A Moment Of Inspiration

Have you ever sat in a room and had the distinct feeling that you were surrounded by great minds?


Today I went to a round-table discussion held at and co-sponsored by the Aspen Institute, a Washington based think tank that prides itself in encouraging critical thinking on stimulating issues. The second co-sponsor was the Bipartisan Policy Center, which I am growing to like more and more.


These two neutral centers brought together a panel of speakers which included a pair of former Senators, Republican Bob Bennett (Utah) and Democrat John Warner (Va.), 2010 Senate candidate and former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Greyson and NPR Correspondent Cokie Roberts. The two hour discussion was intriguing from the jump, with Mickey Edwards, Director of the Aspen Institute, moderating a stimulating conversation on  invigorating the younger voting audience, the integrity of the electoral process, and who is to blame for the current hostile rhetoric and partisanship that is happening in Congress. I was completely hooked on what the speakers had to say. They quoted Aristotle off the tops of their heads, like his words were as easily memorable as a advertisement jingle. 


As I sat in the front row, observing the speakers (whose seating was more of a square-table than  round-table arrangement), I fell under their spell of wisdom and knowledge. It made me giddy. Inspired. 


They tackled issues and debates that have plagued Washington this season, but they did so in a respectful, logical, reason-based manner. They were aspiring to create good conversation, instead of ambitiously biting each other with clipped, pre-rehearsed remarks. 


“[We need to] think in terms of what’s the goal,” Edwards said. “The ability to compromise, to sit down with people who don’t start out where you are and find a way to talk to each other, to listen to each other, to be civil, and to have the kind of civil society Aristotle wanted us to have.”


After the discussion, I went and spoke to Cokie Roberts. She is my new heroin. She was smart and classy, bright, quick, and encouraging. Although she is the senior political analyst for NPR and is a political advisor for ABC, she was not rushed or dismissive when I told her I was a student and admired her. Instead, she told me how encouraged she was to see young people showing an interest in policy. 


This is a stark difference to the stony politicians and egotistical reporters that I usually meet here on the Hill. 


After today's discussion, I am more excited than ever to be back at school, broadening my education to increase my awareness. Scoot over Barack, Aristotle is in the house!

L-R: Cokie Roberts, Mickey Edwards, Jack Markell

More to come! 

Family Junkie

I realized that I STILL have not blogged about some of my familial adventures here in the District!!!

In mid February my mom came to DC and stayed for a week, just in time to curb the beginning bites of homesickness. We spent a couple of evenings enjoying the lavish dining of DC, but also spent a lot of time just chilling, chatting, and chasing the ends of our books. But we also enjoyed a quick excursion to Gettysburg, PA. Mom rented a car and we ventured out of the city (after wondering through construction for an hour and a half, bad navigation on my part) and into the countryside. The landscape of southern Pennsylvania was absolutely stunning, full of rolling hills and red barns. The battle of Gettysburg has been my favorite time in history ever since I was fifteen and read The Killer Angels by Michale Shaara. 

We also visited a Maple syruping farm and learned how to tap maple trees for their syrup. Since early Spring is the tapping time, we were even able to help tap a tree! It was so much fun, partly because of the beauty of the surrounding mountains, and partly because we were in a tour with a group of 4-H kids who were incredibly bright and well mannered. 

Mr. Eddie, the guitar/harmonica/singing educational phenomenon 

Mom checks the sap levels in a sugaring pot

Tappin da tree!

Then in mid March, Molly came to DC on her Spring Break! Even though we vowed to take some time to chill, we actually covered a lot of ground. We hit numerous coffee bistros, enjoyed the open air at Eastern Market, and biked along the Potomac. PLUS got romanced by a drunk taxi driver and had to hitchhike back home, all after meeting David Brooks, the opinion writer for the NY Times!  The same weekend Molly was here, our cousin Gary came to DC as well. The three of us laughed our way through the city, enjoying the good food and budding Spring flowers.

Molly chills in the Senate TV Studio

Meeting author David Brooks and his son

Biking the Potomac

Only a few weeks from now, Mom and Dad will be coming to Washington to help me pack up and head home. Already, I'm counting down the days on my calender until their arrival. Even with Mom here in February and Molly here in March, the miles that separate us seem to stretch on and on for ever. I feel incredibly lucky to have a family as close-knit and amazing as mine. I wouldn't have had the courage to study in Washington this semester if I didn't have their backing and support. Even though their thousands of miles away, I still talk to each of them daily. And although my time in Washington has been a blast, I can't wait to get back to NM and enjoy a Sunday afternoon with Mom, Dad, Molly, and four burgers on the grill. 


More to come!

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!

From My Living Room

*Cough**cough**hack*

Oh! Why hello there. Please, come in and have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I'm glad you stopped by, there were some things I wanted to discuss with you.

My voice? Oh, yes, I'm going on the second day of some sort of cold that makes me sound like a delirious seal. Is it contagious? Possibly. Here, have some Purell....I'll drop an Airbourne in your water, that should keep you healthy =)

Right! Well, I wanted to tell you about going to CPAC last week, it was quite eye-opening. Oh you've never heard of CPAC? Don't worry, I hadn't heard of it either before I went. It stands for Conservative Political Action Conference. It's basically the biggest yearly gathering of Conservative and Libertarian groups in the nation. They invite in speakers form across the country, some of them are political figures and some are academics. There is also a room where 'vendors' gather and pass out information about their organizations. It was quite the conglomerate of interest groups there.

In fact, there were a few moments where I had to stop and just enjoy the irony of the situational set up. I remember on the first day I was there, Thursday I believe, I was browsing through the various booths when I came across a table speaking out against the Islamic Masque being built in New York. I spoke with them briefly before moving on to the next table: Muslims for America. Somehow though, the man I spoke with at the Muslims for America table did not seem to have an opinion on the mosque building...or the ironic placement of his table.

Besides the tables, I also had the pleasure of seeing many big-wigs speak, including Donald Trump, Ron Paul, Rand Paul, Rick Perry, and Tom Pawlenty. It was most fun because I could come and go from the media box as I pleased, and see certain people without seeing others. Dick Cheney spoke! But I stepped out of the ballroom just before he got there...

Why yes! I'm delighted you remembered, my political views *are* rather moderate, I think that's why attending CPAC was so interesting. I was finally able to hear logical explanations for the platforms of the Conservative party, something I've always wanted to hear. People supported their statements with thoughtful answers, which I enjoyed pondering and discussing. However, I didn't feel their logic was anymore logical than my own logic, so I left the conference no closer to the political right than when I arrived. But it was still fascinating to hear. Here, take a look at these pictures. I took them so you could enjoy a few of the sights I encountered along the way.

The guy's name was DJ, he told me that supporters of Mit Romney paid him $300 to fly to CPAC and vote for Mit Romney in the Straw Poll. I forgot to ask if he had to buy an extra airplane ticket for his hat...

 At this booth, visitors were given eggs to throw at pictures of Al Gore.

 I'm not sure what these two were representing, but their hats made me feel a little closer to Portales. So I took a picture

You can't see him very well, but that is Donald Trump. He all but announced his candidacy for president in 2012

I wonder if this is what Facebook looked like before the internet was invented...

I found this man outside the convention after Rumsfeld had spoken

Definitely a wide spectrum of people attended CPAC. Not all of them supported the Republicans either; when Dick Cheney was speaking, somebody in the audience yelled out calling him a war criminal.

Interesting times we're living in my friend. I'm really glad you stopped by, feel free to come over anytime, I'm sure I'll have more to share with you in the future. Now, swig down that Airbourne before my cough germs take hold of you. Hopefully I'll shake this dratted thing soon...

More to come!

Surprising Saturdays

Soooo it's been awhile!

How do you live through shaking the president's hand and still have excitement leftover? I wondered the same thing, in fact I was ready to pack up my things and head home! There's not a lot of excitement left in DC for me now....right?

SO. WRONG. 

Despite keeping a close eye on the activities brewing in Egypt, last week was rather uneventful. After, covering committee hearings and various congressional press briefings, I was ready to hit the weekend and find some adventure! I thought journeying to the Goodwill Headquarters would scratch my itch for exploring, and maybe I could find a bike to ride around town too. I started getting ready to go on Saturday morning, planning on catching the metro to the north part of town with my friends Peter, Bram, and Sean. But as I was getting ready, my weekend took a turn towards ultimate-interesting-ville.

From our shared bedroom, my roommate urgently called me saying "They're protesting at the Egyptian Embassy!" I hurried to the bedroom and saw CNN reporting that a group in Washington DC was preparing to march from the Egyptian Embassy to the White House to show solidarity to the Egyptian people. I immediately called my friends and told them there was a change of plans, and we're now headed to the Egyptian Embassy. Within ten minutes the four of us were leaving our house and racing to the Egyptian Embassy to join the march.

Of course I got a few interviews along the way!

Did I mention our four mile jaunt was in the rain?

Me, Peter, Bram, Sean

A video I edited and published on the Talk Radio News website

Wonderful wonderful memories. The protesters were peaceful, but persistent and dedicated to their cause. I estimate there were about three hundred marchers by the time we reached the White House. Four miles down Connecticut Ave. Police escort. Inspiring.

More to come!