David MartinIn a column the other week, I noted I used to intern in Washington, D.C. In response to that brief reference, I had a couple of friends reach out and tell me they never knew that about my past.
I don’t mention it much anymore because, I suppose, that experience is slipping farther back in the rearview mirror. But I do reckon it is worth bringing up now and again, as the man I interned for back then, U.S. Rep. John “Jimmy” Duncan Jr., left a lasting imprint on my political views, particularly when it comes to what I consider as the proper role of American government.
I may not agree with him on every matter, but I’ll always share Congressman Duncan’s small-government philosophy. On more than one occasion, I’ve heard the man quote Ronald Reagan’s quip, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”
Jimmy’s son, John, is a lifelong friend of mine, and my memories, especially from middle school through my college career, are peppered heavily with hilarious (mis)adventures with him. To this day, one of his lines that I regularly steal – I mean “borrow” – is when I’ll tell someone in parting, “You’re a great American.”
It always, and I mean always, ends a conversation on a good note. Because really, who born in this country doesn’t like to think that they’re a great American? I can’t think of a single person I’ve ever met in the good old U.S. of A. who wouldn’t take that as a compliment.