Ubiquitous
2024-08-10 02:05:02 UTC
As many of you know, my family has some long political roots. My dad, J
Eugene McAteer, was a San Francisco supervisor and state senator until
his untimely death at age 51.
I pursued the educational political route and was elected Nevada County
Superintendent of Schools for six- four-year terms. Our son, Gregory,
loves politics and thought that it also might be his passion.
A few years ago, I assisted him in securing a summer non-paid
internship with Senator Dianne Feinstein in her San Francisco office.
Feinsteins office was unable to have Gregory start in June but told
him that then-Attorney General Kamala Harris was looking for summer
interns.
While I have nothing against now-Senator Harris as she is a good orator
and has done some fine things while holding elective office, I believe,
however, how she treats her staff is as important as an individuals
legislative accomplishments. A persons character is probably one of
the most important attributes for someone wanting to obtain the office
of President.
Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar had drawn
scrutiny for her berating treatment of her staff. This particular flaw
by elected officials in dealing with common courtesy and respect toward
staff is something for which most people in this country have little
tolerance. Sure, the job is stressful and weve all dealt with an angry
boss in our lives but there is another side of Kamala Harris which the
general public does not know.
Gregory had an eye-opening experience in Kamala Harris office that
none of us expected. For his sake, the month could not pass quickly
enough. Needless to say, he was delighted to work in Feinsteins office
for the rest of the summer.
Four short episodes I would like to share of his month-long internship
for Kamala Harris:
Senator Harris vocally throws around F-bombs and other profanity
constantly in her berating of staff and others. The staff is in
complete fear of her and she uses her profanity throughout the day.
As Attorney General, Senator Harris instructed her entire staff to
stand every morning as she entered the office and say, Good Morning
General.
Never once during the month-long internship did Harris introduce
herself to our son (as he was only in an office with 20 paid employees)
and staff was too intimidated by her to introduce him. The only
acknowledgment was a form letter of thanks signed by Harris given to
him on his last day of service.
Gregory was also given instructions to never address Harris nor look
her in the eye as that privilege was only allowed to senior staff
members.
I dont know about you but this is not the workplace of someone who
respects her staff. For a woman of color to have employees stand when
she enters the room smacks of a bygone era that we, as Americans,
deplore and find demeaning. Furthermore, that she didnt show the
quality of leadership skills or even being a decent boss much less
the class to approach Gregory at least once during the month to say
Hi, Im Kamala Harris and I want to thank you for volunteering in my
office is really troubling. Finally, what is up with the dont look
her in the eye instruction? I know I wouldnt want to work in that
hostile environment!
I had Gregory read this piece before submitting it and he is willing to
put his own integrity on the line because the truth is important to
him. In fact, integrity and character are still virtues that can and
should be upheld in our politicians and politics; we just havent seen
them in a while.
--
Let's go Brandon!
Eugene McAteer, was a San Francisco supervisor and state senator until
his untimely death at age 51.
I pursued the educational political route and was elected Nevada County
Superintendent of Schools for six- four-year terms. Our son, Gregory,
loves politics and thought that it also might be his passion.
A few years ago, I assisted him in securing a summer non-paid
internship with Senator Dianne Feinstein in her San Francisco office.
Feinsteins office was unable to have Gregory start in June but told
him that then-Attorney General Kamala Harris was looking for summer
interns.
While I have nothing against now-Senator Harris as she is a good orator
and has done some fine things while holding elective office, I believe,
however, how she treats her staff is as important as an individuals
legislative accomplishments. A persons character is probably one of
the most important attributes for someone wanting to obtain the office
of President.
Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar had drawn
scrutiny for her berating treatment of her staff. This particular flaw
by elected officials in dealing with common courtesy and respect toward
staff is something for which most people in this country have little
tolerance. Sure, the job is stressful and weve all dealt with an angry
boss in our lives but there is another side of Kamala Harris which the
general public does not know.
Gregory had an eye-opening experience in Kamala Harris office that
none of us expected. For his sake, the month could not pass quickly
enough. Needless to say, he was delighted to work in Feinsteins office
for the rest of the summer.
Four short episodes I would like to share of his month-long internship
for Kamala Harris:
Senator Harris vocally throws around F-bombs and other profanity
constantly in her berating of staff and others. The staff is in
complete fear of her and she uses her profanity throughout the day.
As Attorney General, Senator Harris instructed her entire staff to
stand every morning as she entered the office and say, Good Morning
General.
Never once during the month-long internship did Harris introduce
herself to our son (as he was only in an office with 20 paid employees)
and staff was too intimidated by her to introduce him. The only
acknowledgment was a form letter of thanks signed by Harris given to
him on his last day of service.
Gregory was also given instructions to never address Harris nor look
her in the eye as that privilege was only allowed to senior staff
members.
I dont know about you but this is not the workplace of someone who
respects her staff. For a woman of color to have employees stand when
she enters the room smacks of a bygone era that we, as Americans,
deplore and find demeaning. Furthermore, that she didnt show the
quality of leadership skills or even being a decent boss much less
the class to approach Gregory at least once during the month to say
Hi, Im Kamala Harris and I want to thank you for volunteering in my
office is really troubling. Finally, what is up with the dont look
her in the eye instruction? I know I wouldnt want to work in that
hostile environment!
I had Gregory read this piece before submitting it and he is willing to
put his own integrity on the line because the truth is important to
him. In fact, integrity and character are still virtues that can and
should be upheld in our politicians and politics; we just havent seen
them in a while.
--
Let's go Brandon!