, I see elements of my own story writ much larger. His election also reminds me that I shouldn’t spend so much time believing the myth of my own outsider status. The future is here and I’m so excited to discover my place in it.
Image description: a February 2005 photo of me and then-Senator Obama taken in the tunnels under the Capitol building in Washington, DC. Obama is standing to my left in a charcoal suit, leaning forward slightly and smiling at the camera. I’m wearing a leather jacket over a shirt and tie, my facial expression entirely too serious.
What an awesome picture! I am sooo proud of both of you! You need to send him your resume along with this picture! You could do so much for us- yes you can!
xx
Pam
Beautiful!
I’m moved.
He didn’t try to kiss you on the forehead, right?
(Damn, I need to work on my collection of pictures with famous people… all I’ve got are soap opera stars I don’t even know the names of..)
You look kinda stoned. What a great photo to have! I wish I had taken it but lawyers usually avoid us artist types. Maybe now we can all get along (outside of Arkansas)!
Hi Mark,
Bruce Frank told me about your website and this would be a great way to get to know you better.
My son Matt Hopkins and I met you sometime ago. I’m hoping you can answer a couple of questions if not direct me to the resources I need. Question #1 In regards to Matt’s home care plan am I legally responsible to provide nursing care in the event a nurse cannot fill her/his shift? I’m legally his quardian. I’m working on trying to cut myself from being one of Matt’s caregivers. I’m ok with helping managing his care plan but I continue to work a 40 hour job plus I’m not getting any younger and finding I don’t have the energy I once had. Matt is 24 years old now. Question #2 Who do I contact in Wisconsin for any legal questions? Question #3 and this will be my last question what is your job title in Minnesota. I’m under the impression your a lawyer. Looking forward to your response. Thanks. Julie