When very young my first introduction to the people, rivers, and ducks of China came from “The Story of Ping.” It became one of my favorites.
My dad used to say that children’s constant questions are their 400 little tugs each day, trying to get the world inside their heads. But some of his responses to my stream of questions was just, “That’s the way ducks do.”
I always associated his line with Ping. Though I looked, I can’t find it there now. But it’s still useful.
When a little older my definition of “president” was Franklin Roosevelt. “The way presidents do” was, for me, what FDR did.
For Iowa’s children in their early teens, their definition of “governor” is Gov. Kim Reynolds. For them, whatever she says or does becomes, “That’s the way governors do.”
No, it’s not.
And her critics might be more successful showing Iowans what other governors can and are doing than focusing on what she shouldn’t be doing.
My exhibit: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
His impressive experience includes an economics major, law degree and practice, city government (city prosecutor), Washington legislature (four years), U.S. House (13 years), national government (regional director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), country’s longest serving governor (11 years), chair, Democratic Governors Association.
His latest “state of the state” address makes no mention of restrictions on how doctors can practice medicine, professional teachers can teach or the books librarians can provide. No efforts to make life more difficult for LGBTQ people. No increases in his executive power. No curtailing of access to public information for media and other Washingtonians. No refusal to hold press conferences. No cuts in support of the poor. No taxpayer-funded private and religious schools.
What has he accomplished or proposed? Some examples:
Human rights. “Housing is a Human Right” campaign (construction; zoning; $1 billion for homeless and affordable housing); public transportation. More access to health care; including immigrants’ and women’s rights. Reduced racial disparities. Marriage equality. Protection of LGBTQ rights. Paid family and medical leave.
Early childhood education and care. Schools provide students mental and educational support, and programs for those with special needs. Reformed criminal justice system. Suspension of executions. Marijuana single misdemeanor offenders pardoned.
Environment. Leading climate change action advocate. Conservation of wildlife habitat; protection for endangered species. Cleaner water and air.
Economy. Need-related college financial aid (boosted state’s economy). Increased minimum wage. Record low unemployment; 500,000 new jobs. A “Working Families Tax Credit” — rather than tax cuts for Washington’s wealthiest.
The result?
Washington has been ranked the best state in the U.S., second best for business and third best for workers and teachers. Similar to what Iowa’s ranking sometimes was under both Republican and Democratic former governors.
And that, dear Iowa children, “Is the way governors do!”
Nicholas Johnson wonders what Gov. Inslee will do next; it won’t be re-election. mailbox@nicholasjohnson.org
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