John,
Like many of you, I have a new graduate in the family.
As I reflect on what graduation means for students and their
families, I’d like to share some virtual commencement thoughts
with you and the young people who are crossing the milestone of
graduation from high school or college this year.
Whatever you decide to do with your life – strive to do
it well, and make a difference.
This may sound esoteric, but bear with me. Based on
everything known to science, this fragile blue planet of ours is
the only place in the entire universe that sustains intelligent
life. It only turned out that way because of myriad cosmic events
that aligned to create just the right conditions, in just the
right place, at just the right times. Now fast forward to our
parents, who had hundreds of millions of different genetic
combinations they could have produced in their children.
You and I beat some daunting odds just to exist.
Rather than feel insignificant in the face of such
vastness and statistical improbability, I find it very
meaningful. Here we are, by accident or design, keepers of this
one and only thread of life and humanity. If we appreciate what
we are part of, then whatever we choose to do with our lives, we
should be inspired to do it well. We should also want to do our
part in caring for this planet and the life it sustains. Our
lives are both an incredible opportunity and a special
responsibility.
I view my work in Congress in that context, especially
my efforts to confront climate change and protect our
environment. Whatever your passion, whatever professional or
academic path you choose, please think about this bigger picture
as you go forward – and make it count.
Even in big historic moments, change often comes
incrementally. So don’t give up.
This generation has the advantage of living through two
momentous presidencies – the intellectual, history-making Barack
Obama; and the extraordinarily narcissistic and reckless Donald
Trump. Within a few short years, Americans were whipsawed as
soaring ideals of racial reconciliation and social justice
crashed into the ugliness of racism, bigotry, vitriol and
violence.
You’ve seen how big things can change and then be undone
just as quickly. Progress is rarely a straight line. It spikes,
dips, and meanders. Never give up. And be patient. Because if you
keep pushing, the arc of the moral universe will, as Dr. Martin
Luther King famously said, bend toward justice.
Be a good steward of the Earth. We only have one.
But sometimes, you have to be impatient. With a looming,
existential threat like the climate crisis, winning slowly won’t
cut it – it’s the same thing as losing. There may have been a
time when my generation could have solved it incrementally, but
we failed to take those actions while we still could. Now it’s up
to your generation and mine to tackle this work together with
extreme urgency. Denial, procrastination or despair are not
options. Not if we care about sustaining the only known refuge of
intelligent life in the universe.
Starting right now, each of us must do whatever we can
to help eliminate carbon pollution and preserve a livable planet,
and we must sustain that effort for the rest of our lives.
Vote! Protect our democracy.
Having a democratic republic requires care and feeding.
Ours has lasted 245 years, but we learned on January 6th, 2021
how fragile it is. Democracy can be destroyed by the forces of
extremism, disinformation, division and violence – things that
were normalized and stoked during the Trump presidency. The
antidote to this ugliness that infects our political system and
public discourse is decent, thoughtful people like you staying
engaged and doing your part.
Your vote matters. American democracy is one of the best
things humanity ever created. Take care of it, and never take it
for granted.
When all else fails: Stand up and speak out.
In recent years, the radical conservative agenda has
taken aim at many of our core American values, as evidenced by
the recent attacks on women’s reproductive rights. This threat is
real and it's growing. When fundamental rights are threatened,
there’s no room for negotiation. We have come too far to let a
radical minority drag our nation backwards and I will do
everything possible to prevent that from happening.
When you are confronted with a clear moral challenge
where right and wrong are at stake, I hope you will stand up and
speak out.
Class of 2022, you know better than anyone that the
world can change overnight, so my final advice is to remember to
enjoy your life every day, including the things that matter most:
your family and true friends. Be advised that the years will
start passing faster as you get older, and before you know it
you'll be celebrating graduates of your own, and hopefully
reflecting on how your graduation set you on course for a
productive, purposeful and rewarding life.
Congratulations! We are all very proud of you.
Jared
P.S. My last bit of advice is a repeat: Vote! It really
matters. California’s primary election is June 7th and now is a
great time to mail in your ballot. I’ve got five opponents in my
reelection campaign for the 2nd Congressional District, so I need
your help and would be honored by your vote!
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Congressman Jared Huffman represents California's 2nd
District, which spans from the Golden Gate Bridge north to the
Oregon border. As a Democratic leader, Jared is committed to
protecting our environment, fighting for access to affordable
healthcare and equality for all Americans. Click here
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to support Jared's campaign with a contribution today, or sign
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