WCL Raskin Book

Dear Jamie, Watching you lead the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump – with such incredible strength in the face of personal tragedy – left me in a state of awe. Your brilliant closing argument was simply a lean forward in your chair, listen intently, and never forget moment in history. Thank you for fighting for our democracy. Like other members of the WCL community, I could not be prouder of all you have accomplished. You were one of the first professors I workedwithwhen I arrived at the law school, and I very much enjoyed collaborating with you on creative projects. Over the years, I have relayed myriad stories about you and your career to my family in Boston and Washington State. I often receive texts from my 73-year-old-mother in Tacoma, WA that exclaim “Jamie on MSNBC!” She feels like she knows you. And it is easy to see why, as your passion, empathy, and genuineness is palpable (even on TV!), and your ability to connect with others leads many people beyond the boundaries of Maryland’s 8th to feel like your constituents. We are extremely lucky to have you as a member of the Washington College of Law family, and I will forever be grateful for my time spent working with and learning from you. Franki Fitterer

I want to pass along a big hug, connected to both your loss and to your work. About your loss, I do not have words. About your work, I am deeply thankful for all that you have done in Congress. The first politician whose work and voice deeply resonated withmewasPaulWellstonewhogaveaspeechatmy college while I was an undergraduate. His untimely death was a loss for the country and personally was felt as a loss because I was not sure where to find a politician who shared my concerns and my anger about economic and other forms of injustice. Since you left WCL, you have been a consistent voice for the most vulnerable and I am very thankful for that. War and Peace begins with Leo Tolstoy’s theory that history produces the leaders and historical figures, that if one general had not been born, history would have provided an equivalent alternative figure. That may be right, but I tend to think that individual differences and contributions matter, and it is wonderful to see someone like you find the space where you should be. Ezra