News & Views from 465 California Street
The Final Screed
8
2010
Today marks my final column after three years of weekly dissertations. That’s 156 columns, or about 100,000 words.
Writers know sleepless nights and the midnight oil. Frankly, I’ll miss them both.
There is satisfaction in communicating a simple thought in writing – however difficult it can be at times. And there’s something gratifying about sending your thoughts out to be critiqued by the literate masses.
Am I inflating my vitae to call myself a columnist when no newspaper actually hired me? Will the résumé police unmask my inflated biography? Many readers simply thought I was buying the space – a blowhard’s advertorial.
That would be a plausible explanation in a day when novice politician Meg Whitman is spending tens of millions to become a public servant.
But readers know by now that I was really given the space by this newspaper’s owner.
Imagine if you could pretty much write anything you wanted in 650 words every seven days as long as it wasn’t X-rated or otherwise unfit for a family newspaper. In these angry times, there is plenty to rail about.
When it first came to light that I was given a free space to expound, the newspaper companies denied it and tried to claim that I was buying an ad. Reporters muttered into their monitors and editors braced for explosives.
You have to understand, this was before Willie Brown became a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle.
“How could an ex political consultant be given a free column in the daily paper?” astonished insiders pecked in emails.
My enemies cowered. The smartest immediately called to offer feigned congrats. A few editors and reporters got word to me that they were just doing their jobs when they commissioned tough stories on my career. It was nothing personal – just business.
My friends laughed out loud.
While the buzz got louder, I broke out in a cold sweat. My bluff had been called. Did I, in fact, have anything at all to say?
Yes, I did.
I wanted to say a lot of things, particularly about cynicism toward public service. I am an unabashed believer in social change through civic participation. That was my motivation for becoming a political campaign manager back in the 1970s.
And that’s why my real estate business, which I founded after leaving campaign management in 1995, has been heavily involved in both politics and philanthropy.
In his book, “Giving,” Bill Clinton extolled the work that nongovernmental organizations are doing globally to move the human race forward.
Paul Hawken’s “Blessed Unrest” chronicled the countless non-political movements for reform that groups of ordinary citizens initiate around the globe.
I finally got married 15 years ago after a lifetime as a bachelor and we now have two daughters. I prefer to believe that my family is living out some of the principles espoused by both Clinton and Hawken.
My wife, Janet, is currently a candidate for Supervisor in San Francisco. The first question she gets at forums usually comes from an incredulous citizen wondering why she wants the headache.
Her answer is that public service is still one of the best ways available to improve lives and change the world.
But politics isn’t the only way she is involved. Janet has spent the last two years helping to open a free health clinic with a national nonprofit called Volunteers in Medicine. In more than 70 such clinics across the country, retired doctors and nurses provide free care for working uninsured families.
I am still active in politics as a volunteer, donor and fundraiser. But I am also working with nonprofits. I recently spent many great years as President of the Board of Catholic Charities CYO, an experience I found richly rewarding.
So, if I may use my soapbox one last time, let me encourage you to do one thing: Volunteer for a candidate or a cause that you believe in. Whatever your ideology, don’t succumb to the cynicism that says we can’t achieve great things. Get involved.
Thank you for reading.
Comments (30)
Clint,
As a devoted reader I am sure going to miss your weekly scribes. It’s been one of my favorite places to come to engage in public discussion on important issues. While we don’t always agree, your column has been a forum for all to participate in what makes our democracy work…debate.
Kudos on a job well done! I will miss keeping you in line on Obama
Posted by: melinda maginn | June 8th, 2010 at 4:58 am
Well done, Clint … we’ll miss your columns out here in the hinterlands of the East Bay!
Posted by: Joe Fanucchi | June 8th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Clint
The pen is mightier than the sword especially when it motivates citizens to informed and compassionate action for social change to improve the lot of the many and to care for the indigent and poor.
We too will miss your weekly columns but I’m sure you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas on a weekly blog.
Thanks for the three years.
The Dells Family
Posted by: Steve Dells | June 8th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Clint–
Thanks for all of them, and especially this last.
Clay
Posted by: Clay Jackson | June 8th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Clint:
Thanks for the columns, for your commitment to public service and social justice and for your tenacious pursuit of something larger than ourselves.
Posted by: Jeff Bialik | June 8th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Encore!
Enjoyed every word . . . well, almost.
Posted by: Jerry Carroll | June 8th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I will continue to follow your blog and hope, after this very nasty campaign, you will talk about why campaigns have gone so negative. I’ve been wondering about this since Edmund G. Brown ran a spot noting that “an actor killed Lincoln.” Regan, the actor, won that election.
Posted by: Hersh Brown | June 8th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Will miss your thought provoking insights! Looked forward to Tuesdays! Since meeting you, I have become very involved in South County (my home area rather than Oakland) and it has been very rewarding! Your last words were very inspirational! Be Well and God Bless!
Posted by: Terry Roderick-Alderete | June 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hi Clint–
I have been a loyal reader and will miss the column. Thanks.
Ed S.
Posted by: Ed S. | June 8th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Hello Mr. O’Reilly,
First I better tell you that I’m a registered Republican, actually a RINO. When I first read your column in the Vacaville Reporter I thought, oh, a democrat operative, well, this will be interesting, so I read the first few with my morning coffee and while I may have disagreed with some of your thoughts, I generally thought, and still do, that you have (1) a talent for writing clearly and (2) expressing fact and philosophy, uncovering rumor and claims, very well. In brief, you kept my interest. I continued to disagree and agree and very frankly, I’m very disappointed that your column which I looked forward to is over. Bummer. I’m an older rascal, 72 in about two weeks, but I like to read a good factual argument, not political monologue. I’m in something of a quandary, as I suspect many of my RINO friends are; not much of a choice over on our side for governor. Heck, I’d vote for Arnold again. Jerry… don’t know. I remember him very well, sure liked his dad, and Reagan, as governor wasn’t my favorite. Reagan was in my book a better president than governor.
I’m starting to take up space so better stop. Mr. O’Reilly, I’m delighted that the Reporter had the good sense to sign you on. I wish you would continue. Put that into your “positive message” basket.
Roger A
Posted by: Roger A. | June 8th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Hi Clint,
I just wanted to say Thank you for all the years of great reading! I have really enjoyed your column and point of view on so many topics! I have cut out your column and posted it on my fridge several times to remind myself of important issues facing our community and world! I love today’s column because you are encouraging people to volunteer, and I have found that there are so many levels of volunteerism you can participate in. I have three young children and right now my focus is on them, I volunteer as the classroom mom, team mom, assistant coach, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it is so rewarding! I hope to continue volunteering in the community and maybe beyond as my children and I grow! Each week I have looked forward to reading your columns, they were informative, relevant, and written with a positive spin, I will miss them! One of my favorite columns was the one you wrote about the demise of Mervyn’s. Growing up in Pleasanton, Mervyn’s was a staple in my life for so many years, I have many memories of shopping there with my mom and grandma, and then shopping there with my own children. It was sad to see Mervyn’s close their doors forever, but your article gave me great insight into their past. I will always remember your words! Good luck in your future endeavors, I’m sure you will be very successful! Good luck to your wife as well, I hope she wins the supervisor position!
Sincerely,
Erin D
Posted by: Erin D. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Dear Mr. Reilly,
As a fellow alum of Dayton Elementary, I just want you to know that I am truly going to miss reading your column in Vacaville’s local newspaper – even if you weren’t paid to write it!
Thank goodness of online capabilities. I’ll have to pop your blog site onto my “favorites.”
Sue O
Posted by: Sue O. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Hi Clint,
Will miss your articles.
F. O’Neill
Posted by: F. O'Neill | June 8th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Dear Clint,
I will miss your unique columns in the Mercury News. You always had a refreshing and invigorating viewpoint. You are correct about cynicism toward public service. Fortunately God always sends a few valiant persons who aspire to the job. Are they hopeless optimists? No, just admirable people who hopefully believe in ” social change through civic participation.”
Good luck in the future. Congrats to Janet. Your daughters are sure to be civic leaders!
Hurrah!
Posted by: Yvonne | June 8th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Sorry this will be the last. I have been reading your column for the last couple of years and have appreciated your political insights and commentary.
I will try to check in on your blog,
Terry F
Posted by: Terry F. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Dear Mr. Reilly,
I am very sad to hear about your last column in the Mercury News. I have enjoyed reading the dissertations you wrote that I have a chance to read.
Like you, I believe, GOOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
ALL THE BEST.
Johnny C.
Posted by: Johnny C. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Dear Mr. Reilly:
I am a subscriber to the San Jose Mercury, one of the newspapers that carries your weekly column.
I want you to know how profoundly you will be missed by so many of us. Your column has been an inspiration to those that believe public service and politics is among the most noble of professions. The light you have brought to issues of public policy that concern all of us has been unmatched anywhere in the media, print or otherwise. You possess that rare ability to reduce an issue to it’s most basic core and explain it in a historical context that is so critical to full understanding.
I remain hopeful that you will emerge again in some other readily available format so that we all can continue to benefit from your insight and wisdom.
With much appreciation and thanks, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Bill R.
Posted by: Bill R. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Clint,
I enjoyed reading your informative and thoughtful column the past few years. I may even miss it! Thanks.
Best regards,
Mark T.
Posted by: Mark T. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I’ve enjoyed your column. If BANG had any sense they’d find a way to get you to continue it.
Best wishes, and THANKS. Frank B.
Posted by: Frank B. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I’m so sorry to read this was your last newspaper column. You didn’t say why. I really enjoyed reading your columns for many reasons; not least because we share much of the same background. I too grew up in San Leandro. Our family was good friends with Father McGinty and many of the priests from that era. We later moved to the Assumption parish and I went to high school at Bishop O’Dowd. I am still a practicing Catholic and have been involved in many of the Catholic sponsored charities over the years.
I see you will continue with an online column. I’m not much of a computer person so I’m not sure I’ll be following it but I wish you well.
Anyway, why is your paper column ending? Is it due to the eternal demise of the Newspaper? God forbid the day when newspapers cease to print.
Gayle B.
Posted by: Gayle B. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Clint,
I have enjoyed your articles!
I continue to beef up my obituary by helping ‘World Impact’ in Oakland and Santa Clara University’s raise athletic scholarships!
Best of luck to Janet!
Terry A.
Posted by: Terry A. | June 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Hello, Clint,
Since you’re soon to be ending your very interesting and informative columns, I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading them. Let’s hope today ends with Senator Boxer back in good standing!
You’ve been very eloquent in writing about your Catholic background and observations, about politics and subjects in general!
I’ll miss learning from your viewpoints and wisdom.
Sincerely, Nedra
Posted by: Nedra | June 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Read your farewell column in Contra Costa Times. Sorry to see you moving off the pages. Frankly, I thought your column was an improvement for the old Green Sheet (hundreds of years ago, under the aegis of Dean Lesher, the front and back page were green–horrible).
I appreciated your perspectives on the state’s political situation. I won’t say I always agreed with you, but any good reporter or columnist can’t expect that.
Good luck and I’ll continue to read you on line.
Posted by: John V. | June 9th, 2010 at 7:41 am
Clint,
I followed your Mercury News column with great interest over this past 3 years. I am sort of a live and let live conservative with more faith in markets which I guess puts us at polar opposites in our view of the world. I have found your columns to be always interesting, sometimes compelling, sometimes infuriating, never boring. Thanks for the view into your world, your take on policy and politics, your thoughts and on occasion the sensible idea.
I guess the MediaNews folks saw it is in their best interest to cede you the space so while I didn’t agree with much of what you wrote, I’ll defend your right to extort it from them to death.
Reading your column gave me a better understanding of the world we live in and for that, I thank you.
Donn K.
Posted by: Donn K. | June 9th, 2010 at 7:46 am
I wonder about the proper role of government in our lives. And, while I think we live in the greatest nation in the world, the seemingly inexorable increase in the role of government in our lives is ominous and threatens the essence of our human spirit and the meaning of our existence. So I find your column in today’s Contra Costa Times disturbing, because it appears that you and Janet (and perhaps a large fraction of U.S. citizens) view government as a means “to improve lives and change the world” and a mechanism to “achieve great things”. That’s not my view of the proper role of government. I would prefer a government that provides a stable and safe social and economic environment, but no more, no intrusions into my space. I wish to lead my own life. It’s my duty and my passion. To enable real progress, responsibility and opportunity at the individual level is essential. Without this individual vesting, the needed creative energy will not materialize. As government encroaches, by improving our lives, by changing the world, by achieving great things, it snuffs out our spirits and prevents real progress.
respectfully,
George D.
Posted by: George D. | June 9th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Thanks George D. for putting in to words something I’ve felt for some time! I too believe we’re way off point with politics and “public service” in this country. Achieving a stable and safe social and economic environment seems to be dead last on the public service agenda. Religion perpetuated self-righteousness prevents any true progress in our current form of government- with no end in sight.
Posted by: Adam G. | June 9th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Clint:
I’ve enjoyed reading your column in the Marin IJ for the past 3 years. You’ve done a good job discussing a variety of issues. Regardless of whether I’ve agreed with you, you’ve always provided an interesting and articulate opinion. I’m disappointed that your column is coming to an end. I’d be happy to send a letter to the editor of the IJ urging that they keep your column (perhaps moving it to the Sunday opinion page) if you’re interested in continuing it.
Best regards,
Ron A
Posted by: Ron A. | June 9th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Dear Mr. Reilly,
Disappointed that you won’t continue your column in the Merc. I’ve enjoyed them.
I notice that you will continue on line though.
Dianne
Posted by: Dianne | June 9th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Yeah, thanks a lot – in the past few years I have seen that paper go from a real newspaper to what it is now, and all the writers I respected but a couple, are gone.
Except for Scott, and Joe Rodriguez, the stuff I read, which I am sure no editor ever does, since the spelling and grammar give the impression that journalism is not the difficult department in college it used to be. Now I look forward to your column, written by someone who not only know the game, but used to be a player, and Male Call – take those away and all I have left to start my day is Sherman’s Lagoon, and Get Fuzzy – Bliss now and then. So, is your column going to be missed? It is by me, which I know isn’t much. But thanks anyway.
Posted by: Mike S. | June 9th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Clint,
I have really enjoyed your columns. They have been honest, insightful, relevant, and very well-written. I will miss reading them. Maybe you should keep writing the column as a blog and let us know where we can find it so we can follow it.
Posted by: Cynthia Bengier | June 11th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
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