Character Building Project Launches

It is fitting we launch the Character Building Project on St. Patrick’s Day. I dedicate this effort to the memory of my parents and Irish Catholic ancestors who brought to these shores their faith in God, family and country and passed traditional values down amidst their struggles of the great depression, a world war, financial and health challenges so that I could stand on their shoulders and have the opportunity to raise my family and pass those same values to my children and grandchildren. 

It is my hope the Character Building Project will take on a life of its own and that it will outlive all involved. In examining the character of our leaders, one examines one’s own life. In so doing, we all might pass onto to our children, grandchildren, colleagues and fellow citizens lessons of lives well spent. 

In the weeks and month’s ahead, I will offer observations about the characters I have known, share experiences of those in the political arena and invite a constructive dialogue how ordinary citizens might improve the character of our politics.