Raúl Grijalva was proof of the lie we tell ourselves about America, the one where we say that anyone here can grow up to be somebody. A doctor. A lawyer. An engineer. A pilot.

The President of the United States.

He knew that is not true.

Grijalva understood that the only way such a thing was possible is if we actually treated everyone equally. That it could only be true if every kid had the same opportunities, the same breaks.

And he knew that probably never will happen.

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But…it never stopped him from trying.

An everyman who served those needing a break

How’s that for a damn good life?

The congressman from Tucson, who passed away Thursday, was an everyman in service to everyone who needed opportunities. Everyone who needed a break.

His staff issued a loving statement about Grijalva that reads in part:

“He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more. Some of these victories seemed out of reach when he first came to Congress, but with support from community, colleagues, allies, and staff, he helped make them real.”

He reminded those in Congress that humanity was a strength

The son of immigrants, he went from community organizer to school board member to county supervisor to member of Congress.

He was fierce and blunt.

He believed in protecting what needed protection, which included people and places and principles.

He was a constant and sometimes annoying reminder that in addition to everything else the government must do it has a responsibility to be humane.

And he had the ability to convey in the most gruff, seemingly aggressive manner, that good will, tolerance, generosity and kindness were not evidence of weakness, but of strength.

Arizona, and America, was lucky to have him.

And his loss, bad as it is, is made even greater coming at a time when we are in desperate need more politicians like him.

Reach Montini at [email protected].

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