Michael Evan Jurist
Welcome to Michael's Web site Michael's Timeline Michael's Favorites Michael's Writings Tributes to Michael Programs in Honour of Michael Michael's Legacy Experience Michael Share Your Memories of Michael

Michael's Writings

Michael had a wonderful way with words... he loved literature… took a stand on politics… had strong views and was engaged. Always.

A few examples….

An excerpt from a paper discussing politics in Canada
"I am only eighteen years old, and I have already become disillusioned with Canadian politics. Still, I didfollow this weekend's Progressive Conservative leadership convention with quite some interest. I view myself as an economic conservative with progressive social values, and the Progressive Conservative Party seemed to embody my values to a tee. However, as we all know by now, the convention went awry and the boring, "status quo" Peter MacKay triumphed by caving in to David Orchard."

An excerpt from Negotiation Style, a course essay for Dean Steigman, Georgetown University
“As Herb Cohen notes, negotiation is an integral - and often overlooked - aspect of everyday life. As I reflect on my personal style and experience, I recognize the many strengths and weaknesses in the manner in which I approach negotiation. However, it is too simple to divide my relevant characteristics into opposing camps. In fact, many of my best negotiating qualities can easily become my worst enemy depending on my opponent and the context of the negotiation.”

Random Thoughts – I always knew I wanted to Study Abroad…
“I always knew that I wanted to study abroad during college. In fact, Georgetown’s encouragement of overseas study was a major reason I chose to enroll in the first place. I had studied French for most of my life and six months in Lyon was the perfect opportunity to put into practice all that I had learned.

Freshman and sophomore year flew by and, before I knew it, I was filling out the appropriate paperwork in the Office of International Programs. Although I was still confident and happy with my decision to go abroad for a semester, it was then that I started to think about all the things I could potentially miss while overseas.

In particular, I wondered what would happen to my role at on Lecture Fund. “I’ve spent the last two years contributing to an organization and now I’m just going to drop it for a while? What if people forget about me during the leadership elections in April? What if President Clinton finally comes back to speak on campus and I miss it?

Going to another country doesn’t mean you have to drop everything back at Georgetown. Between Skype and email it was easy to stay in touch.

Furthermore, it’s important to realize that both you and your respective group can gain a lot from the study abroad experience…. In my case, I was able to step back and recognize what I really liked about the Lecture Fund and, also, to note certain shortcomings of the group….”

Random Thoughts – Filling out endless Paperwork…
Reserving rooms through the Registrar. Preparing an agenda for weekly meetings. Responding to emails from University and Media officials. These are all things that occupy a good deal of my time as Chair of Lecture Fund. However, these are all tasks that I DON’T do as a member of Georgetown University Club Tennis. Don’t get me wrong – I am committed to the team and would more than happy to help the leadership if needed. That said, I love the fact that my biggest responsibility on Club Tennis is to make sure I don’t double-fault when the game is on the line.

Many of us here at Georgetown naturally gravitate towards leadership positions…. However it’s crucial to realize you don’t have to be the head honcho to enjoy or further an organization. Learn to appreciate the beauty of “followership”!

Throughout life, you’re not always going to be in a leadership position. By sometimes flying under the radar, you can gain a new perspective and concentrate on doing the things you really value….

“Cortez the Killer” – A closer look at Neil Young’s classic song. Essay for Dean Emeritus Krogh, SFS, Georgetown University (2005)
Michael’s review of Neil Young’s classics, highlighted Young’s challenge of society’s beliefs and assumptions, ascertained the bulk of Young’s repertoire concentrated on racial and political issues of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It was Young’s lead track on his 1975 release “Zuma” that prompted Michael to question the accuracy of Young's description of Herman Cortez’s conquest of the Aztecs. In brief, Michael chose to question and change the characterization of Cortez from a killer to a warrior… The following lyrics are his personal attempt to reconcile fact and fiction:

He came dancing across the water
In vain pursuit of fame
Cuba’s shadow lurking
Ambition was his name.

In flight he reached the True Cross
And was show’red with gifts of gold
Montezuma’s minions
Keeping distance was their goal.

But they could not resist him
Mistaken as their own
A legendary man-God
Claiming his rightful throne

Yet this new city captivated
The Venice of the West
Two distinct worlds collide
One would emerge best.

Conversion and deception
Give in to our demand
A bloody empire in ruins
This time at another’s hands

Brutal terror was a weapon
An emperor in chains
Though his subjects only jeered him
We all still know his name.

And emerging as a Phoenix
One last time the people rose
But feet into the fire
Their Night of Sorrows.

He came dancing across the water
Cortez, Cortez
What a warrior.

A letter from Peter F. Krogh reflecting on Michael's presentation on Truman

Dear Michael, Greetings.

And as they were wont to say in yesteryear at Georgetown: “Peace in the Lord.”

I took rather copious notes on your presentation on Truman. In reviewing them, it is clear to me that you got him right from start to finish. You nailed the man and clearly described his successes and failures. Along the way you made adroit use of video clips.

Your presentation style was sure and poised. You spoke clearly and confidently . The class was in the palm of your hand.

Bravo, Michael. You exhibited a clear command of your subject and impressive (especially for your age) presentation skills. That is a strong combination. Continue to cultivate that combination and you will enter, as Winston Churchill would say, “broad, sunlit uplands”.

Cheers. Ever onward and upward!

Peter F. Krogh

PS – you may wish to share a copy of this letter with your parents. They will then know that their tuition dollars are being well invested!

Writings