As many of you know, my family has long political roots. My father, J Eugene McAteer, was a San Francisco Supervisor and State Senator until his untimely death at age 51.
I went the educational political route and was elected Nevada County Superintendent of Schools for six-four year terms. Our son Gregory loves politics and thought it might be his passion too.
A few years ago, I helped him land an unpaid summer internship with Senator Dianne Feinstein in her San Francisco office. Feinstein's office couldn't get Gregory to start in June, but told her then-Attorney General Kamala Harris was looking for summer interns.
While I have nothing against Senator Harris, as she is a good speaker and has done some good things while in elected office, I do believe, however, that how she treats her staff is as important as her legislative accomplishments. person A person's character is probably one of the most important attributes for someone who wants to become president.
Presidential candidate and US senator Amy Klobuchar had drawn scrutiny for her abusive treatment of her staff. This particular failure of elected officials to treat staff with common courtesy and respect is something most people in this country have little tolerance for. Sure, work is stressful and we've all dealt with an angry boss in our lives, but there's another side to Kamala Harris that the general public doesn't know about.
Gregory had an eye-opening experience in Kamala Harris' office that none of us expected. Thankfully, the month couldn't go by fast enough. Needless to say, I was excited to work in Feinstein's office for the rest of the summer.
Four short episodes I'd like to share from her month-long internship for Kamala Harris:
Senator Harris vocally drops “F-bombs” and other slurs constantly when berating staff and others. The staff are totally scared of her and use her profanity all day long.
As Attorney General, Senator Harris instructed her entire staff to stand up every morning as she entered the office and say, “Good morning General.”
Never once during the month-long internship did Harris introduce himself to our son (as he was only in an office with 20 paid employees) and the staff was too intimidated by her to introduce him. The only acknowledgment was a “thank you” form letter signed by Harris who gave him his last day of service.
Gregory was also instructed never to address Harris or look her in the eye, as this privilege was only allowed to senior staff members.
I don't know about you, but this is not the workplace of someone who respects their staff. For a woman of color to have staff standing when she enters the room smacks of a bygone era that we as Americans deplore and find demeaning. Also, that he didn't show the quality of leadership skills or even be a decent boss, let alone the “class” to approach Gregory at least once a month to say “Hi, I'm Kamala Harris and I want thank you for volunteering in my office” — is really worrying. What about the “don't look her in the eye” instruction? I wouldn't want to work in that hostile environment!”
I had Gregory read this piece before I submitted it and he is willing to put his own integrity on the line because the truth is important to him. Indeed, integrity and character are still virtues that can and must be maintained in our politicians and in politics; it's just that we haven't seen them in a while.
Terry McAteer is a member of The Union's Editorial Board. Their views are their own and do not represent the views of The Union or the members of its editorial board. Contact him at editboard@theunion.com.
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