NPR's Tell Me More has a really wonderful interview with Norm Mineta, as part of its "Wisdom Watch" series: Norm Mineta on Pioneering Career, America's Future. It's about seventeen minutes long. I really recommend giving it a listen.
A trailblazing public servant, he was the first Asian American to serve in a presidential cabinet, and bears the distinction of being the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He was also the first Asian American mayor of a major city, San Jose, where the airport is named after him.
In the interview, he talks about everything from his experience of being sent to an internment camp as a boy during World War II, to serving as Secretary of Transportation during 9/11 and its aftermath. He's had an amazing life and career. I'm with Michel Martin—this man needs to write a book! Not for his sake, but for ours.
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