[I] had Professor Lowi for a public policy course and then interacted with him as independent study adviser for a paper on Native American self-determination (class year 1992-93).
Not sure if this was common, but we all thought it hysterical at the time; here’s how he started the public policy course (as close to verbatim as I can remember):
“You should all know I’m the smartest person in the room (greeted by lecture hall chuckling). The reason I’m the smartest person in the room is important...I’m the only one here who truly knows he never wants to be President...”
And with that he started to explain how the US two-party system is completely rigged to prevent the rise of alternative/multiple political parties. [This] was a great introduction to how laws (and other rules) can be extremely biased and work to prevent optimal outcomes -- a theme that ran through the course, my independent study project, and my general awareness of government motivation for the rest of my life. I’ve used this line to start political discussions with my kids...and they think it’s really funny, too.
Ted: [I] wish you and your family all the best. [I] had a truly wonderful time in your course and many of the lessons you shared have stayed with me. I can also credit you and this course for helping me realize I never want to be lobbyist!
Geoffrey Wilson
College of Arts and Sciences
Cornell Class of 1993
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