Focal Points

2013 is a wrap...

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 17:27:00 +0000

"We're going to have a good time and share a few laughs" was all I was told in advance about a recent day-long Dale Carnegie-style seminar I was to attend. That, however, was not a forecast of why I should give up a day for it, or what it would be about. But it proved true - and worth it.

The same could have been said about 2013. It came and went with a lot of whimsical decisions, some good times and a laugh or two.

Perhaps the highlight: This summer our good friends Dan and Laurie Briggs and their kids went to Europe and we decided we couldn't miss the chance to meet them in Paris, and fulfill one of Caroline's dreams. And, we would stay in a flat across the street from the Louvre. And, of course, would follow Caroline's lead to La Tour Eiffel. Which is how we wound up in this completely ridiculous photo of the troupe capped in berets, 1100 feet above my comfort zone (at about the same white knuckle height for static line parachuting out of a plane). The trip was a two week whirlwind of all the stuff kids are supposed to see vacationing in Paris, more museums than patience allows and a stunning number of broken milk glasses.

Caroline (11) caught her stride this year at Exploris Middle School, an intimate academic environment steeped in experiential learning. Every week includes a hands-on component at NC museums or the like in downtown Raleigh. Two weeks ago, we joined a pilgrimage to Pocosin National Wildlife Refuge outside Plymouth for a closeup visit with migratory birds, river otters and over a dozen bears (oh my!). It is a measure of success when the chief disappointment was wolf tracks... but no wolf encounter. Guess we'll have to go back. Caroline otherwise continues to revel in art and animals -- and is a proud parent in her own right: to Dasher, the chinchilla. In the spirit of catching a stride, Caroline has taken up the family pass-time: thumbs up from our new runner!

Will (10) played another season of CASL soccer before turning his attention to Scouting. He seems to be getting a lot of fellowship out of the experience, is plugging away on activity badges and has been dubbed "squirrel" (which is truly an honorific) -- I, on the other hand, have been overcome with waves of nostalgia remembering all of the incantations and recitations. Will is also plugging away at Wiley Elementary, clearly also enjoying fellowship there (and a few classes). Among his friends is other-Will (a/k/a "Will D"). Thanks to a visit to Will D's house one Friday afternoon, when we're in Raleigh, we now live across the street from he and his family... and every morning, Will C and Will D can walk to school together (images of Norman Rockwell...)

The adults keep doing adult things: Elizabeth has grown the NC New Teacher Support Program -- now consisting of over 1200 first year teachers, paired with over 40 master teacher/mentors. The Program is delivering real, demonstrable success in some of North Carolina's most challenged schools. But it remains to be seen whether the State's current leadership will continue it after this year. She continues to run. And run. And run.

Professionally, I continue to practice law and am particularly proud of the incredible efforts of the folks at WasteZero, which is partnering with municipalities all over the US, cutting trash and creating the most effective recycling incentives in the country. In the Army Reserves, I transferred to the 134th Legal Operations Detachment, reconnecting with many long-time friends and meeting some great new soldiers.

Finally, in two fits of whimsy around my 40th birthday this summer, I found a cheap sailboat and a twenty-five year old Jeep to haul it. Perhaps in the Spring, Liz will agree to get in the boat. And, the kids will agree to stay in it when we're in the middle of the lake (thanks life jackets).

And, while we've expressed our fair share of disgust at a lot of ugly politics this year- in Raleigh and Washington, we continue to believe in the power of public service to improve the lives of people. And we continue to add to the community woodpile in quiet and meaningful ways.

The new year will certainly bring many long days, and a fair share of challenges, but we'll continue to be sustained as a family by having had "a good time and sharing a few laughs" in 2013. We hope the same for you and yours -- and we look forward to what comes next. -Cal

Closing Argument: The Choice for Veterans and Military Families

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:12:00 +0000

For the past six weeks, I have been traveling North Carolina talking to folks about what the President has done for veterans, military families and our nation's security. Our "Veterans for Obama" group concludes with this Op-Ed:

Beneath the uniform worn by every member of our nation’s armed forces lies a unique story. That is the beauty and strength of our military: it allows Americans from all walks of life to serve their country honorably and rise through the ranks without regard to their status in society.

As members of North Carolina’s Veterans and Military Families for Obama Leadership Council, we represent different personal backgrounds, different branches of the military, and different generations of service. Of all the issues that have been debated in this campaign, there are few on which we all agree. But on November 6, we stand united in calling on our fellow veterans and military families to send President Barack Obama back to the Oval Office for a second tour of duty as our Commander-in-Chief.

Over the past four years, this President has demonstrated he possesses the qualities it takes to be an effective leader. He has kept his word to those who wear our nation’s uniform abroad, and he has kept his promises to them when they return home, recognizing that our support for them cannot end when the conflicts of the day fade from the headlines.

For our troops serving overseas, the President kept his promise to end the war in Iraq. He’s bringing the war in Afghanistan to a responsible end. And Osama bin Laden can no longer threaten the United States.

Just as importantly, he has also kept his faith with the latest generation of heroes as they return home to Fayetteville and other military communities across the country. The President believes that no one who has fought our enemies abroad should have to fight for a job at home, so he introduced tax credits that encourage businesses to hire returning veterans and improved training programs. He also proposed a Veterans Job Corps that would put up to 20,000 veterans to work protecting their communities and preserving our natural resources.

The President has implemented and improved the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which helped nearly 16,000 North Carolina veterans pay for a college education last year. Of course, the President knows that it’s not just service members who sacrifice to keep America safe; their families also bear the burden. That’s why the new G.I. Bill allows veterans to transfer their benefits to spouses and children.

The President also believes that anyone who has fought for America deserves access to the best health care our nation can provide, for wounds both visible and invisible. On the President’s watch, the VA has expanded eligibility for benefits, streamlined the claims process, and hired 3,500 new mental health professionals.

Policies like these should be commonsense, but the reality is that we don’t see the samekind of commitment from the President’s opponent. As governor of Massachusetts,Mitt Romney cut funding for the state veterans agency and tried to end hiring preferences that help veterans find jobs. His first budget would have even cut funding for veterans’ homeless shelters.

Now, Romney is proposing a similar approach for the entire country. Last Veterans’ Day, Romney suggested turning VA medical care into a voucher program, and the Romney-Ryan budget could cut the VA by nearly 20 percent. That’s not the kind of support we need or expect.

On November 6, the choice for North Carolina’s veterans and military families is clear. We should keep moving forward with a strong and steady Commander-in-Chief who understands our concerns and has had our backs since the day he took office. That Commander-in-Chief is President Obama.

Former State Sen. Cal Cunningham of Lexington is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

State Rep. Grier Martin of Raleigh is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan

State Sen. Eric Mansfield of Fayetteville is a veteran of Operation Allied Force in Kosovo

Mayor Chris Rey of Spring Lake is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

City Councilman Randy Stagner of Raleigh is a veteran of Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom

City Councilwoman Val Applewhite of Fayetteville is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force

Rye Barcott of Charlotte is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the author of “It Happened on the Way to War”

A Message from Our Family: Amendment One

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5ntbE8W_70&feature=player_detailpage

Dear Friends,

Amendment One won’t solve a single one of the challenges facing our State. And on May 8^th, we have a chance to vote NO.

Rather than educating our children, repairing our economy or preparing our State to compete in a 21^st Century workforce, this is radical attempt to amend our State Constitution.

They say it is about protecting marriage – but that’s not true. In their haste to write discrimination into the North Carolina Constitution, Amendment One has real, unintended consequences for families.

Please take a look at this video message from Elizabeth and I on why we oppose Amendment One and join the effort to defeat it.

Amendment One undermines health care and prescription benefits for children and committed couples. It undermines domestic violence laws. And, it makes it harder to recruit jobs to our State.

That’s why diverse groups ranging from the faith community, to business leaders, to advocates for victims of domestic violence, to the NAACP are speaking out against Amendment One. Please join this effort.

It is OK to wrestle in your heart and with your faith about issues of marriage, civil unions and partnerships.

But writing discrimination into our State Constitution is just plain wrong.

North Carolina has a proud history of overcoming these divisive debates. We never shut our schools during the Civil Rights Era. Growing up in North Carolina, we were taught not to discriminate against our fellow citizens.

Stand with us and donate $10 to the Coalition to Protect ALL North Carolina families.

Then, on May 8^th, vote to Protect ALL North Carolina families. Vote NO on Amendment One.

Best,

Cal and Elizabeth Cunningham

There will be another day...

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:05:00 +0000

Over the last few days, Elizabeth and I have been grateful for the encouragement of friends, family, volunteers, donors and so many whom we've come to know. The warmth and depth of that encouragement makes my decision not to enter a campaign especially hard. Our love for this State and concern for her future makes it even more difficult still.

However, Elizabeth and I did not plan for a campaign this year. After careful reflection, I've concluded we cannot balance our existing professional, financial and family commitments with the full time demands of a statewide campaign at this late hour. The only responsible decision under present circumstances is not to run.

We will continue to be actively involved in the Democratic Party, in promoting good policies for North Carolina and in supporting strong candidates with bold ideas in their own bids for office this year. I am confident if we elect good people this fall that North Carolina's best days are ahead.

A conversation about public service

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:25:00 +0000

We have to reclaim the security our middle class has lost in this Great Recession. Our future depends on out-innovating, out-educating and out-building the rest of the world. We need to restore an ethic where everyone plays by the same rules and where hard work pays off. North Carolinians know this – and for the better part of a century, we have elected leaders who are committed to public education, small business and social justice.

Our progress, however, is not guaranteed. That is why I am actively having conversations about the office of Lieutenant Governor – with family, friends, party leaders, donors and so many whom Elizabeth and I met in 2010. We believe in public service and believe in fighting for North Carolina’s future. I look forward to continuing these conversations and making a further statement soon.

Looking back on 2011. Turning forward to 2012.

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0000

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

The passing of another year is accompanied by an even more difficult time staying in touch with friends, especially after meeting so many wonderful people in the Senate campaign. We've even had a time getting out Christmas cards. So, as our family closes the book on 2011, I thought I'd take a minute to share a little about what we've been up to - and a few pictures.

Perhaps because we spent some of the last year apart (Afghanistan) and put a lot of miles on our cars (splitting time between Raleigh and Lexington), we realized again the importance of making family time. For us, whenever possible, that means the beach. No particular beach. Just sand and ocean. When I grow up, Elizabeth is going to get me a place. It might require tent poles. But there'll be salt air.

Caroline (going on 10 in a few weeks) continues her love of animals – we’re pretty sure we have a budding veterinarian and attendee of the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Tragically, this also means she’s learned the Wolfpack hand-sign and attended her first game at the RBC Center. This is very, very hard for a couple of die-hard UNC parents. Very hard. But at least it isn’t Duke.

Will (8) is all boy – restless, quizzical, energetic and willing to debate all instructions. When I was in 3rd grade, similar qualities usually got reflected on the “conduct” section of my report card. After one run of bad conduct – he wasn’t listening to his teacher, he wasn’t listening to his parents – we called in reinforcements. During an event we hosted at the house for Governor Perdue’s reelection campaign, Will and the Governor had a little talk. The picture says it all.

“Dear Governor Perdue, I promise not to talk in reading groups. Sincerely, William Henry Cunningham”.

Earlier in 2011, Elizabeth returned to her career in education policy and began working with the State Board of Education on “Race to the Top”. Through RttT, North Carolina has been awarded a $400 million competitive grant to spur public school innovation and continue our State’s school improvement efforts. Elizabeth has enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues from her days at the Education Cabinet and UNC.

As mentioned, I spent part of the year in Afghanistan with the Army working on the “Village Stability Operations” that are a key part of the plan to transfer security responsibilities to Afghans and wind down our heavy troop presence in that country. (You can read more lower down in the blog). Earlier in the year was spent back and forth from Fort Bragg with Special Forces Command working on legal issues emerging as the US copes with the transformational “Arab Spring”.

When not "playing Army", I've been back in the private practice of law, almost exclusively handling civil litigation. You can check out the website: www.CarolinaLitigation.com. Call me if you need a lawyer. I hope you don't (need a lawyer).

Much of the legal work I did in 2011 involved representing a team of developers (led by a high school friend) who are working on a cutting-edge, mixed-use, “smart growth” real estate project in Durham called "751 South": www.751south.com. It looks like much of the first part of 2012 will be dedicated to moving the project towards approval, as well.

Of course, we continue to be deeply involved in Democratic Party politics. Elizabeth has been putting in the hours with a terrific group of women at Lillian’s List, to recruit pro-choice Democratic women to run for the General Assembly. I have been doing some surrogate work for the Obama campaign (and will do much more as we get closer to the Convention and fall campaign), supporting some candidates running in municipal races and speaking to party groups around the State.

If there's any resolution in the Cunningham household (other than another round of P90X, Insanity or a marathon) it is to look back at the end of 2012 and see we've made more time with friends. We hope you will look to the blank pages of the coming year as your own opportunity to write a new and fulfilling story... and include at least a mention of electing good Democrats in November.

Best,

Cal

Today

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:45:00 +0000

'A friend of mine gave me a puzzle and I want you to help me out.' I said to him, 'Is this the time for puzzles, Mohamed?' He said, 'Yes, I know, but no one else but you could help me.' He said, 'Two sticks, a dash and cake with a stick down. What is it?' I said, 'Did you wake me up just to tell me this?'

That was the telephone call from Mohamed Atta to Ramzi bin al-Shibh giving the date in code, after Ramadan, on a Tuesday so Congress would be in session, for carrying out what was then called the “planes operation”, conceived in 1995 by Khalid Sheikh Mohammad.

It is now 10 years since 9-11 - the cake with stick down and two dashes. I’m in Afghanistan. 115 miles from the camps where they trained. For the next three weeks, I'll be in Kandahar - the city where bin Laden authorized the operation - in 1998.

Almost none of Al Qaeda's original planners or leaders are still alive or free. Not Atta, not bin Laden, not Al-Shibh and not KLM. The franchise still exists and strives to be potent - and after the Arab Spring - relevant. It now appears long on intention and short on ability to carry out. But it still requires our vigilance and our use of force.

Similarly, the Taliban and criminal groups that we are fighting here today are very, very different than the Taliban we defeated in 2001. Most of today's fighters were 6, 8, 10 years old on 9-11. The date has no meaning to them. Their animus is rooted in a different narrative.

Of over 700,000 Afghan military age males (18 to 28) who could be participating in the insurgency, our best estimate is 12-15,000. Nearly 80% of the population rejects the Taliban and their aims. Even fewer welcome the "Sunni Arab" foreigners - Al Qaeda. But this is still a place of turmoil and instability. As they say, "you have the watches, but we have the time."

On this anniversary, I'm thinking about over 2 million Americans who have served in uniform and their families: 6236 of whom have given it all. The historic misuse of a world religion to justify vicious political aims. An estimated 1 million civilian deaths, 2977 of which were ten years ago today. An examination and re-affirmation of many of our nation's core values... and then, combat-decorated veterans who also have to take off their boots in the airport. The opportunity cost of three trillion dollars committed. And a generation-defining event that seems not to stop challenging us to fulfill the promise of America.

I'm also thinking today about a friend and classmate Mary Lou Hague, UNC ’96. She was working on the 89th floor of the South Tower. Radiant, generous, accomplished, fun-loving. With entirely too much life left to live.

Finally, I'm thinking about what you're supposed to tell your children. The shadow 9-11 casts over their lives. That we live in a great country and enjoy many blessings. But that it is a dangerous world. That their innocence isn't universal. That twenty or thirty years from now, they will have inherited some part of the legacy of how we responded. And at least for their sake, we have to keep honoring, learning, striving and building.

Deploying to Afghanistan

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:34:00 +0000

I wanted to take a minute to post a short note letting you know that I’m heading to Afghanistan to serve with Fort Bragg’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). While I’m not going to be posting blog updates like the deployment to Iraq (different security issues), I did want to share a little about what I’m doing before I go.

From its inception – ten years ago next month – US military involvement in Afghanistan has been based on or incorporated classic unconventional warfare, the expertise of Army Special Forces. As articulated by two Presidents, our end-state is an Afghanistan that denies safe haven to transnational terrorists and that enables its people to determine their own destiny. Our tactics have involved partnerships with internal groups (originally the Northern Alliance, now many more) to carry out our national goals.

While the numbers of US and allied troops have grown significantly over the last three years, at its core, our mission still requires localized, indigenous, “grassroots” partnerships and still falls squarely within the doctrinal expertise of the relatively small number of Special Forces. Stability can only take root “one tribe at a time” and one village at a time; Afghanistan has no history of meaningful, effective central government.

The primary command that carries out the unconventional warfare mission is the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan (“CJSOTF-A”). Under CJSOTF-A are the Army Green Beret detachments (called “ODAs”) and Navy SEAL platoons that operate with a mix of other forces and other governmental organizations on the “one village at a time” mission. In their words: CJSOTF-A conducts Foreign Internal Defense by training, working and living among Afghan security forces to build capacity to defeat insurgents in Afghanistan and enhance the security and continued development of the Government. Special Operations Forces (“SOF”) are also involved in empowering elders and their constituents at the local village level to help embolden them to provide security for their areas, as well as to increase development and infrastructure.

What will I be doing in this mix? I’ll serve as the Deputy Command Judge Advocate – one of the two lawyers – for CJSOTF-A and likely be involved in the full spectrum of things that Army Judge Advocates do in combat zones (operations, detention, rule of law, investigations, money as a weapons system, etc.). And, it looks like I may have some involvement with a Task Force directly conducting “Village Stability Operations” in a part of the country. Since last summer, I have spent a lot of time back and forth from Fort Bragg supporting this – and related – missions. I have a high degree of confidence in – and respect for – the people I’ll be working with.

It will be most especially difficult to be away from Elizabeth, Caroline and Will over the next couple of months – and we’re very grateful for the many well-wishes. I already miss them terribly from steamy Fort Benning. But we were pregnant with Caroline on that horrifying September day ten years ago. If I can play some small role in helping make a world safer for her and for Will – and their generation – the time will be worth it. Given the stakes for our country, I am compelled to try.

And I’ll be home again soon.

A Little Bit About Afghanistan

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:28:00 +0000

I’ve been fascinated to delve into the briefing materials from various sources about Afghanistan and thought I’d share.

Afghanistan is 150th on a list of 154 countries for being least developed on a host of key metrics. The GDP is close to $115 per person, per year (that is not a typo). Foreign aid is the single biggest economic engine. The country has no more than 20 miles of railroad track and 5000 miles of improved road (NC alone has nearly 80,000 miles in state-maintained roads, not including county, local and interstate). Afghanistan has an approximate population of 30 million people – double the population it had in 1980. Forty (40) percent are under the age of sixteen (16). One in five children dies before the age of five (5). The median life expectancy is forty-three (43) years old. (I’ll turn 38 en route).

Afghanistan is made up of many, many ethnic groups and tribes including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Hazaras and many smaller groups. An artificial line divides Afghanistan from Pakistan (the Durant line drawn in the 1890s). While Afghanistan is run by Pashtuns (approximately 40 percent of the population), twice as many Pashtuns live across the “border” in Pakistan (approximately 12 million in Afghanistan and 27 million in Pakistan). While it is said that the people of Afghanistan identify themselves as citizens of that state, the stronger ties apparently begin at the village, tribe and ethnic group (including across the borders) and extend to the super-national identification with Islam. Yet, even within the tribes, family members are known to take up arms against fellow family members from time to time.

As noted in a very detailed analysis of Afghan Pashtun fighters and their tactics in battles with coalition forces: “they almost never surrender, even in the face of overwhelming odds and almost certain death.” However, if a Pashtun village takes you in as its guest – even an American Soldier – they will extend the same ferocity in your defense, including against other Pashtuns. This seemingly contradictory set of values is known as the Pashtunwali.

In a country that is as under-developed, impoverished, fragmented, decentralized, artificially drawn and culturally remote as Afghanistan, our pathway to strategic success must require alignment of these deeply embedded Pashtunwali values with our own.

Short Biography: Cal Cunningham

noreply@blogger.com (Cal Cunningham) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Cal Cunningham is a Lexington native who last year competed for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, coming in second place in a primary run-off. He is an attorney in private practice, specializing in commercial litigation.

During 2008, Cal served as a military prosecutor at the Multi-National Corps-Iraq where he coordinated efforts to hold contractors accountable for serious crimes and fraud. During his tour, he was government counsel on the first court-martial of a contractor under military law since 1968. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for his service.

In November 2000, Cal was elected one of North Carolina’s youngest state Senators, representing Davidson, Rowan and Iredell Counties. He served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the Senate’s education committees. He did not run for re-election after redistricting in 2002. He has since served on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Democratic Party.

In addition to a Juris Doctor from UNC Law, Cal’s education includes a Masters of Science from the London School of Economics. He also holds a Bachelors degree with Honors from UNC-Chapel Hill. At UNC he served as the Student Body President and later as the Chief Justice of the Student Supreme Court.

He serves as a Governor’s appointee to the Board of Trustees of the Davidson County Community College, and has served as a public member of the North Carolina Banking Commission and as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington.

Cal and his wife Elizabeth have two children – Caroline (9) and Will (8) and a real "Yellow Dog" Democrat, a Golden Retriever named Davidson.

For more information:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Cunningham
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cal_cunningham#/