In the midst of this acrimonious political climate, we’d just like to thank San Jose City Councilman Lan Diep for bringing a little levity to politics once again.
Most elected officials wear a stuffy suit or boring skirt when they’re sworn into office.
Not San Jose Councilman Lan Diep. The legal aid attorney donned a Captain America shield while taking his oath of office Tuesday, raising a few eyebrows, setting off a social media storm and garnering some chuckles.
Even better than the shield was Diep’s explanation for the stunt. It wasn’t his love for Marvel comics, but a desire to bring attention to the importance of local governance that prompted him to bring the prop. And it worked. Diep’s swearing-in has since been shared all over the world.
"I believe government can be fun and I'm not above creating a bit of spectacle if it helps people pay more attention to local government," said Diep. "I'm willing to entertain them if they sit through all the policy discussions."
Lan, I don’t think we could possibly love you any more.