Big Think

Question: What is your counsel?

Tommy Thompson: If I was a benevolent dictator, I would want America and Americans to understand this country and to get involved. This is our government. I have so much difficulty with those pessimists; you know, the backbenchers . . . the ones that are always criticizing and blaming everybody. This is their country and they’re part of it! Don’t sit on the sidelines! Get out and support a candidate! I don’t care who the candidate is. I hope it’s me. Learn how to vote, you know? Keep your kids in school! They can’t do well without doing that. You know, you have a civic responsibility. You brought that child into this world. And whether you’re married or not married, you have a responsibility. Make sure that child gets an education. And make sure that child stays in school. And you Mr. and Mrs. Citizen of America, you have a responsibility. Don’t blame somebody else for your mistakes and your problems. You have to fess up that you’re part of this creation and part of this world. And you have to learn how to vote. And you have to vote . . . you have to participate in this great country we call America. And the only way we can do it is by all of us being involved. And every single one of us have a stake in how our country’s perceived internationally; how our country is doing domestically; and how we’re gonna become energy independent; how we’re gonna clean up the environment; how we’re gonna improve education; how we’re gonna transform healthcare; how we’re gonna win the peace in Iraq; and how we’re gonna develop better international relations. And every single person has got a stake in making this happen. I liken those people, you know, that are always on the backbenches, always criticizing you and me Tommy, as individuals who get up in the morning and eat grapefruit and suck lemons all day. I want people, you know, with a passion of doing good, of making America, you know, better! And make yourself better in the process. You know, do what is necessary to improve yourself and your family. And do what is better to improve your city, your state, and your government. You’re there . . . You’re on the earth for a short period of time. Make your time mean something.

Recorded on: 7/6/07