A Letter from Washington
Mark Coopersmith
Accelerating the "How To" of Entrepreneurship & Innovation @ UC Berkeley & Globally: Educator, Author, Speaker, Investor, Advisor, Serial Entrepreneur
A couple of weeks ago my wife Lori and I were on an international trip, connecting through Washington Dulles, and our flight was delayed 24 hours due to a mechanical problem.
Suddenly we had an open day in Washington DC. ?It was a beautiful fall day, and we headed to the Capital Mall where walked from one end to the other (all 25,000 steps, as my phone reminded me).
Each site provided its own meaningful reminder of the principles upon which our great nation was founded, and the sacrifices made by so many to support this ongoing experiment in our own unique, messy version of democracy.
A quote on the Korean Memorial particularly resonated with me: “Freedom is not Free.” ?
I was struck by the amount of personal reflection and emotion this day inspired.? Pride in our nation.? Respect for the vision of our founding fathers.? Gratitude for the sacrifices of so many over the past 250 years. Wonder at the ?amazing opportunities our country has provided for so many, whether they were born here or journeyed and settled here. And a reminder we are a nation of immigrants, as were my grandparents and great grandparents.
I have always found the term “American Exceptionalism” to be somewhat unapproachable and arrogant.? But this day – especially against the backdrop of a divided nation at home, and conflicts and threats around the world – I felt a newfound appreciation for what we do/should/can stand for as a country.? Pride in being an American. And hope that we might "right this ship," as so many of our fellow citizens feel our country is on the wrong course.
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The results of yesterday's election were not what I had hoped or expected. The outcome challenges my ability to make sense of the world. Many of us are shaken to the core, seeking to comprehend this new reality. But rather than dwell on division and anger and our own feelings of trauma, now is the time to offer compassion and understanding, to seek our own insights as how something like this could happen and why so many of our fellow citizens - of whatever party - feel so disenfranchised. Optimism and hope are choices we get to make as we move forward. both individually and as communities.
These are times that test us. But as I think back on that beautiful fall day in Washington DC, I know we are up to the challenge. America - the nation and the concept - depends on it.
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Happily Retired from Fannie Mae
3 个月Thanks for your hopeful reminder. It was just what I needed, especially as a DC resident who sometimes forgets how important these memorials are to our nation’s values.
Helping organizations realize their potential by aligning execution with vision.
3 个月Mark, after a long period as a green card holder I became a US Citizen in 2021 - this was my first presidential election where I was able to vote. As an immigrant, I respect the opportunity presented by the U.S., and will do what it takes to ensure that it's promise continues for others. Your post was well articulated and timely.
WSJ best-selling author; faculty member at UC Berkeley-Haas & formerly Princeton; popular speaker; advisor to executives & teams worldwide
3 个月Timely sentiment. Nobody can "Make America Great Again" by Making America Hate Again.
Founder and CEO @ Volition Partners | Strategic & Organizational Development
3 个月Well said, Mark. This is the message and sentiment we need right now
Strategy, Supply Chain Management at Equinor
3 个月Nice to see you Professor Mark after a long time ?? It is always fascinating to read your articles and follow your wisdom. My best wishes from the other side of Atlantic ???? let’s hope for the best ????