Across the Aisle author inspires students
Former Congresswoman Jill Long Thompson visited campus to discuss her new book
Former Congresswoman and author Jill Long Thompson posed with Diane Dallis-Comentale, Ruth Lilly Dean of University Libraries, and several IU students who attended a lunch celebrating the release of her newly published IU Press book, Across the Aisle.
Jill Long Thompson’s inspiration to become a public servant started when she went with her mother to register people to vote.
From age six in rural Indiana to a lifetime spent as a public servant, former congresswoman Jill Long Thompson discussed what she learned during her time in the legislature, the value of public service and the vitality of bipartisanship in democracy during the celebration of her new book at Herman B Wells Library and the Indiana Memorial Union. Long Thompson's second book, Across the Aisle: Why Bipartisanship Works for America, was published by IU Press.
Long Thompson spent the day engaging with students, encouraging them, answering questions, and fostering dialogue over breakfast and lunch on November 7.
In a conversation-style interview with Lisa-Marie Napoli, Director of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) Program, Long Thompson discussed how having conversations, and being willing to listen to everybody’s perspective, was vital to not only her own career, but democracy itself.
“Not all conversations are going to go well, but keep at it,” Long Thompson said. “Democracy is worth it.”
Long Thompson shared a definition of democracy by J. Roland Pennock that emphasized the importance of ”liberty, equality, and fraternity” and the peak development of “human capacities." She noted how the way democracy is facilitated is just as important as the laws passed through it. And how it's not about one person getting their way, but people working together to move the nation forward.
It’s not democracy if people aren’t working together, she said. And she emphasized that the process isn’t always going to be easy. But by being bipartisan, and working across the aisle, public servants are able to get more done.
“Good minds don’t all think alike,” the author said, as she reinforced the value of institutions with people with diverse viewpoints.
She also discussed pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
The value of all Long Thompson said was not lost on the students who listened in on her conversation. Many approached the Former Congresswoman to get their copy of Across the Aisle signed, and others enjoyed a conversation with her over lunch at the Indiana Memorial Union.
Across The Aisle: Why Bipartisanship Works for America is available through IU Press. Read more on their website.
Contributors
Photography byEllie Pursley
Authored byTaylor Burnette
Railsback Fellow for Library Engagement