The Future Is Bright

Judging by the media coverage and the state of partisanship in the federal government, one could reasonably assume from the safety of Ohio that Washington, D.C., and the institutions of republican democracy which it represents, were about to implode. The tourist gift shops reflect the same attitude. There, you can make your wardrobe great again and espouse any negative opinion you want for $19.99! It truly is the American dream.

But this is neither the Washington, D.C. nor the United States of America that I have come to know. And it is not the place that I want the world to see. Instead, I want us to show the world what this country really is.

In just a few weeks, I have seen firsthand that Washington is not as broken as “they” want you to believe. People work together here, albeit not always in public and with the press around, clamoring for details. The leaders of the legislative, judiciary, and executive branches have friends everywhere, even if they must tell the world that they are political enemies. After the cameras turn off and the press stops taking notes, they go out for beers with members of other staffs and get to know each other’s families. We all shed a tear on Memorial Day for the lost heroes of our country and we all go to Nationals games, even if our favorite team is back home.

All the people we see on TV are just that – real people. They have hopes, dreams, and aspirations just like the rest of us. They worked hard to be here and the students I’ve come to know in WAIP are working hard every day. One day we’ll be the ones on TV, and making policy to positively impact the lives of Americans – with the right amount of work and a little bit of luck. Judging by our conversations and our mutual respect for each other and each other’s beliefs, I know we’re in for a bright future, no matter whose side wins. I’m excited for the future of America.

David Straka