Q. Why is it that politicians (especially Governors) only respond to crisis? We've been collecting data and suggesting specific solutions to the problems in foster care for years especially about the lack of training and support for foster parents, and the only time our Governor pays attention is right after a scandal that involves a poorly trained, poorly supported and poorly supervised foster parent? And then he's only in the blame game.
A. I watched a Governor last year who ran for office promising to pursue her own aggressive agenda to reform this and reorganize that and to develop new ways to respond to old problems, and foster care was high on the list because she was a trained social worker. Within 3 months she was moaning and groaning that all she could do was respond to real and manufactured "crisis" created by people outside her office: other constitutional offices, the legislature, special interest groups and the media. "Why can't I just do the stuff I want to do?" Her chief of staff suggested that she might think about calling up the Commissioner and asking if he could find a crisis or two, and that was pretty good advice. Your job is to be there prepared to offer your specific, doable and timely solutions.
Who is Hecate?
Hecate is a Greek Goddess who served as a guide and coach at the crossroads of Hades, where after crossing the River Styx, Greek souls found themselves facing three choices: the Elysian Fields, abode of the great and heroic; the Fields of Asphodel, for all who had led a blameless but ordinary life; or to Tartarus, a sunless land of punishment for criminals.
Hecate's best known role in Greek mythology was guiding Persephone, the goddess of spring, on her annual journeys between Hades and Earth. In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Hecate is portrayed as a nurturing and protective guide for Persephone on those annual journeys.
