White House Garden Tour

On a perfect October Saturday, my mentor, Mary Fischietto invited me to the White House Garden Tour. She works for the Office of Budget and Management as a health policy advisor and received special passes for the event and encouraged me to bring a friend along.

My roommate, Gia, and I met up with Mary about a block away from the White House and began the journey through security and throngs of people. The Garden Tours occur twice a year, in the fall and spring, and show off numerous gardens that have grown and blossomed since the original Garden Tour in 1972 that was hosted by Pat Nixon.

The tour began with a look at the impressive South Lawn, which includes a putting green, the landing site for the President's helicopter, Marine One, and the Presidential Trees. Since the 1870s, most presidents and their wives have planted trees of their choosing. I got my first view of the Residence and the West Wing which were very impressive, as the West Wing overlooks Jackie O's Rose Garden. I also learned about the Residence, I always assumed the presidential family lived in the huge white house, which is not the case.

It was an absolutely beautiful day and Gia and I were thrilled to finally get an up-close view of the White House. The gardens represent a lot of history and are amazing in the way they show the playful, down-to-earth sides of the President. There were pictures of ambassadors and Presidents having beer in the Rose Garden and Presidents running with their dogs in the South Lawn. I'm glad the Garden Tour provided this opportunity.

Beautiful Things

Last weekend a few loyal Buckeyes came to visit me in DC, and somehow we managed to get in most of the sites in DC in one day. One of our stops was the Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Gardens are divided by climate and as you walk through you see plants you never knew existed and the beauty of the whole scene is calming and peaceful to say the least. I am disappointed I have not visited this oasis, this little slice of paradise, right around the corner from our apartment before now.

Don't get me wrong, I love my internship with the Initiative Against Sex Trafficking. I enjoy researching, thinking about and participating in discussions about how this modern day slavery. However I would be lying if I said it wasn't upsetting and depressing half the time. The evil of this world and the scope of this grave human rights violation often leaves me feeling paralyzed. And so I am very thankful for this conservatory that has preserved beautiful things that our earth has so graciously made. These flowers and trees remind me that life is a gift and that there is good in the world that we must try to preserve and protect.

I wish more people, including myself (though I am probably one of few hippies in DC), visited these gardens to take a moment to remember that there is inherent good and beauty in our world and it is our responsibility to preserve and protect that.

-G

Time to Take the Wheel

Although I am a Capitol Hill inhabitant, unlike many of the other fellows, I have not had the chance to intern on the Hill or attend a Congressional hearing; so when my boss invited me to attend two in the coming week I had no clue what to expect. Tuesday was Education and Wednesday: Seaports. I believe that I know as much about seaports as the next citizen.

While I recognize that 71% of the Earth is comprised of water, until today, I did not fully recognize how vital a role the oceans play in our future as a nation and as a world.

The maritime industry alone impacts over 13 million jobs as well as our competitiveness in the global economy. The topic of today's hearing posed a perplexing question: Is the United States prepared for the 21st century trade realities?

After attending the two-hour long hearing, I have an unfortunate answer: no. While both sides of the aisle seem to understand the gravity of the issue and its ability to hinder our future economic growth, the more immediate issue is the broken branch of Congress we have spent the past weeks reading about.

Countless testimonials only further underscored the fact that it is time to "lay down our swords and stand side by side for the good of nation," as Peter Peyton, the President of the ILWU Marine Clerks Association, demanded. He explained that in California, there are 62 projects that would translate into 100,000 high-paying construction jobs waiting to be unearthed, but restrained by unnecessary "bureaucratic red tape."

Representative Corrine Brown (D-FL) offered the most passionate proposal, even stating that she would gladly vote on ANY bill her fellow Congressmen offered to clean up the mess we are in, but someone must first introduce a bill. She fervently remarked that she "is sick and tired of all of the talk, but no one walking the walk. It is time to bring our A game and work together. You give me a bill, bring it to the floor, bring it to committee. Show me something."

In a current economic climate where Congressmen find it difficult to prioritize, the issue of maritime trade is at the forefront of debate. Paul Anderson, the CEO of the Jacksonville Port Authority, relayed that our "national recovery can come by sea" but it is up to our Congress and Administration to act. It is time to take the wheel and as Representative Bishop (D-NY) urged, "get this ship back on even keel." The one thing stopping Congress from getting us there? Itself.

-AMC

New Perpectives on History and Biology

This Monday, Columbus Day, I spent my afternoon at the National Botanic Gardens and the National Museum of the American Indian. These two strikingly different museums fascinated me in their own unique way. The National Botanic Gardens was a refuge of peace, quiet, and exotic features. Meanwhile, the National Museum of the American Indian provided a greater depth of knowledge on the expansive history of Indian peoples in the Americas and their courage to survive in today's globalization-centered mindset.

The National Botanic Gardens was a lovely trip because on a warm, bright, sunny day I was able to enjoy to serenity that is afforded to one when walking through the quiet beauty of a garden. The Gardens are split into "branches" off of the central lobby inside. The "branches" are the Jungle, Hawaii, Children's Garden, Endangered Species, Medicinal Use, and the Desert. Each area, as you would figure, has vegetation from each biome that is listed. The jungle was thick, dense and very green in terms of plant life, while the desert featured a vast array of cacti and small, brown shrubbery. I truly enjoyed the Hawaii section for its color (plenty of whites, yellows, reds, and violets) and variety(size/shape). In addition, the Medicinal Use "branch" was interesting because so often we see the product of all of the various herbs and spices that we use in medicines or food, but we do not often see the full plant. When I was younger, I remember my great-grandmother having a spearmint bush as well as sugarcane down South. But, some of the herbs there were cinnamon, oregano, vanilla, licorice, tea, bay, and others. Also, the the lobby features some massive flora such as the bamboo tree, a banana tree, a palm tree, and others.

Next, I went to the National Museum of the American Indian, which is a part of the Smithsonian Network of Museums and Libraries. Referencing my experience as an intern for an architectural firm, I was struck by the beauty of the building. This beauty is derived from its keeping in American Indian traditions, specifically the Western tribes like the Pueblo and Navajo. Its is a four-story building, but it does have huge spaces that are improperly used. Moreover, the Museum is accurate in its representation of all Indian tribes throughout the Americas (not just North Am.). I enjoyed the exhibits and their depth and quality. I also learned alot about the strife that American Indians have today in regards to gaming. Many feel that it does not uphold the values and traditions of Indian culture, while others see the immediate and long-term viability of Indians fiscally. One area of specific interest was that of the Afro-Indian relations. I realized that at a time when there were more Blacks in America than any group (mainly as slaves) they had cooperative relations with Indians who suffered similar injustices. They also bonded through shared moral and philosophical beliefs. This was important to me as my maternal great-grandfather and great-grandmother were Afro-Indian (Creeks of Mississippi and Chickasaw of Georgia, respectively).

All of these things, in conjunction, created a very special day with lots of new information and appreciation for the life we have, in the world that we are in. I hope others can have such an experience as well.

KAL

This was my second time to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and it probably will not be my last. The memorial is peaceful, sad and humbling all at the same time. It really is bitter sweet. My father's brother, my uncle and my namesake was not drafted, but he enlisted into the Army as a medic in 1968. His tour began on September 5, 1968 and he was killed in action by a hostile explosive device on October 7, 1968 in Binh Duong, South Vietnam. He was barely in theater a month when he was killed. This devastated my grandmother, grandfather and her 11 other children. I remember my grandma telling me stories about when he would write letters. He would write and say that it was a senseless war. He prayed to God every day that it would end so he and his fellow soldiers could come home safely. He had just graduated college with a degree in accounting from the University of Akron. He was also engaged and was going to get married when he returned. He had his whole life ahead of him. But he never did come back. It makes me so very proud to bear his name. I plan to return to this memorial before I leave here this quarter. I will be sure to visit specifically panel 41W - Line 24.

Maryland Autumn Adventure

Don't get me wrong, DC is a busy city with plenty attractions to fill the days...but a day trip outside the city was just what the doctor ordered. I took a fall inspired journey to Maryland with a friend from OSU this Sunday and had a spectacular time enjoying all the beautiful countryside just outside the city.

I honestly never thought in a million years I would actually say it was nice to see some corn fields! But it was. DC definitely has it's perks but I can see why there are so many DC commuters with such beautiful areas just outside the city.

With the help of a friend called Google we found a Transformers themed corn maze that also offered a pumpkin cannon with Transformer targets (pictured above). For the record, I was 2 for 2 with my pumpkin shots to the Transformer on the left! It was an exciting experience to say the least, complimented by the perfect fall day.

I have had my fair share of time around the country: I grew up in the midwest, spent a year in Southern Alabama, a summer in Colorado, and now a month (going on 2 more) in DC. Every area definitely has its pros and cons. One thing DC could learn from the nation it so proudly governs is that a little charm and an occasional smile never hurt anyone.

Cheer up DC! There's a world outside your office to be explored and enjoyed! :)

-G

The Apotheosis of Washington was painted in true fresco by the italian artist Constantino Brumidi. Brumidi is considered the "Michaelangelo of the Capitol." He painted the masterpiece on his back at the end of the Civil War. It took him 11 months to complete the canopy fresco. The figures are just as intelligle whether at the floor of the Rotunda or directly under the painting.

The title means to be glorifying Washington as divine or god-like. He is featured with liberty and victory flanking him to the left and right. There are an additional 13 goddesses that represent the original 13 colonies. There are also 6 scenes representing: War; Science; Marine; Commerce; Mechanics; and Agriculture.

Seeing that giving tours are one of my daily duties I am able to appreciate this masterpiece often. I was even more fortunate to receive a dome tour last week where I was able to see the incredible detail up close and take some pictures such as the one posted.

AA

Peace in the Middle East

Last night's Policy Salon opened my eyes to the Arab World and how complicated bringing democracy to fledgling nations can be. Scott Mastic, the Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at IRI, was extremely knowledgeable about the nations in the MENA region and offered a detailed explanation of the historical context of these uprising as well as their future progress.

In each case study, one common theme seems to unite all citizens: the hope for a better quality of life, which these days, coincides with a healthy economy. I left the policy salon intrigued about the thirst for democracy worldwide and how citizens of the U.S. can help better the lives of citizens around the world. Today at work, I received a surprise email inviting me to attend a discussion featuring 13 journalists and fellows from Tunisia and Egypt, who were at the Center for American Progress (CAP) to speak out about the uprisings in their countries.

What I had learned last night truly resonated with me, and here I was, listening to firsthand accounts from citizens, journalists, and students. But what truly resonated with me was when a CAP researcher asked: what kind of support do you want from the U.S., in other words, DO you want support? When asked this question, there was an almost unanimous response that while foreign aid and assistance is appreciated, what truly matters is what happens when the U.S. (or other nations) leave. These citizens reiterated that they must believe in their people, that they must believe that change is possible, not in the short run, not in the next year, but in the next five, ten, etc.

Change does not occur overnight, they said, but rather when they can have some time to rebuild and stabilize themselves, eventually emerging as a democratic republic. Foreign aid can help accelerate weakened countries but an internal culture must be established with a clear vision. As one journalist stated, "our present is building our future."

-AMC

First Congressional Hearing

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Joint Economic Committee hearing of which the Senator I work for is the chairman. The witness was Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve. The hearings are very formal, much like a standard court proceeding. A Joint Committee is composed of half Republican and half Democrat members and the most interesting part of the experience stemmed from the different tone each party took on when addressing Chairman Bernanke.

I felt myself being proud of the manner in which Senator Casey, my boss, conducted himself. While Democrats to his left spoke aggressively and sometimes derogatoryly to Chairman Bernanke and Republicans to his right scolded the liberals' attitudes, Chairman Casey always presented himself as respectful and neutral. Like many in the past who have attended more controversial hearings, the debate and intensity were surprising and attention-grabbing. It is thrilling to see in person the type of dialogue that occurs between some of the most powerful people in our country. Senator Sanders(D-VT) accused the Fed of favoring big business by giving out $16 trillion in low-interest loans to big corporations and wealthy people during the recession while refusing to provide the same loans to small businesses to boost employment. Congressman Burgess (R-TX) interrupted the Chairman several times demanding a "yes or no" answer.

My first congressional hearing was more exciting because my boss was the guy in the middle. However, it is even more interesting to see first-hand how the country can get into gridlock situations because of party clashes. Even more so, difficulty arises when different branches of government blame the other branches for not getting things done. It was evident that the Federal Reserve blames Congress for not being able to pass any economic policy while Congress blames the Fed for its handling of monetary policy. All in all, a great experience.

-AKW

Late Night Monuments

Last night, Gia, Alexandra, & I went out last night to visit the National Mall and some of the many monuments and memorials that are there. I came in expecting just a long walk in the dark to see ill-lit national treasures. But, what I got was the complete opposite. I have a greater appreciation for the monuments and memorials that we visited last night. In all, we visited the Washington Monument, which dazzles in the midnight; the World War II Memorial, which is by far the most breathtaking of them all at night because of the quiet reverence and solemn beauty of the memorial; the Korean War Memorial, which has a life-like feel at night because of the free standing statues of veterans on patrol; the Lincoln Memorial, which is a fortress of hope and peace and justice for a man who united this nation at its darkest time; and, the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which is a true beacon of hope for future.

We took many pictures, had deep conversations, enjoyed the meaning of the moment, and simply got to know each other better during this time. I think it was one of the best times that I've had here, so far. I really enjoyed the patience and gravity of the meaning of these memorials at night as opposed to the rush of simply traveling to each of them during the day. The low crowds made it intimate and deep. The darkness gave a context of the times that many of these memorial represent. But, it all shows the courage, honor, and unity of this nation.

I was proud to be an American that night. I only hope everyone gets to share that experience.

"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope" ---MLK

KAL