May 26, 2016
Upper School Election Club was honored to host former Governor Arne Carlson at today’s lunchtime meeting. Gov. Carlson is the parent of an alumna, Jessica Carlson (Class of 2001). One third of the Upper School student body piled into Ms. Murr’s classroom and listened intently to his thoughts regarding the current state of U.S. politics.
He asked the students, “What is going to mark your lifetime? What are the issues you are going to face?” Students replied with the environment, our world’s constant state of war, the globalization of our economy, and Gov. Carlson added the loss of steady employment for the American population. He explained that these are the issues our presidential election should be addressing but is not.
“Campaigns should always be about one thing: the future,” Gov. Carlson said. “When we look back at this election, we are going to be packed with regret. I am not coming here as an unbiased observer. We are no longer elevating to any office our best and brightest. And we are going to pay the price for that.”
The students also had an opportunity to ask questions. They were poignant and indicated how politically engaged the Mounds Park Academy student body is.
Student: What do you see the moderate Republican Party looking like?
Gov. Carlson: The moderate Republican Party is and has been dead for quite a while.
Student: What has taken its place?
Gov. Carlson: The far right. In my day the Republicans had a conservative wing, but they had power houses running it. They were well versed and well read. Now you’ve got (politicians) who can do nothing but offer a slogan. The two people who came into this campaign with position papers were Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton. But to this date, they haven’t addressed public policy because they’re too busy responding to Trump. When you’re dealing with the far right, it’s a tough game.
Student: Where would you place yourself on the political spectrum? Would you still call yourself a Republican?
Gov. Carlson: Fair question. I’m not willing to be a Democrat based on their economic policies. But I firmly believe in the right to choose and the right to marry. I think it’s offensive to use government as a tool to impose religious beliefs.
Student: Do you believe our government will move away from the two party system?
Gov. Carlson: Our increasing diversity indicates that the answer is yes. But I can’t answer that. It’s an excellent question.
Student: Given your experience, who do you think will be elected president?
Gov. Carlson: I pray to God it’s Hillary. If it isn’t, God help us. I mean this most sincerely. We should be able to feel as though whoever wins, there will be competency in the office. Unfortunately, Trump contradicts himself every three sentences.
Student: I am a Republican with many of the same views as you. How do I get into politics?
Gov. Carlson: We need bright, capable people to get into politics. Let your own judgement guide you. Studying economics and the environment will serve you well. These things are critical.
Student: Would you advocate following the job market over doing what you love?
Gov. Carlson: Always go with your passion and you will have value if you are proficient in it.
Hosting Gov. Carlson was an honor for students and faculty alike. Katie Murr, Upper School social studies teacher shared, “Governor Carlson is one of my first political memories, so it was wonderful to hear him speak. I think he has an important message about compromise in a very partisan world.”
