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74 AN T I OC H CO L L E G E C L A S S O F 19 6 5 5 0 t h A N N I V E R S A R Y B O O K A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z J A F F E JAFFE JIM THEN AND NOW 4 B.A. History 4 M.A., Columbia, Journalism FAMI LY 4 Wife, Leslie Sewell 4 Son, Ben 4 Daughter, Kym 4 Five grandchildren ADDRESS 4 2717 38th St., NW Washington, D.C. 20007 CONTACT 202 713-5461 jimjaf@gmail.com R E T R O S P E C T I V E L Y, M Y Y E A R S atAntioch most remind me of the ini- tial ascent on a steep and daunting roller coaster—the start of a some- times exciting, always satisfying adult life. It carried me high above the surrounding landscape and pro- vided a panoramic view of possibili- ties. It has been one great ride. An interest in avoiding military service after graduation led me to the Columbia journalism school and Peace Corps work in rural Guatemala where I served with my new wife, Vicki Wolff (’65).The work was un- structured and the environment tested our marriage, which failed soon after our return toWashington where I did public relations for the Office of Economic Opportunity. Next was time as an editor at an all- news radio station and public tele- vision where assignments included coverage of the 1972 political con- ventions and a Bill Moyers essay on Watergate. After a thankfully brief turn at the Nixon Justice Department, I began a long career working for Democratic members of Congress who served on the tax-writingWays and Means Committee, leaving reluc- tantly when my boss was indicted. It left me with a love of Congress, a respect for the political system and some insights into the operation of our criminal justice system. It also reaffirmed an understanding that the quest for social justice and reform is an endless process and that demon- izing the other side is generally a poor strategy for progress. These views were tested—and confirmed—by extended service on the board of a local Reform Jewish congregation. Continuing my life as a series of extended co-op experiences, I sub- sequently worked for the Internal Revenue Service, Georgetown law school, a public relations firm and retirement and health policy think tanks where I pursued my inter- est in how America’s health system works (imperfectly). My low-key professional life al- lowed substantial time for my family including Leslie Sewell,who I wed in 1974, a daughter and a son who’ve since proven themselves to be even better parents than we were, pro- viding us with five grandkids. The oldest grew up in Tampa and grad- uated from college in 2014. That year our penultimate granddaugh- ter celebrated her fourth birthday in Portland, Ore.These kids are an end- less delight, promise a bright future and are enough to confirm one’s be- lief in progress. Lessons learned—life is unpre- dictable, but mostly good. Power is an amoral tool that’s nice to have. A strong narrative often carries the day and more compelling narratives are more reliant on belief systems than facts.The world is a fascinating place where each of us has an op- portunity to make at least a modest difference.