The first time I saw my father, he was chained. Gone was the mirage of the invincible man, the man who would protect me once I found him. At the age of 12, I finally saw my father - in an orange jumpsuit, looking weak and vulnerable.
I tell people all the time, the status quo is so untenable to me. Like, literally, I have no patience for it.
We're not just designed just to work all day and run a rat race. We're designed to be in community, to volunteer, to vote, to raise our kids. And I think the more inputs and investments we can give in people to do those things, the better off we are as a community.
I harbor no illusion that government and elected office is a panacea for all of society's ills.
My father has taught me not to succumb to nihilism, and my mother has taught me the value of hard work and determination.
Growing up, when I'd throw out the trash, I'd toss it and dart because all the cats would come running. That's why I still don't like cats.