CHESTERTOWN, MD—Speaking at the George Washington’s Birthday Convocation ceremony February 20 at Washington College, Maryland Congressman John Delaney said he’s optimistic about America’s future and encouraged the students in the audience, including the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa, to participate in the public process. 

Citing George Washington’s farewell warning about the danger of political parties serving their own interests over the common good, he said the facts favor the optimist and the United States is “incredibly well positioned; the only thing that gets in the way is the partisanship that exists now in the body I serve.” Ideas are what really matter, he continued, and there are good ideas on both sides of the aisle. “But our elected officials are not embracing the best ideas on both sides to advance the common good.” 

Watch an excerpt of Delaney’s comments on partisanship here:  http://youtu.be/TKTplwqT4EU 

The Congressman, who represents Maryland’s Sixth District, also spoke to the value of the liberal arts in producing graduates capable of adapting to the world as it changes. Delaney, a graduate of Columbia University, said policy makers need to shine the light on the liberal arts for the way they teach students how to think analytically and critically, communicate effectively, and reason in an ethical manner. 

See excerpts from his comments on education here: http://youtu.be/dqinK2z35L0