The Forum's Capitol correspondent Janell Cole's column June 22 featured my re-entry into politics and my exploration of running for the Democratic nomination for governor of North Dakota.
I regret that Cole didn't include the Goethe quotation that I have been using as I meet with North Dakotans about the future of our state. The quote is:
"Anything you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Goethe (1749-1832)
In my mind, Goethe's compelling directive to each one of us -- activist, entrepreneur, dreamer, people of all ages and persuasions -- is a critically important message that our state and its people need to embrace as a starting point in determining our future and enriching our cultural and economic well being.
In defense of my sense of humor I need to inform Cole and your readers that I am a fan of Garrison Keillor and have come to believe, perhaps falsely, that Norwegian men from small pastoral towns are humorous in themselves and don't need the pretense of a joke in order to get a laugh.
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In the event that my Lake Wobegon-induced attitudes about humor are misplaced and Norwegian men aren't as naturally funny as I have been led to believe, I am developing several stories that will work well in the political arena. There seems to be a lot of material. Most important, I'm looking for meetings and events all across the state where I can engage people in conversations about their ideas, concerns, interests and aspirations for their lives, this place and all of its people.
Joe Satrom
Bismarck, N.D.
