Nethercutt Foundation Fellows' D.C. Experience Blog

It’s been five days since we left DC, and I’m still reeling from the challenge, the fun, the stimulation, the excitement, the exposure, the friendships, the networking, the learning, and the generally awe-inspiring insight garnered from our trip.

I’ve struggled for the greater part of the weekend to describe how tremendous my experience has been, but I have yet to adequately convey my thoughts and feelings. The experience – not just the DC trip, but the fellowship as a whole – has been life-changing. George, Kristina, Mary Beth, and the multitude of professionals we met on our trip have exposed me to ideas I never would have thought about or known without The Nethercutt Foundation.

In no particular order, here are some of the highlights of my experience as a Nethercutt fellow:

• Watching the Senate floor
• Learning about the intricacies of the legislative process
• Meeting elected officials
• Touring DC
• Being introduced to alternative forms of entrepreneurship
• Having the opportunity to engage in my local community through George’s book signings and political events
• Learning about ways that government and businesses work together and meeting the people who forge and shape this relationship
• Exploring the roots of my country’s history

These are only a few; the list could span many pages with incredible intangible and tangible benefits of the trip and meetings leading up to it – I’m sure the next six months will bring equal excitement and opportunity. The guidance and support offered by the Foundation have expanded my horizon and prospects exponentially. The friendships that I have fostered with the fellows are priceless, and the confidence and inspiration I have derived from being a part of the organization are limitless. I am so thankful for being able to participate

More Transparency, Right?

I remember one of my favorite campaign promises made by Barack Obama was his pledge to bring more transparency to Washington. I was incredibly discouraged with the way the backroom dealings took place to jam the healthcare bill through congress. For or against, regardless, I wanted to see this new version of Washington that would operate in the light of day.  I wanted to put an end to the backroom dealings and I thought transparency would lead to a more productive congress that would be unable to hide the secret agendas that may not have appeared in campaign pamphlets. Every so often we see evidence of corruption or embarrassing scandals coming from our nation’s leaders. Certainly more transparency would put an end to this, right?

Yesterday, we met with Brian Lamb, founder of C-SPAN. He has been rightfully praised for his social entrepreneurship endeavor of bringing congress’ debates and votes into public view. Nearly any time of day, when I accidently sit on the remote and the channel changes from ESPN, I will be watching the house or senate floor live. And when I try to get back to some decent entertainment, I might have to click through two or three channels that are also showing debates, votes, hearings or sometimes, an empty senate floor. I mean no offense to Mr. Lamb, he was incredibly gracious in our discussions and genuinely cared about our thoughts and ideas more than anyone we have met with. It’s not his fault that 95% of what happens in congress is incredibly boring to those outside of politics. But C-SPAN offers more than just live coverage. Nearly every speech given by our political leaders on the floor in the last couple decades can be viewed on C-SPAN’s website. It really is an incredibly interesting and valuable database. To bring this full circle, no one needs to watch a Phillies vs. Marlins game in May but when Roy Halladay threw baseball’s 20th perfect game in history this year, I’m glad ESPN had the tapes.

From speaking with congressmen, senators, lobbyists, and the media, it became immediately apparent that this notion of transparency might have some negative effects. It was consistently echoed that congress has perhaps changed for the worse now that everything is broadcasted on television. Politicians speak and debate in a fashion that is sure to appease their constituents and protect votes rather than what might be most honest and productive. A great example was seen in the oversight hearing with BP CEO, Tony Hayward. Rather than finding answers to this great catastrophe, committee members essentially took turns scolding Mr. Hayward for his mismanagement.

Our last day in Washington DC was just as eventful and fabulous as its predecessors. Our first meeting was with Andrew Lundquist. Lundquist is an energy policy and technology expert who served on the energy policy committee under the Bush administration. I particularly enjoyed this meeting because energy policy is not a subject that I have been overly exposed to thus far into my studies, so I found his insights and stories fascinating. The experiences Lundquist shared lead us into an extremely interesting discussion about transparency within executive administrations. We chatted about various ways to shape transparency rules based on the subject matter and power balance.

After our morning meeting we headed to the American National History Museum for a docent tour that the lovely Mary Beth Nethercutt arranged for us. As a huge history enthusiastic, I have been to many museums in my life, but this one was by far and away from favorite! I think I enjoyed it so much because the various exhibits displayed terrifically interesting topics that were refreshing original.

Our last meeting of the day was at the Swiss Embassy. What a wonderful glimpse into the world of foreign relations! This meeting was especially fun because it was a very tactic way to be exposed to a the dichotomy of the relationships between sovereign governments.

Overall I come away from this trip feeling immensely blessed and empowered. Seeing the United States Capitol from all the angles of its inner workings is a life changing experience. I truly saw and began to understand the complexity of the system, the importance of each citizen fulfilling their role, and dichotomy of a two party arrangement.

I also was struck over and over by the beauty and wonder America’s great past. I lost of count of the number of times chills shot down my spine while we toured historical and prestigious locations. I sincerely believe it is impossible to walk through Arlington Cemetery, stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, see the nine chairs of the Supreme Court Justices, or look at the original Declaration of Independence and not be touched by the legacy of the history United States.

Another very impressive element of this trip and the Nethercutt Foundation in general is the quality of people it attracts. George Nethercutt is truly a class act. Countless people went out of their way to tell us that he is legitimately a statesman.  I made a note to myself to observe and learn from his behavior as much as I could. I was also completely tickled with the caliber of fellow students on this trip. Although there were various political view points and opinions among our group every person was able to tactfully and respectfully have conversations with each other about controversial issues. This is a program that truly can empower the up-and-coming generation with the confidence they need to serve their country.

At one point last night as I drifted into an abyss of slumber, I remember thinking, “I would have been one fat cat on a Democratic House ticket during the 80s.” As a student immersed in the political process thanks to this generous foundation, these are the kinds of lollipop, pie-in-the-sky dreams one has after a fourteen-hour day of meetings with some of Washington’s key political, intellectual, and business players.

I have heard many tales of the changing tides of Washington throughout the course of the past week. For example, “During this era, the process was perfect, but now it is broken.” Or, “Now the government is perfect, but during that era it was broken.” It seems that everyone has a different take on the progress of the process.

Political biases aside, the Congress of the 60s, 70s, and 80s had been romanticized as an era of camaraderie, across-the-aisle negotiations, and political fervor. In an age of technology and wanton partisanship, however, it seems that camaraderie has been traded for attack ads, negotiations for party exclusivity, and political fervor for personal agendas. From the meetings we’ve had thus far, I have garnered the following thematic elements of the modern political scene: Change. Polarization. Self-interest. The perils of air conditioning.

But hope?

Certainly not hope. Hope is the catch phrase of peacetime and prosperity, not unrest and depression. Hope is a preeminent factor in innovation and expansion. Hope is a four-letter word.

Yet today, in meeting with paramount figures such as Brian Lamb, William Delahunt, Patrick Kennedy, Rick Shelby, Mary Ann Simpson, and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, I was left with just that – hope. This group of upstanding and outstanding leaders was, in a nutshell, an incredible climax to our time in DC.

I was given hope by Mr. Brian Lamb of C-SPAN, who took over seventy-five minutes to sit down and have a conversation with our group of eleven. Engaging everyone in a meaningful manner, Mr. Lamb, in a very principled display of journalism, showed in a kinesthetic and tangible manner what it means to be a professional journalist in Washington. He did not schmooze, he did not avert questions, and he did not infantilize our bright-eyed and bushy-tailed entourage. Instead, he taught by example. Essentially, he “interviewed” each and every one of us – unbeknownst to me at the time – thereby giving us a true taste of his work. After being discouraged for years by the claims of elders as being part of a generation of ineptitude, Mr. Lamb’s interest and encouragement built upon foundational aspects of The George Nethercutt Foundation with respect to my ambition to pursue greatness.

As an aside, drawing on my theme of innovation and entrepreneurship, Mr. Lamb suggested that he was a “social entrepreneur” after I had relayed my excitement at the various types of unconventional entrepreneurship we had encountered during our trip. Mr. Lamb found a market shortcoming – the public’s lack of access to the inner-workings of Congress – and corrected the shortcoming in an entrepreneurial manner. I found this to be a source of great inspiration and encouragement. Mr. Lamb’s reference to his work as “social entrepreneurship” gave me hope that I might one day be able to meld my talents as a businesswoman with my desire to enact social change in a consequential way.

Without the expectation of hope, I can never become a woman half as worldly as Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers, who took fifteen minutes between votes on the floor to visit with constituents and enter into a dialogue about the benefits of having an MBA in politics (Phew – I really can go places! I was beginning to get nervous about my prospects out here knowing that I will never be “Katie Love, Esq.”). I was extremely impressed with the Congresswoman’s interest in the program and more fundamentally, her interest in the group as human beings. At one point, I overheard Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers’ assistant talk about her bipartisan efforts with Congressman Patrick Kennedy to support neurological research and early childhood education. After being convinced that a canyon filled with disagreement and messy politics divides Washington, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers’ work across party lines left me optimistic as to the future of policy makers and our nation’s governance.

Prior to our trip, after reading several magazine and newspaper articles, I imagined that Congress and the Senate were places of stagnation, caught in storm of political disagreement and dissention. However, after Thursday, I was left with the impression that people want to work out differences; everyone attested to the importance of compromise. I am therefore hopeful that this desire will manifest in tangible negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. While pundits may often tout elected officials for their un-actualized objectives of “change,” I have the impression that our nation’s leaders are diligently working to rectify the situation. I have hope in the future of politics and government.

Today was a day which will go down in history for each of the Nethercutt Fellows on the trip.  Our plans for the day consisted of an exciting lineup of representatives and an Oregonian Senator, but it turned into so much more.  After finishing a meeting Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the group proceeded to the underground tram which connects the Senate office buildings and the Capitol building.  Hopping onto the tram, we bumped into Senator Bryon Dorgan of North Dakota, the first of a quick series of quick opportunities to meet a flurry of senators.

Departing the tram, we ran into none other than Senator John McCain, former presidential candidate of the Republican Party.  At his side was Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, another big name in the Republican Party.  After a brief hello to each of these men, we proceeded up the escalators toward the Senate.  By this point it was clear to the group we were in the midst of senators proceeding to the Senate floor in order to vote.  As we waited for the elevators that would take us up to the Senate Galley, up walked Senator Lindsey Graham, the powerful Republican Senator from South Carolina (our second brief visit with him in 2 days). 

The group split up to use the elevators, and we accidentally ended up on the second floor, right at the point where senators walk in past the press to enter the Senate Room.  As I stood there with Congressman Nethercutt and Maddy, marveling at the luck our mistake had brought us, reporters rushed Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, who stood only a few feet away.  By this point, I do believe I was probably too giddy with excitement to do anything except gape and awe at the individuals passing right beside me and the action taking place before me. 

We finally made it to the Senate Galley with our whole group intact, where our rather impeccable timing provided us the opportunity to watch a flurry of activity take place on the Senate floor between presumably all 100 senators.  We watched Harry Reid make a brief speech, and everyone in our group could hardly contain their excitement as figures such as John Kerry, Joe Lieberman, Olympia Snowe, Mitch McConnell, Max Baucus, John McCain, and so many others mingled on the floor discussing who knows what.  It was quite literally a political science major’s dream come true, and it was one of the favorite events of everyone thus far during our time in D.C.

Today we met with three very different Congressional leaders from the west coast.  Our first meeting was with House Republican Leadership Chairman, Greg Walden from Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District.  We sat with him for a few minutes in a meeting room right as he walked off the floor.  We got to hear a bit about one of his major projects regarding transparency and accountability in the House.  He views the speed that bills are moving through the House as dangerous and thinks it is important that Congress people are informed and educated about the decisions they are being asked to make.  It was interesting to hear him advocate slowing down the process of our government, but I found myself agreeing with his basic idea.  Our system was built to move slowly and it allows for great debate and revision so that only the most effective and beneficial pieces of legislation become laws.  I appreciated hearing his take on the government as he serves as a leader in the minority.  It was interesting to hear his perspective.

Our next meeting was with Jim McDermott, a long time Congressman representing the 7th Congressional district of Washington.  Representative McDermott seemed very defensive at the start of our meeting and it seemed to be because he is a very left wing democrat and we were students from the foundation of a republican.  The first question one of my peers asked, though, was his take on the partisanship of politics and that seemed to break down whatever barrier there was between us.  He provided about a twenty-minute answer and had some interesting things to say.  Some of his thoughts included the importance of relationships among Congress people and the importance of discarding the “winner takes all” mentality between the two parties.  Although his political philosophy differs from my own, I appreciated hearing his perspective and being able to contrast his position and views to the other Congress people and leaders that we have had the opportunity to meet with this week.       

Our final meeting was with democratic Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon.  Our group asked him to speak on the issue of partisan politics as well and he also had some very interesting things to say.  He told us about a piece of bipartisan tax reform legislation that he is currently working on with a Republican leader.  He emphasized the importance of finding principles that both sides can agree on.  He also suggested that as elections get under way for the fall, we should take the time to ask candidates what bipartisan legislation they will pursue if elected.  In such a polarized environment, he said it is important for leaders to be intentional about being bipartisan as much as possible.  I really appreciated hearing a less extreme democratic view of this issue. 

Today was a very well rounded day as we met with three very different Congressional representatives.  Overall, two represented Oregon and one was from Washington, two were democrats and one was republican and two were house representatives and one was a Senator.  This diversity allowed me to gain many perspectives of Congress and especially the current crisis of partisan politics.

Before I begin, I’d like to offer a disclaimer: The following ideas do not reflect the view of George Nethercutt or the Nethercutt Foundation but rather my own views following an interaction with Washington State Senator Patty Murray. 

In my first blog, I indicated that I had some reservations about coming to DC, fearing that I may return home with a pessimistic attitude towards many politicians. Senator Murray legitimized my cynical view in less than a minute.

Many of us anxiously awaited a sit-down with our Senator. Some of us had drawn up points of conversation. Unfortunately, all of us left disappointed. The meeting didn’t happen.  Rather than the informative dialogue that has occurred with all the politicians we’ve met, we received a thirty second photo shoot.  Interestingly, she was so busy beforehand the photographer had already aligned us in order for it to be as expedient as possible.  Despite previous communication between the Foundation and the Senator’s office, in addition to the approval and confirmation of the meeting weeks ago, we were snubbed.  We received a photograph with our Senator. 

After Senator Murray offered her reenactment of “Gone in Sixty Seconds”, many Fellows expressed the same frustration.  Some commented Senator Murray had lost their vote.  I suspect she lost at least 21 votes, derived from the seven Washington Fellows and each of their parents. This may be a conservative estimate when one calculates how many times this story may be shared. This doesn’t take into account the other parties she alienates.  In her defense, she may have been extremely busy. Regardless, it was not the classiest move.  An apology or some genuine words for her inability to spare time may have gone a long way.  This wasn’t the case. 

Enough with our complaining; we’ll get over it.  While the gesture was not appreciated, I’m even more displeased with the intention behind it.  I believe she avoided us because she didn’t want to be questioned on some of her policies.  This indicates intellectual insecurity and faulty policies.  If her policies were solid, why would she have a problem discussing them with a group of students?  While the fellowship presents a group of very intellectual individuals, it is not a group which intended to put her on the spot.  Nor is it one as informed as she and her aids. Perhaps this isn’t the case as one prominent journalist indicated “most people know she’s not someone you’d want to cheat off of during a physics test”. I’d like to think my decision makers are intelligent and informed individuals.  I’m not sure this can be said of Patty Murray.  If this is the case, I do not want her in office.

Lobbyists have an interesting reputation outside of Washington DC. Somewhere along the line I, along with most of America I think, developed the perception that lobbyists were high paid, powerful influencers who have a tremendous amount of control over politicians and the political process.  And naturally I concluded that this was another sign of a corrupt system. Today, we spoke with a couple of lobbyists and two of the most interesting and intelligent individuals we have encountered thus far. My perceptions of their power and influence were confirmed, but I am not longer so sure about my assumption of corruption.

Heidi Biggs Brock is the Vice President of Federal and International Affairs for Weyerhaeuser. She and her team analyze every piece of legislation that could affect Weyerhaeuser’s business and attempt to convince politicians to vote in favor or against various bills. Given Weyerhaeuser’s involvement in nearly every industry, you would have a hard time finding a piece of legislation that does not affect their partners, employees, or shareholders. They are much more than a lumber company. We learned today that they supply materials to Pamper’s baby diapers, are involved in considerable mineral and geothermal exploration, finance industry leading forestry sustainability studies, and have a massive Real Estate Investment Trust. Weyerhaeuser even has skin in the Financial Reform Bill given their risk management practices that utilize derivatives in an attempt to stabilize cash flows in a notoriously cyclical home building marketplace. Very simply, Mrs. Biggs Brock has a job, and an incredibly busy one at that, because nearly every major decision made in Washington is certain to affect millions of shareholders, tens of thousands of employees, countless partner organizations, and hundreds of millions of consumers.

As I referred to earlier, Weyerhaeuser is an industry leader in sustainability as well as other ethical business practices. Mrs. Biggs Brock showed a level of honesty regarding those practices that you may not see from the PR department, but from that, I found myself giving more trust to this behemoth of a company.  She discussed with us how many of the ethical practices employed by the company were good for the public, the environment, and conveniently the shareholder.  First, on the issue of clear-cutting, it is safe to assume that Weyerhaeuser has its hands full with public outrage and environmental groups. But when considering an environmental group’s alternative of only cutting a single tree in areas of the forest, their research found that replanted trees had no hope for re-growth as they would be completely blocked of sunlight. It is actually in Weyerhaeuser’s best interest to develop the best forest protection and forest re-growth strategies to ensure a sustainable source of lumber. Shifting gears, Weyerhaeuser is a stand out in the lumber industry, and many comparably dangerous industries for that matter, for their safety record. Mrs. Biggs Brock explained the importance of sending employees home safe to their families and that Weyerhaeuser considered the lumber industry’s history of danger to be a disgrace. Though probably somewhat insensitive, I could not help but analyze this from a business perspective. In an industry where employee injury claims or lawsuits have the potential to be an overwhelming expense, you literally win or lose on safety.

How does one deal with apathy? How does one consciously abstain from voting, when voting is an ordinary citizen’s vehicle to change? How does one embrace being a means to another’s end?

While today provided far and away more ups than downs, there was a moment when disillusionment took over not only my thought process, but also my very being. After being jazzed about life, innovation, and entrepreneurship by lobbyist David Rehr, I was riding an unstoppable wave of anticipation. I anticipated my future, the future of America, and the future of politics – all of which I felt were going in a positive direction following a scintillating morning of presentations. Nothing could get me down.

Enter Senator Murray. While I have been very excited to meet the myriad of political, business, and intellectual characters on our journey, today was supposed to be special because we had plans to meet with Washington state-elected Patty Murray. My family’s votes have always gone to support the Senator’s reelection efforts, and I know for a fact that the organizations near and dear to my family (trade unions, for example) support the Senator’s campaigns. I looked forward to hearing what was on her plate, to chatting informally with a high-profile public figure, and to learning how national issues are affecting Washington state. My expectations could not have been further from the truth.

Upon arriving in the Senator’s office, we were whisked to a Washington state flag, where a photographer positioned us – without Senator Murray – so we could be more efficient with her time when she finally arrived. I presumed this would be to maximize the question and answer session I had long anticipated. When the Senator came to meet us – minutes late – she shook everyone’s hand, then posed for the picture, said a couple of words, and went on her way.

She never even took the time to ask what part of the state I am from. She never took the time to ask why I choose to live in Washington, or why I chose to get an advanced degree in business. Heck, she never even took the time to ask what kind of degree I am pursuing!

I was floored. Here I was, a concerned citizen anticipating a tough election ahead for the Senator. I wanted so badly to speak with her, if only for a couple of minutes. I wanted her to take an interest in me on a level so miniscule that it can’t even compare to the years I’ve spent following her service. Yet, I was left with a handshake, two photographs, and forty five seconds of generic, distant words.

How is it that the distinguished Dr. Edwin Fuelner, President of the very large and successful Heritage Foundation, will take a whole hour out of his day to talk with us, but my state Senator, could not take an extra five minutes to get to know us? How can I go from being told by top lobbyists and businesspeople that I have the power to change the world, yet I am so insignificant to my own representative that she doesn’t even care to know my last name?

Patty would have received my vote, yet now I cannot, in good conscience, cast her name on my ballot. It would also be unacceptable to vote for her opponent simply because of this off-putting experience, as my views do not even marginally align with his. Equally abominable would be writing in a name or leaving the ballot blank. Votes are supposed to count for something in a democracy, but I was shown today by a lady I held in extremely high esteem, that my votes count for nothing.

In past elections I have left issues blank on my ballot because I was not educated enough about the issue, but I have never not voted for a major office. I hate that this is the experience driving me toward apathy. I hate that I will have to go home and disappoint my parents, my sister, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends with the distressing news that a political hero has let me down in a most unacceptable way. I hate that this experience has compromised my faith in elections and politicians. I want so badly to see the good in the situation, yet I see nothing under the veil of disillusionment.

I wanted to be heard, but instead, I was silenced.

Although today’s events provided some of the trip’s most exciting sites, with personal tours of both the Supreme Court and the highly secure Pentagon, our morning interviews highlighted an issue which may be all too commonly ignored in the bustling and boisterous U.S. capital: workaholics.  

Our morning began with a visit from Heidi Biggs Brock, the Vice President of Federal and International Affairs for Weyerhaeuser, a large company that many people in the Northwest are familiar with.  Brock, who primarily spends her time working as a lobbyist, offered a refreshing, insightful, and thoughtful view of the role she plays as the top representative for her company for the federal government.  She underscored the fact that she not only attempts to influence policy in a pro-business manner for the Weyerhaeuser company, but more importantly, for the 13,000 employees of the company who depend on it for their livelihood.

Brock also briefly related a few tidbits from her personal life, and she seemed to possess a sincere commitment to her family.  She noted that her husband was an Episcopal priest, and that together they had multiple children.  Overall, her demeanor concerning this matter suggested that work did not consume her life, a contrast to the next individual we were to listen to and speak with.

Following Brock was David Rehr, a highly energetic, driven, and focused individual.  The atmosphere was noticeably different in the room, as Rehr repeatedly consulted his Blackberry (the near universally chosen device of staffers and officials alike in D.C.) in an effort to keep working while talking.  Rehr provided many entertaining and helpful tips regarding business models and lobbying efforts, and I left with the clear impression that the man was not afraid to use quite harsh and unforgiving tactics in his efforts as lobbyist.  As a former lobbyist for the National Beer Wholesalers, and as a current lobbyist for a broadcasting entity, Rehr has worked hard to gain reputation and power, and the new book he hopes to soon release relates many of the principles he followed in reaching the position he now has.

Although differences definitely surfaced between the lobbyist philosophies guiding Rehr and Brock, a stark contrast also existed in their family lifestyles, which served to be educational in many ways.  Rehr reiterated numerous times the importance of working hard and out-working the competition.  When asked what he did to relax and rejuvenate, Rehr simply replied that he doesn’t, instead, he works.  He briefly mentioned his wonderful wife and how she puts up with his labor, and I could only wonder how his job pulled him away from his family responsibilities, and how this busy lifestyle must tug out so many other families whose loved ones work in D.C.  I hope that we can learn from this slightly less political (in some respects) lesson as we too look ahead in our lives to busy careers serving people.

This morning we met with Heidi Biggs Brock, the Vice President of Federal and International Affairs of Weyerhauser Company.  She was a very professional looking woman and spoke both sweetly and confidently about the job she does for the large company.  She began by giving us her background information, including how she came to work in Washington D.C. and the reasons that she decided to work for Weyerhauser in the first place.  After that she told us about the company in general, including what it does and what its interests are.  Then she explained her job – to manage advocacy for policy issues Weyerhauser has and to manage their political capital (reputation, relationships, etc.).  In other words, she is a lobbyist.

It was interesting to hear her perspective.  I had always been skeptical of lobbyists because I adhered to the stereotype that they were simply shoveling money to candidates so that government officials would be persuaded to join their cause.  I was cynical and under the assumption that lobbyists were, in a sense, detrimental to the political system and the balance of minority and majority voice.  After listening to Ms. Brock, I don’t feel as though that is always the case.  She spoke throughout our meeting about the Weyerhauser Code of Ethics and how important that code is to all employees.  It was refreshing that such a large company would place such importance on integrity and ethical behavior.  Ms. Brock made clear, as well, that she serves to represent the needs and issues of Weyerhauser’s 13,000 employees and simply provides the means of communication between them and the government.  She also spent time addressing how a Political Action Committee works regarding campaign contributions to political candidates.  I found it interesting that their employees give voluntarily to the PAC and Weyerhauser supports candidates based on the issues, not the party.   

I really enjoyed meeting with Ms. Brock and found many of the stereotypes of lobbyists that I had adhered to for so long shattered by her professionalism and integrity.  It was encouraging to hear about the positive contributions lobbyists can make in our government.     

“The right wing and the left wing have been too largely focused on, and we have forgotten about the bird.” This was said by former Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr., who now has his own consulting firm.  After listening to the Honorable Mr. Watts speak to our group today, I felt even more motivated to work hard to better the political stability of our nation.  Mr. Watts and I may not share the same political views, but there is an idea that we both agree on.  As an elected official, you have to work on both sides of the aisle to overcome the obstacles that face the nation.

As an active and aware voter, I have noticed that many elected officials have been so engrossed with their political party that they do not even want to be a part of anything on the “dark side.” But Mr. Watts was right when he said that we need to look at the bird, as a whole, not just its wings.  Much, if not all of my political inspiration comes from my mother.  She is Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and has been involved in politics most of her life.  On the Board, she serves with another Democrat and a Republican as well. So far, she has served as County Commission for seven years with three different Republicans. In those seven years, they have never been split on one single vote.  For people like Mr. Watts and myself, this should provide many with a gleam of hope.  It alleviates my fears that unity can never be reached between the two major political parties, and that it is not too late to reach across the aisle and unify for the best interests of our country.

Mr. J.C. Watts, Jr., was a great speaker and he is someone I admire.  We may sit on different sides of the political spectrum, but we are able to meet in the middles and have a civilized conversation about the direction our country needs to take.  He is a man that has been in different directions and has the ability to communicate with almost anyone.  As I pursue my political ambitions someday, I want to take J.C.’s words with me, as many others should: “Big team. Little me.”

Today we met David Rogers. Rogers got into the journalism world in the 1960’s and was then drafted into the Vietnam War. He served as a combat infantry medic with the First Division until he returned to school in the early 1970’s. Rogers was soon picked up by the Boston Globe which sent him to Washington in 1979 and he has been covering Congress ever since. Rogers worked for the Wall Street Journal for 24 years and now works as a reporter for Politico. Rogers’ stories were interesting to say the least.

As a broadcast news major myself, I found the meeting with Rogers extraordinary. He was very down to earth and easy to talk with. He answered all of our questions truthfully and with stories to follow. It was refreshing to start the day (and our series of meetings for the week) with someone who has been around Washington for so long, not to mention someone so willing to share his stories. I have always had a large respect for “old-school” reporters as we call them today. They have a certain sense of honesty, integrity, truth, and passion for what they do. They always seem to be no-non-sense type of people, which to me is quite refreshing. Not only was it nice to meet with someone so talented and interested in our learning, but his stories were extremely entertaining.

Rogers explained how his education in Congress began with the Massachusetts delegation and spoke about the people that were extremely influential in his life and career, such as Lee Hamilton and Charlie Wilson. He spoke about Charlie Wilson and explained his character, humor and time in Washington from a perspective that we do not get to hear every day. He has seen Congress and Washington in a very special light since his start there in 1979, and I appreciated every minute talking with him. Rogers was brash, funny, and quite entertaining—especially for 8:00 in the morning. His character and attitude made the meeting all the more enjoyable.

I asked Rogers about technology both in general and in the media and how he believes it has changed politics since the beginning of his career. He agreed that both good and bad stem from the technologies of media. An example he gave, which I found very interesting, was the way that planes have changed Congress and how it is run. Since most members of Congress do not live in Washington they are eager to get home and back to their constituents; because of this members tend to arrive in Washington on Monday afternoon and are already leaving town by Thursday evening. This causes a large problem in the way relationships are built and strengthened among members of Congress. Rogers explained that members are not in Washington long enough to build relationships and talk over ideas, which consequently leads to a lack of results. Without easy access to flights, Rogers explained that previous members of Congress had spent much more time together. They were able to discuss ideas, and built strong relationships, thus resulting in more progress.

Rogers has changed throughout time along with everything else in Washington, he has adapted to new lifestyles and constant media changes. It was great to hear stories about his life experiences and the changes along the way. Rogers made a statement that will stick with me as a communication and broadcast journalism major--he said, (in regards to finding stories) “It’s like hunting the river, sometimes you pull out a tire, and sometimes you pull out a fish.” Speaking with Rogers was quite encouraging from a journalistic view and I think that statement really says it all: sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but the hunt is always thrilling.

Today was a terrific first day. We met with a broad variety of politically affiliated people which gave us a well-rounded idea of the many parts of our government’s function.  We met with a  reporter, a defense specialist, a former Congressman turned businessman, and two leader of prominent think tank institutions.  This day was so rich and stimulating that for the sake of time I am only going to expand on one of our meetings today.

Michael Wermuth is the manager of the Counterterrorism and Homeland Defense programs, RAND National Security Research Division.  Mr. Wermuth is also a lawyer. I deram of becoming a lawyer so I was automatically interested in the work he does.  However, besides a passion for the law and an avid interest in the national defense, Mr. Wermuth and I shared another fascination, the Constitution of the United States.  I am a girl who wants to be a lawyer! As such, I truly love to pick an issue and try to evaluate the Constitutional strength of its defense or objection. Which is why I could barely contain my joy when Mr. Wermuth walked into our meeting and handed out parts of the Constitution he wanted to reference in our discussion. I immediately whipped out my own personal copy of the Constitution to follow along!

The main question we debated during our meeting involved the validity and logistics of whether or not the United States could or should have a national police force.  We referenced Article IV, Section 4, the 10th Amendment and Article II, Section 8 in various roles during our talk.  All this to say, what impacted me most was seeing the variance in interpretations and applications of the Constitution by each of the people in the room.  I had a good time sitting in a room with a dozen very smart and kind people who I truly admire, and listening to diverse ideas being communicated in a healthy way.

Throughout today’s meetings, the dying trend of bipartisanship and politicians’ inability to reach across the aisle in an effort to craft sound policies surfaced multiple times. David Rogers, whom some consider the “101st Senator” and the “best congressional reporter in the country”, alerted of this perishing practice.  Earlier in his career many politicians would meet one another for a drink or dinner.  Occasionally, there would be an informal cocktail party consisting of members from both sides.  Today there is no such interaction. 

JC Watts, a former Oklahoma representative, attested to this environment saying it was difficult to form personal relationships with his colleagues during his time in office.  Many congressman fly in Monday night and leave by Thursday in order to return to their constituents.  The brief stay means less interaction with their colleagues and in turn, less time working on the problems they should be tackling together.  Instead, this environment leads to a fragmented congress that is able to engage in cutthroat politics, leaving no solution to many pertinent problems.  As Watts wisely indicated, the political environment has become so concerned with left wing versus right wing, we’ve forgotten the bird.  

How do we refocus our attention to the bird? How do we get back to good policy making that transcends party lines and puts good ideas and the well-being of the American people above the turf wars that many politicians fight? Some of the group noted the pressure politicians face from their constituents to stick to their party’s ideas.  Perhaps term limits will alleviate this pressure.  Rather than worrying about re-election, politicians could worry about helpful policies instead of popular policies. Perhaps the answer lies in a better civics education.   A more informed younger generation may appreciate the sacrifices Americans from Democratic and Republican parties have made to make our nation great.  Perhaps such an appreciation will put America before party affiliations. 

I say perhaps because I’m not sure there is a clear-cut answer to our dying bipartisanship.  Rogers, whom I consider more informed than myself and therefore a better candidate to answer such a dilemma, offered a suggestion; Rather than meeting during the week, Congressman should meet Friday through Monday.  Perhaps they will be able to grab a drink during happy hour or enjoy dinner with a colleague’s family. I’m not suggesting drinks and food is the answer to our party’s polarized uncompromising views but these types of events allow for political adversaries to know one another on a personal level making it easier to conquer America’s dilemmas together. It may lead to the left wing flapping in unison with the right wing, pushing the bird through America’s harsh winds towards bluer skies.  

Today we were honored with the opportunity to visit two of the premier think-tanks in Washington D.C., namely, the Brookings Institute and the Heritage Foundation.  These organizations work to produce policy suggestions, solutions, and analysis in order to aid legislators and other government officials as they seek to write bills and pass laws.

At the Brookings Institute, the Fellows had the opportunity to meet Steve Bennett, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the institution.  He graciously spent time with us explaining the history of the organization and how the institute created the model and basis for think-tanks in D.C.  Bennett, a renowned researcher himself on global development issues, emphasized the intellectual and academic environment that the powerful think-tank seeks to foster.  Quality, independence, and impact signify the fundamental characteristics of the research the institution expects from its affiliated researchers.  Bennett took great care to stress the seriousness with which Brookings takes these attributes, noting that its scholars are not afraid to disagree and debate matters of policy.

In contrast to this academic approach stands the Heritage Foundation, which was founded on the basis of promoting conservative principles.  Not to say this diminishes the intellectual rigor or standards of information, but Heritage looks to provide and analyze policy based on these fundamental conservative ideals, while the Brookings Institute seems to allow more freedom in the ideas which its researchers produce.  Hosting our meeting was the President of the Heritage Foundation, Dr. Edwin Feulner, which was a special and distinct honor.  Dr. Feulner was not ashamed or afraid to explicitly state Heritage’s allegiance to these conservative principles; yet, Dr. Feulner, similar to Bennett, expressed his wish to see quality and influential scholarship produced within his organization.

In reflection upon this delightful opportunity to meet esteemed professionals in the nation’s premier think tanks, I would have to conclude that I prefer the academic setting of Brookings thanks to its emphasis on scholarly independence and debate.  That being said, seeing both organizations provided me an unparalleled opportunity to understand and appreciate what they both have to offer, and the strengths presented in their differing approaches to policy research and analysis. 

Finally, it was encouraging to hear and see the cooperation between these highly-regarded institutions (which are often at odds).  First, both Bennett and Feulner understood that the government lacks analytical capacity, and each seeks to resolve this dilemma (although in quite distinct ways).  Furthermore, Brookings and Heritage are currently collaborating on an effort to produce awareness and solutions regarding the ballooning and problematic deficits the United States faces.  Such cooperation is encouraging and ought to serve as an example to the polarized leadership guiding our Congress and its party establishments.

Today, I feel like we transformed from wandering tourists to join the rest of the city in hustling through the heat from meeting to meeting. We visited four different board rooms to meet with five leaders across several sectors and political persuasions. Starting at Mr. Nethercutt’s office, we were joined by David Rogers, one of our country's most well known and respected journalists. He detailed his career from his early days at the Boston Globe to his twenty-four year stint with The Wall Street Journal and finally to his new home with The Hill’s most influential publication, Politico. He gave a very insightful perspective on how new media technology as well as commercial airline efficiency and prevalence have changed political discourse in Washington. In a few words, congressmen are spending less time in Washington and flying home more frequently to visit their constituents. Even while they are in Washington, they, not unlike the rest of us, are distracted by blackberries and iPhones, and often watch debates on flat screens in their offices.

It seems that advents in technology have allowed lawmakers to be more informed on a greater depth and breadth of issues. What is lost, however, is some of the relationship building that is essential for bipartisan solutions to our countries problems. The close-knit relationships in Washington and in politics in general are often assumed to be negative, however, as I recall from my undergraduate studies of rhetorical theories, identification is essential for persuasion. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”

Monday, June 21, 2010. Roll Call:
David Rogers, world renowned journalist at Politico. Michael Wermuth, Manager of Counterterrorism and Homeland Defense Programs for RAND Corporation.  J.C. Watts, former Oklahoma Congressman and much to my interest, a former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback. Executives from two of our nation’s most prominent think tanks, Steven J. Bennett of the Brookings Institute and Dr. Edwin Feulner of the Heritage Foundation.  

I have always had a slight aversion to government as I saw it as the pure politics that often dominates and crowds out the necessary debate of actual policy issues.  I was disenchanted with the news headlines that spoke of a partisan Congress with members that disrespected one another and couldn’t cooperate, even within their own party.  Today, though, I was able to regain a sense of hope in our system and the possibility for change that the future holds.

One leader we had the opportunity to speak with, the Honorable J.C. Watts, Jr. served as a Congressman representing Oklahoma.  He spoke strongly of how his faith influenced his actions, even as a government official.  He also discussed how he decided to leave office after becoming discouraged, but that he has since regained his hope in the system following the 2008 elections and the general public’s increased involvement in the system.  As strange as it may seem, I was encouraged to hear that a Congressional representative became discouraged, but that he currently sees hope in the system.  I was very impressed with Mr. Watts as he was so genuine and humble, despite his impressive resume.  He wore a suit and cowboy boots and walked around the room, shaking everyone’s hand at the end of our time with him.  I am very glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him and find his newfound hope in the government inspiring.    

Another leader we met with was Steven Bennett from the Brookings Institute.  He offered some great insight into the function of a think tank – to provide government leaders with in-depth policy initiatives and solutions to difficult, complex questions.  It was encouraging to learn that so many brilliant scholars are helping politicians become informed about difficult issues and providing the depth and knowledge that these leaders need in order to make informed decisions.  Our future is not solely in the hands of our elected representatives.  The most scholarly minds are assisting behind the scenes. 

I greatly enjoyed all of the discussions we participated in today with various leaders.  I learned so much about the state of the government from various perspectives and was encouraged that they all seemed to say the same thing… our government is not perfect, but even with all its flaws, it is still incredible and there is hope for the future.

When we went to the Nethercutt home for Sunday dinner, I noticed a small placard in George and Mary Beth’s office that read, “You CAN do it.” As a student of entrepreneurship and a fervent believer in the American dream, I have been taught to believe that with hard work, an individual’s dreams can become reality. Yet, despite frequent studies and in-depth classroom readings, entrepreneurship still remains a somewhat foreign concept insofar that without getting to the meat of success – feeling it, seeing it, experiencing it – the spirit is difficult to embrace due to the immense risk surrounding start-up ventures. Monday, however, was an excellent exercise in the methodology, types of, and success surrounding notable entrepreneurial ventures.

Former Congressman J.C. Watts struck me with his assuredness, intellect, and humility. His diverse background – a student-athlete, a pro athlete, a minister, a politician, a businessman – lent itself to a myriad of different life perspectives, which in turn lent credence to a unique and well-articulated political philosophy. As a person with a plethora of interests, hardly able to narrow the scope of potential careers for my future, Mr. Watts’ ability to dip his hand in several ventures and emerge with his amount of success and his forward-thinking perspective was incredibly motivating. One of my favorite economists, Joseph Schumpeter, believed that business cycles surge and contract with innovation; Mr. Watts’ ability to innovate himself and his community was one of the most inspiring aspects of my very informative day. In my opinion, Mr. Watts exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship, a capability I hold in very high esteem.

Lately I have been extremely interested in one day helping to cultivate local economic infrastructure in developing nations, so when I found out that we would be meeting with Mr. Steven Bennett of The Brookings Institute, I was excited to say the least. Not only does The Brookings Institute have an impressive track record of progressive, innovative policy analysis, but Mr. Bennett’s résumé also attests to his experience in similar ventures. I asked him about his experience with the Global Fairness Initiative and what types of “innovative models of economic engagement” have flourished while he has been in the business. He told the group about an initiative undertaken to develop Cambodia’s garment industry into a profitable and (by international standards) humane venture, which emerged as a model of great success for other developing nations. With interests in business, scholarship, and service, his story of change and entrepreneurship in action – finding solutions to fix operational and developmental disadvantages – was extraordinarily encouraging. Not only did Mr. Bennett help to define how I might one day help others in a concrete and meaningful way (I subscribe to the camp of teaching a man to fish versus giving a man a fish), he also gave me hope and insight to an industry that I care a about a great deal.

Lastly, we met with Dr. Edwin Feulner of The Heritage Foundation. I gravitated toward the very learned, straight-shooting Dr. Feulner from the instant that he told me he held an honorary degree from my alma mater, Gonzaga University. Moreover, however, I appreciated his identification of a market shortcoming (the unavailability of sound, timely, and read-able policy analyses) and the fervent passion with which he pursued his solution – The Heritage Foundation. Dr. Feulner’s expansion of his organization, founded upon political and governmental grounds, show the unparalleled heights of success that dedication and education are able to elevate individuals. Dr. Feulner’s entrepreneurial endeavor into the policy center was risky, yet he has achieved a great deal of success and consequently, he has brought a great deal of visibility to issues that he cares about a great deal.

While today was full of many lessons, I am presently reflecting upon my unparalleled levels of inspiration. Today, DC proved that the entrepreneurial American spirit is not only alive and well – it is flourishing. With a little time and experience, I too will one day be able to actualize my own dreams in the same way these great men have innovated the business, international, and policy sectors. For this opportunity, I am extremely grateful.

This was our first weekend in Washington, DC and I think everyone would agree that excitement played a large role this weekend! These past few days have been a great time for fellowship and turning new faces into friends.  Being a girl from a small town, the thought of being in the City for a week was electrifying! It allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and take part in new sites and experiences.  Our group had the opportunity to see many aspects of our nation’s capitol, which gave us time to bond and get to know one another.

After a light evening dinner and casual strolling on Friday, we had a jam-packed day on Saturday.  We began with Arlington Cemetery. This was one the most moving experiences.  Seeing the rows of gravestones that spanned for acres game me a new appreciation of our Armed Forces. We are blessed to have freedom because of those who selflessly gave their lives in battle.  Also, it was amazing to see the burial sites of the late President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. So many wonderful lives have passed before us of leaders who were brave and believed so strongly in our nation.  It truly was a moving experience.

After our visit to Arlington, we also went to the Holocaust Museum along with a night tour of the major monuments on The National Mall of Washington, DC.  The Holocaust Museum game me similar feelings to that of Arlington.  I cannot help but feel sympathy for innocent people whose lives were lost.  Watching the brutality that the Jews had to suffer through made me want to cry.  I cannot wrap my brain around the idea as to why someone could be so cruel to innocent people.  As a young American, it makes me appreciate my freedom and ability to express myself as an individual.

Sunday was an enjoyable day as we went to Mt. Vernon.  Needless to say, it was a beautiful estate and amazing to see where the first President of the United States resided.  The weekend has been wonderful and the days ahead can only get better!

As an avid student of political science, my first weekend in D.C. could be likened to that of a child in a candy store.  The weekend has been filled with the opportunity to see many important historic and symbolic sites, including Arlington Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, Mt. Vernon, and many of our nation’s most important monuments.  Viewing these monuments, which rightfully honor our nation’s significant leaders and wars, was a powerful and opportune moment for me to reflect upon the powerful impact these individuals and events had upon our country.

First, the Lincoln Memorial was one location I was most excited to visit, and one which I was certainly not disappointed upon seeing.  In the center of this large monument sits the figure of President Lincoln, and on the memorial’s walls are written Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and his lesser known second inaugural address.  It is this second inaugural address—which I had read many times before, but again reflected upon during our time at the memorial—that struck me.  In this great speech given on the verge of the Civil War’s imminent end, Lincoln does not ostracize or castigate the South for its actions over the past few years.  Instead, he makes a concerted effort to recognize the need for healing and he appeals to the people to avoid judging others.  We can only lament the loss of the good Lincoln may have done with such an attitude in the wake of the Civil War, and wonder how such an attitude might heal the polarized nature of our politics today.

Finally, although we visited many other memorials, I would also like to reflect on the FDR Memorial.  This memorial, which proceeds chronologically and displays the hardships and turmoil that Roosevelt faced during his presidency, was thought-provoking in a couple of ways.  First, regardless of one’s political views on Roosevelt’s expansion of the federal government, the sculpture of a man listening intently to the radio depicts the hope that Roosevelt provided a struggling nation.  This is a powerful image in a time when our society seems to be without hope and frustrated in its own era of (arguably lesser) troubles.  Second, as I reflected on the use of water in the memorial, and its ability to portray the struggles Roosevelt faced, I was again amazed at this man’s perseverance in leading our nation through some of its most difficult hours.  As we look ahead to many of the tough decisions facing our nation in coming years concerning wars and deficits, I hope that we can again find in whatever leader we may have the desire to genuinely persevere and resolve problems for the people’s good. 

What a way to start off our week in Washington, DC. A full couple days of the “DC-must-see’s!” Saturday morning we started with touring Arlington Cemetery, then we went through the Holocaust Museum and finished with an evening tour of the National monuments on The Mall.  Each of these places and the exhibits within them have an undeniable power that indiscriminately touches the hearts of all that visit them. As I walked through the tombstones at Arlington, read through the horrific stories of the Holocaust, and strolled by the magnificent statues of America’s heroes – despite the sweltering heat and humidity – I got chills. I got chills because my soul was reminded of the blood and of the hope that built my country.  The reoccurring theme of each piece we visited that resounded within me the most was the coexistence of grief and growth. Such grief, sorrow and pain are hallowed in many of those monuments, but I think that is the point.  We care enough to remember. We remember the hurt but also the courage. We remember the loss as well as the gain.  Most of all, through those things we remember that through turmoil we still survived victoriously.  Saturday’s events were sobering as well as an inspiration.  A true reminder that America is only as strong as her people and the legacy has been left to us.

Sunday was a lovely day! We went to church with Mr. and Mrs. Nethercutt and it was a fabulous time. The fellowship and sermon were terrific and they had a music director with the singing voice of an angel! After church we headed out to Mount Vernon for a quick tour and some lunch.  From that experience I decided I would like to build an exact replica of the house and live in it someday! Sunday evening the Nethercutt’s hosted us for an evening BBQ and that was a great time. Both their children were able to join us and we spent the evening sharing hilarious stories and laughing together.  This weekend was picture perfect—maybe except for the humidity—but a wonderful time none-the-less.

Today, we had the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate.  It was incredibly impressive.  We traveled quite a ways to get there, as it is “in the country,” but the time was worth it for the serenity it provided.  Upon our arrival, I began reading some of the informative signs about the estate and learned that the entire area was about five hundred acres.  The size alone was impressive.  We wandered about the grounds and saw many of the old buildings that have been restored and maintained.  A few highlights included the blacksmith shop, overseer’s quarters, Lady Washington’s personal garden, and George Washington’s tomb.  The grounds were beautiful in full bloom, and the view onto the Potomac River was breathtaking.  This was one of my favorite sites that we had the opportunity to see this weekend.

Mount Vernon was incredibly beautiful and very majestic as it sprawled over every hillside in sight.  One really cool idea for me to contemplate was that George Washington had actually lived there.  He had probably walked the path I was walking and had gazed over the Potomac at the same view I saw (except for the airplanes and cell phone towers).  It was so fascinating for me to think of how Mr. Washington would have stayed cool on such a warm day and how daily life would have been so different.  One interesting area we passed was a big rectangle square enclosed in a picket fence.  Its sign named it the “laundry yard.”  A peer commented how large it seemed compared to our simple washing machines.  Another thought I had while walking around and envisioning the estate during Mr. Washington’s time, was that there would have been slaves in all the fields and in almost all the shops.  It is so strange to visit an area with such a rich history of an incredibly well respected national hero and know that part of that history includes the atrocities of slavery.  I really enjoyed the time we were able to spend at Mount Vernon and was thoroughly impressed by everything we saw.       

As promised, we arrived in Washington D.C. on Friday and immediately hit the ground running. Our days have been filled with visits to the endless sources of history that are ubiquitous in this city. There is something in the air here (besides the humidity and ninety-five degree heat) that is unlike any other city I have visited. It is youthful, energetic and ambitious and all of these are contagious.

En route to each destination, by foot or metro rail, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by how much I have no choice but to pass by. We are here for a little over a week and can only fit so much into our incredibly busy schedule. In the last couple days we have explored Arlington National Cemetery, The Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon, a couple local universities and a dozen or so monuments in the national mall. A few of us even squeezed in a canoe ride down the Potomac River early Sunday morning.

My favorite moment thus far was reading the engravings at The Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It was not the first time I had read any of these quotes or excerpts, but they had never resonated as they did. Textbooks have the tendency to immortalize our national heroes however being here, connecting with history, and realizing their humanity has somehow made their legacies more powerful.

It is my first time in Washington D.C. and I absolutely love the city. The American history that can be found on every corner is overwhelming and very refreshing at the same time. It is hard to decide what to see and what to make time for and after only two days I know that a trip back here is absolutely necessary. That being said, I have already seen many historical places and monuments that are life changing and thought provoking to say the least.

Yesterday was action packed: a trip to Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum and an evening walking tour of all the monuments. Each was incredible, informative, and quite emotional. I could talk about each one for hours but in an effort to save time I will focus on only one subject for the day. 

Arlington National Cemetery will forever hold a special place in my heart and my mind. The visit was a very eye opening experience. It is a place that I believe every American should take the time to visit. The size of the cemetery is completely unbelievable, you can look around for miles and it is as if the head stones never end, each with its own story, each an American hero. Incredible people who have served our country with great honor and many who gave their lives for the privileges we have today. As I walked around the cemetery I felt an overwhelming sense of respect and gratitude for each and every individual buried there. I know it can be easy to forget at times what was lost and given up for the rights and freedoms we hold today. It is simple fact to us American’s-- freedom is the norm of our everyday lives, but it must always be remembered that our privileges come at a very high price. Arlington is a powerful reminder.

Being at the cemetery ensued a feeling of obligation to encourage more people from my generation, and every generation for that matter, to take the time stop and think about all the privileges we have and pay respect to everyone who has given us those privileges. It is important to remember where they came from, how they came about, and remember that they are in fact privileges that not everyone holds. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for every person who has served our country.

I realize it can be easily overlooked in my generation and those younger than me simply because we have not been directly faced with any challenges and conflicts that have threatened our freedoms directly. I think that if each person walked through the cemetery and saw the unimaginable number of lives lost the individuals in our country would be able to hold a much greater respect and show a greater sense of gratitude, faith, and honor for our country and its men and women of service.

The most touching and emotional element of Arlington in my experience there was when I saw the tomb for the unknown soldiers, “those known only to God.” I was almost brought to tears and definitely speechless when coming to the tomb for the unknown soldiers. The tomb is guarded twenty-four hours a day and requires complete silence surrounding it. Not only were there the countless numbers of headstones with known individuals, but also the countless number of unknown soldiers that have fought and died for our country and our freedom. It is one of the most beautiful and touching things I have ever seen. I will never forget that sight nor will I forget the way I felt while standing there. After leaving the cemetery I vowed to pray for those soldiers both known and unknown, deceased and living along with each of their families everyday for the rest of my life and continue to show them honor and respect by respecting our country and helping to create and sustain the type of country they fought so very hard for.

I have grown from each of my experiences in D.C. thus far, and cannot wait to see what the rest of the week will bring our way.

Saturday had been a long day by the time I read those four powerful words, but as I stood in the sticky DC dusk, a sense of profound sobriety overcame me. Don’t get me wrong: I have always been thankful to be an American, but viewing the Korean Memorial splashed an enormous wave of emotions across my very being. Having grown up with the ability to speak my mind, develop my individual talent, and feel generally protected to be uniquely Katie Love, I have not often been so acutely aware of the price of my freedom. The events of Saturday, however, made me re-examine my perspective. 

Having recently viewed documentaries and read a great deal about life inside of the People’s Republic of Korea, I felt the weight of extreme sadness as I gazed at nineteen replicas of stone-faced soldiers reflected against an onyx wall. Etched with the faces of the servicemen and servicewomen who fought to free a people thousands of miles away from the hands of oppression, the tall, foreboding wall should have cast a gloomy shadow upon the memorial. Instead, I looked at the wall and saw heroism, triumph, and freedom – I saw Americans free to commemorate and celebrate their heritage without fear of reprisal or misgiving. I saw the open waters of the Potomac, the proud American flag, and grateful citizens, yet I imagined the tremendous poverty, hunger, and tyranny experienced by the People’s Republic of Korea juxtaposed against the liberty, prosperity, and prospects of their Democratic counterparts. My heart ached for the struggle of those who once suffered, those who fought to end suffering, and those who suffer to this day. My soul, however, was thankful for those who sought autonomy and persevered to enable others to pursue the freedoms I presently enjoy.   

Passing the American flag at the tip of the memorial, I walked past a fresh wreath dedicated in gratitude to the American people by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Tears welled in my eyes and a lump formed in my throat: While some may refer to the Korean War as the “Forgotten War,” citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea certainly will not forget the gallantry and sacrifice of the United States men and women who helped give them the gift of freedom.  

While I rode a wave of emotions Saturday, ranging from compassion to joy to exhaustion to sadness, nothing evoked pain and pride within quite like the Korean Memorial. My grandfather does not speak about his time in Korea, but I am quite anxious to get back to Washington state so that I might speak with him regarding his service, and share my perspective-altering experience at the monument. I might not always agree with the policies of elected officials, but my respect, gratitude, and admiration for our servicemen and servicewomen was electrified at that moment; for that, I am most thankful.

Coming to D.C., I had my reservations.  The normal anticipation and excitement of viewing a new city for a week was masked by some doubts; I wondered if I’d leave the city with further suspicion about our country’s future and its policy makers.  I had let the media’s pervasive negativity towards the country’s outlook and our government seep into my thoughts.  Despite a small bump along the way, the tour of the national mall on Saturday evening changed my inherited cynical view.  

Walking along the tidal basin with tree branches looming over, offering temporary relief from the relentless sun, I gazed down removing my eyes from the Jefferson memorial and its grand marble columns. Simultaneously, I struck my head on a tree branch leaving a significant sized goose egg above my hairline. The goose egg that protrudes from my head will soon fade away, but the memory of the monuments tour will not.  

Shortly after the tree branch and I had collided, the group and I climbed the steps to find a large statue of Thomas Jefferson amid a backdrop of some of his timeless quotes engraved on the marble walls. While many of these powerful messages, which included excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, convey an immense sense of patriotism and appreciation for the great leaders that have guided the American ship so skillfully, the Jefferson memorial will not be the most memorable aspect of the tour. 

Nor will it be the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial.  Each section of the monument depicts one of his four terms as President and conveys the mood of the times through contrasting mediums of water.  Throughout each section, relevant quotes are sprawled across the dark stone colored walls.  While it is beautiful, it will not be the most memorable part of the tour. 

Nor will it be the laser-etched photographs of fallen soldiers on the black marble of the Korean War Memorial. It won’t be the Lincoln Memorial where America has seen many historically transcendent moments take place either. 

The most memorable moment of the monuments tour will not be any of the monuments but the comforting words spoken by a schoolboy.  Among the many grade schoolers roaming the steps of the Lincoln memorial, two young boys sat overlooking the reflection of the Washington memorial. Amid the chaos of the yelling children and tourists flashing thousands of photographs, the boy turned to his friend and offered a simple saying.  What he said was simple and has been echoed many times before:  “God Bless America”.