Q: I am really appalled at your cynical, patronizing and unkind “advice” to a professional lobbyist in the previous BLOG. The Lobbyist characterized us as "ideological" because we were unwilling to set aside their vision of setting up a statewide program for a pilot in four communities that “happened” to be in the districts of four legislative leaders. In our view this was NOT one of those infamous “Hero Opportunities” but an abuse of power and pork barrel politics of the worst sort. I’m afraid our lobbyist was too quick to advise us to “cut a deal” instead of pushing a little longer to get the whole thing. I would rather you post this as a question rather than it getting lost in a BLOG comment.
A. Please be patient with the editing of your question and the phrasing of this answer, Hecate is being careful to protect you and your organization from wrath of some short tempered and thin skinned legislative leaders who might take some offense at some of your comments. Let me tell you about two of the legislative leaders you named in your email. They were willing to champion your idea because it has real possibilities for helping constituents in their district. Having a great deal of experience in the state capital, they also know that even the most exciting and innovative program idea needs to be started up carefully in order to demonstrate and measure outcomes in selected diverse areas before the state can (or should) make a significant investment or undertake a major reorganization. It would be a pity if the leaders figured out that you were the one who sent in a pejorative comment accusing them of pork barrel politics and abuse of power. All they were doing was working you into a time tested and sensible process for making your vision come true. My advice is to start now to get into the next budget. I bet your lobbyist can explain away your reluctance to “cut a deal” as naiveté and I trust you can put together at least four public Hero Events for your legislative champions next spring.
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.
