News Junkie

Happy anniversary of health care! On this day in history, the 44th president of the United States of America signed into law a bill to assure healthcare for all Americans and free them from the constraints of pre-existing conditions. 

We have yet to see how well the law is enacted and whether or not it is financially sustainable for long term use. 

BUT what we do know is that I have gotten considerably behind in regaling you with tales of my own political and journalistic endeavors. The event that remains most potent in my mind is the radicalization of muslims hearing held by Rep Peter King (R-N.Y.). I covered a couple of events leading up to the hearing that gave me a considerable amount of background knowledge, so when the day of the actual hearing arrived, I was immeasurably excited to see the reaction of the viewers, witnesses, and media. 

It certainly did not disappoint. The streets of DC were crawling with words of the witnesses and the hearing-room itself was so packed, reporters were pushed into two overflow rooms.  Since Talk Radio News was assigned only one seat inside the hearing room, I watched the hearing via webcast from the office. It had an eery McCarthy/Salem/Holy Inquisition vibe about it. And although there is no official 'outcome' of these events, I think the hearings backfired on Rep. King in a way he did not foresee. 

By causing such a uproar and chaos around the investigating the radicalization of a single demographic based on religion, he unknowingly rallied support for that same demographic through the simple action of bullying. People do not like bullies, and that could be seen by the outcry of Americans protesting the hearings. 

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On a happier note - St. Patrick's day of last week I was working on the Senate (North) side of the Capitol and was sent to take pictures of the visiting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. As I set off to the House (South) side of the Capitol, I began running into barricades and police everywhere. Thinking "This is strange" I exited the Capitol and started trekking down Independence Ave., hoping to find a press entrance. After being shuffled along from police officer to police officer, I was finally admitted to the grounds of the House side. I joined a herd of other cameramen and photographers and we were rounded up and paraded through three security checkpoints. My naive self was still thinking "Wow this Prime Minister has almost as high security standards as Obama." 

And hour of sunshine (and sunburn) later, a group of bagpipers come out of the Capitol and start tuning on the lawn. I, being one of only three females present, quietly stood and appreciated the tuning noise (and toned calves!) of the Air Force Reserve Pipe Band while the men around me made hilariously rude jokes about kilts. 

FINALLY we got the heads up from the press secretaries, meaning action was about to happen. The band got into place, and the doors of the capitol opened. There stood President Obama and the Irish Prime Minister. How did I miss the memo that Obama would be present?! Well that explains all the security...

Photog and Camera gaggle, crisping in the sun 

Presidential seal on the presidential limo 

Presidential limo 

Air Force Pipe Band prepping 

Arrival L-R Speaker John Boener, President Obama, Irish PM Enda Kenny, Rep. Peter King  

More to come!

Conglomeration Of Cynicism And Hope

American soldiers are worse than Al Qaeda extremists, the chief attorney for the Westboro Baptist Church claimed over the weekend...

This is not the headline one wants to wake up to on a Monday morning. As I browsed through the HuffPost story, I had "Where Is The Love?" by The Black Eyed Peas echoing in my head:

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurtin, you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
 

Last week my dad ask me, with all the political influence I've been under lately, what are some of the key things I've learned since being in Washington? I was caught a little off guard by the question, but I've since thought it through and come up with these points.

1) It's all about how you market yourself.  Although my internship encourages me to introduce myself as a reporter, I've found that being a 'student' gets me a lot of free passes. Whenever I'm trying to get into an event, I use my press credentials and act big and macho like I know what I'm doing. But if I ever find myself out of my element, nothing gets me friends faster than a sheepish grin and an "I just moved here, still learning the ropes."

2) My 8th grade government book didn't tell the whole truth. Yes, the American system of democracy is innovative and one-of-a-kind. But. It is also flawed and corrupt. What I see in Washington is a city of robotic, sly, out-of-touch politicians and staffers who attempt to run a problematic country on an idealistic system of government. Cynical right? I know! But it's true! The politicians I've listened to have been in 'The big city' so long, they have forgotten what it is like for an average worker who spends over 40 hours a week directing traffic, running a small business, or talking care of a family. 

3) Where is the love? Wikipedia defines love as "an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment." In a philosophical context, it says love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. Although I do think that Washington often forgets their kindness and compassion, I always find a contradiction in my most cynical moments. I went t a pen and pad yesterday with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. And as the gaggle of reporters piled together in the tiny room, waiting for Cantor, jokes and introductions wove their way through the crowd. And upon hearing I was "new to the area", some reporters ran the gauntlet with me, introducing me to their peers and friends in the room. It was an incredible glimpse of the community of reporters who compete with each other by day, but find solace and companionship in their professional community. 


So although I have been in the Washington doldrums recently, I implore you to hang in there with me. Because with every thunderous storm cloud comes a chance to dance in the rain. 


More to come!

Shame On Me

Wowww three weeks since my last post? Inconceivable!

In my defense, not much has been going on here in DC. Oh....despite the Middle East falling into chaos, Wisconsin collective bargaining rights being threatened, and a potential government shutdown. All in a days work!

Each of these events have caused minor shake ups here in the nation's capitol. But for the most part, people remain relatively unconcerned and nonchalant about the precarious political situation of the U.S. and the world. Interesting isn't it? One would think that living in the apex of American democracy, the people of Washington DC would be stressed out nut-cases, constantly wondering what next world event will shudder through their town.

On the contrary though, they handle each situation with ease and calm collectivity. It is an enviable trait I've been trying to emulate. With little success.

My weeks have finally formed into something of a schedule. Mondays and Fridays are usually pretty relaxed because there is not much activity on Capitol Hill. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays are filled with committee hearings, pen and pad sessions, and press briefings. At each of these I'm expected to take notes, pictures, and videos which are published on the website.

The events are still exciting to watch, but in some regards are losing the glamor they held when I first arrived here. At some point, I began realizing that politicians rarely change their views on issues. Even if it means sacrificing the good of their constituents or party. This is really unfortunate and disheartening because they often take a very loooong time to even begin negotiating some sort of middle point. Which results in hearings being monotonous and relentlessly partisan or argumentative.

But on a lighter note! Spring has finally descended upon us, bringing with it torrents of rain mixed with lazy high temperature days. Many weekends I'll roll out of bed, grab a book and a cup of coffee, and huddle under a tree in the park next to my house. Weekends are all about recuperation in my eyes!

I have heard from many friends back home and each little note, email, text, and call brightens my days, I miss you all very much.

More to come!