I'm not sure if anyone still reads this...but I just had to post this link! Looks like my dreams are coming true....
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2081051,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2081051,00.asp
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Over this past semester DC has been a place, where I laughed, cried, and learned new things about myself. The experience has been truly amazing. I have mingled with prominent politicians and learned exactly how capital hill works. What I have learned is that the interns do all the real work, making the coffee, performing admin. duties, sorting the mail, delivering packages and responding to constuient screaming "Bring the troops out of Iraq". Oh what would they do without us?
DC has given me a glimpse of what it will be like to be a working professional in a major city. This experience has shown me that I am ready to be a part of the world outside of academia. DC has its downsides, hideous construction, cab drivers who want you to give them directions, and expensive prices; but on the other hand the weather is warm. DC is also a historical city where great men and women have made their marks. This is the place where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. DC is full of monuments, culture, and a vast amount of young working professionals. I can defiantly see myself living, working, and making my eminent mark here; therefore I won't say goodbye I will say see you later DC.
DC has given me a glimpse of what it will be like to be a working professional in a major city. This experience has shown me that I am ready to be a part of the world outside of academia. DC has its downsides, hideous construction, cab drivers who want you to give them directions, and expensive prices; but on the other hand the weather is warm. DC is also a historical city where great men and women have made their marks. This is the place where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. DC is full of monuments, culture, and a vast amount of young working professionals. I can defiantly see myself living, working, and making my eminent mark here; therefore I won't say goodbye I will say see you later DC.
Blythe’s Farewell to the Blogosphere (for now)
There are 10 days, 3 hours and 26 minutes until Christmas! Where did the semester go? I can’t believe I am in my final hours in DC and looking back on a wonderful three months. I have learned so much about this city, politics, people and the world of life after college. I think more than anything else this program has given its participants a first hand look at life outside the bubble of Hamilton College and given most of us (I hope) the reassurance that after we switch our tassel, put down our green apple, and wave our cane on graduation day that we will be just fine. I know DC ’06 will be able to handle the contrasting demands that a daily job brings, unlike life on the ‘other’ hill. My internship in Senator Saxby Chambliss’ press office has taught me so much about Capitol Hill and the world of political news. Our class discussions, debates and field trips have provided interesting discussions and opportunities. We have had the privledge of observing Supreme Court hearings, attending the World Bank and meeting with top lobbyists. I will miss the history and patriotism that permeates daily life here whether on the Mall, in Georgetown or amongst the diverse business owners in our neighborhood some of whom I will miss dearly. This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience and while it is over for now, the best is yet to come because return to DC, (possibly permanently) is inevitable!
There are 10 days, 3 hours and 26 minutes until Christmas! Where did the semester go? I can’t believe I am in my final hours in DC and looking back on a wonderful three months. I have learned so much about this city, politics, people and the world of life after college. I think more than anything else this program has given its participants a first hand look at life outside the bubble of Hamilton College and given most of us (I hope) the reassurance that after we switch our tassel, put down our green apple, and wave our cane on graduation day that we will be just fine. I know DC ’06 will be able to handle the contrasting demands that a daily job brings, unlike life on the ‘other’ hill. My internship in Senator Saxby Chambliss’ press office has taught me so much about Capitol Hill and the world of political news. Our class discussions, debates and field trips have provided interesting discussions and opportunities. We have had the privledge of observing Supreme Court hearings, attending the World Bank and meeting with top lobbyists. I will miss the history and patriotism that permeates daily life here whether on the Mall, in Georgetown or amongst the diverse business owners in our neighborhood some of whom I will miss dearly. This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience and while it is over for now, the best is yet to come because return to DC, (possibly permanently) is inevitable!
As I finish up my final paper for the semester I am very sad that I am leaving this great city. The semester in Washington was a great experience at the perfect time. I started the semester a little uneasy because of the 8-hour workdays, however, after leaving my great office, I wake up very morning missing my daily routine. The Brookings Institution Press was a wonderful internship where I worked with friendly people. I enjoyed the internship so much because I had the luxury of being given meaningful tasks. I was included in all office meetings and events. I was able to write a few press releases, a back of a book cover, along with many catalog entries for next spring. The internship also taught me how to use Microsoft Access, which I have since learned is a valuable task in the working world. I was also able to attend many interesting academic panels where experts spoke on current events. In the end, it gave me something to look forward to after the play world of college is over.
My internship was not the only contributing factor to my great experience here; I also enjoyed the many different trips the class took. I was able to have some great experiences and learn interesting things. One of the trips that I thoroughly enjoyed was my experience at the Supreme Court. We were able to meet Justice Briar and speak with him about his job. We also were able to sit in on oral argument, which many people wait hours to see. I was able to learn about how the Supreme Court operates and how the different cases were presented. I also saw Justice Alito fall asleep during the hearings! Another favorite field trip of mine was the Pentagon. We were able to see Secretary of Defense’s office and the 9/11 crash site. In addition to the many field trips, we were able to speak with many alumni who gave us invaluable advice. Overall, I feel that these trips and meetings were a good component to the program because they allowed the class to see interesting sights and meet with great people that graduated from Hamilton.
The class dynamic and the great city itself were the other key components to my experience in DC. We met for class Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights. These times could have been miserable and boring, however, they were fun and entertaining because of our great professor and the multitude of personalities in the class. All of us got along very well and added intelligent opinions to debates and class discussions. Without all of these people I would not have learned as much as I did. I was able to met 15 new people and come out of the program with 15 new friends. Finally, being in Washington during the elections was a great time to be here because we were immersed into the whole political scene. I could feel the energy of the city around election time and the hype it produced. Washington is a unique city that has many interesting historical roots. From Georgetown to the Capitol, I love this city as a whole and will miss it dearly as I trek back up to the snow covered hill in Clinton, NY.
My internship was not the only contributing factor to my great experience here; I also enjoyed the many different trips the class took. I was able to have some great experiences and learn interesting things. One of the trips that I thoroughly enjoyed was my experience at the Supreme Court. We were able to meet Justice Briar and speak with him about his job. We also were able to sit in on oral argument, which many people wait hours to see. I was able to learn about how the Supreme Court operates and how the different cases were presented. I also saw Justice Alito fall asleep during the hearings! Another favorite field trip of mine was the Pentagon. We were able to see Secretary of Defense’s office and the 9/11 crash site. In addition to the many field trips, we were able to speak with many alumni who gave us invaluable advice. Overall, I feel that these trips and meetings were a good component to the program because they allowed the class to see interesting sights and meet with great people that graduated from Hamilton.
The class dynamic and the great city itself were the other key components to my experience in DC. We met for class Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights. These times could have been miserable and boring, however, they were fun and entertaining because of our great professor and the multitude of personalities in the class. All of us got along very well and added intelligent opinions to debates and class discussions. Without all of these people I would not have learned as much as I did. I was able to met 15 new people and come out of the program with 15 new friends. Finally, being in Washington during the elections was a great time to be here because we were immersed into the whole political scene. I could feel the energy of the city around election time and the hype it produced. Washington is a unique city that has many interesting historical roots. From Georgetown to the Capitol, I love this city as a whole and will miss it dearly as I trek back up to the snow covered hill in Clinton, NY.
It was a great time to be in Washington, D.C. Over the course of the semester, I was able to meet some remarkable politicians, including Senator Barack Obama, Senator John Kerry, and Representative Bobby Rush. Overall, I enjoyed my experience on Capitol Hill. It seemed as if something was always going on. I was given the wonderful opportunity to witness the Democrats take back the House and the Senate. It was somewhat surreal, especially since I had doubts about the Democrats taking back both Houses. Yet, this election was momentous for me because through my role as a canvasser in Ohio, I was able to help the Democrats to victory.
The reading material for the seminar was also very enlightening. I had never really understood the power of blogs before I came to DC. I had been unconscious of how many surveillance cameras were watching me daily, or why I was asked for my phone number at the mall. The class allowed me to recognize the little things that affect my everyday life.
Our class also had some pretty interesting debates. My favorite was on the wall that the government plans to build between the U.S. – Mexican border. The problems that the U.S. faces with immigration can be seen everyday. I am almost positive that over half the constituent letters in my office pertained to the debate over immigration. Yet, I have a feeling that a wall will do did little to stop anyone from crossing the border. Then again that may just be me.
I also got to know some of my fellow peers better. I remember the first day that I meet everyone in the DC program. I felt as if I was in a room with strangers. I saw so many unfamiliar faces, which made me just a little bit uncomfortable at the time. By the end of the program things were completely different. I was always talking with someone or defending my coveted Bears football team amongst the blockade of Giants, Jets and Patriots fans.
I would not trade in my DC experience for the world, and to think that I almost didn’t apply to the program baffles my mind. It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually been on Hamilton’s campus but I must say that my time away has one for the ages.
The reading material for the seminar was also very enlightening. I had never really understood the power of blogs before I came to DC. I had been unconscious of how many surveillance cameras were watching me daily, or why I was asked for my phone number at the mall. The class allowed me to recognize the little things that affect my everyday life.
Our class also had some pretty interesting debates. My favorite was on the wall that the government plans to build between the U.S. – Mexican border. The problems that the U.S. faces with immigration can be seen everyday. I am almost positive that over half the constituent letters in my office pertained to the debate over immigration. Yet, I have a feeling that a wall will do did little to stop anyone from crossing the border. Then again that may just be me.
I also got to know some of my fellow peers better. I remember the first day that I meet everyone in the DC program. I felt as if I was in a room with strangers. I saw so many unfamiliar faces, which made me just a little bit uncomfortable at the time. By the end of the program things were completely different. I was always talking with someone or defending my coveted Bears football team amongst the blockade of Giants, Jets and Patriots fans.
I would not trade in my DC experience for the world, and to think that I almost didn’t apply to the program baffles my mind. It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually been on Hamilton’s campus but I must say that my time away has one for the ages.
Future Monuments?
I recently took a trip to the National Mall, and walked to the several presidential monuments and war memorials. I don’t want to turn this blog into a description of what these tremendous accomplishments of art, architecture, and cultural preservation made me feel as I walked in each one. Needless to say that each is a remarkable tribute to the great men that came before us, and their accomplishments.
As I went to each of the presidential monuments, for Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR, I remembered reading that a monument to President Eisenhower was being planned. I wondered if have been any presidents since Ike that would be worthy of a structure like the Lincoln Memorial. President Kennedy already has the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and his memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. But are there any others? It seems today, that the position of President of the United States is occupied by a person who has half the country very angry at them. Here are the job approval ratings of the last nine presidents as they left office.
Clinton-65%
Bush-56%
Reagan-64%
Carter-34%
Ford-53%
Nixon-24%
Johnson-49%
Kennedy-63%
Eisenhower-59%
If we eliminate the Presidents that had approval ratings of less than 50%. We are left with Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Lets look at each and see if any of them have monumental qualifications. First up, Gerald Ford. Notable because he is the only president who wasn’t elected (he was appointed after Nixon’s first VP resigned, and then took office after Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal), and he fell a lot (gave Chevy Chase something to do on SNL, lord knows he needed it). The Gerasld Ford Memorial? Nope, I don’t really see it happening. Next up, Ronald Reagan. As we saw after his death, Ronald Reagan was a beloved president. His approval rating is second only to Clinton’s as he left office, and many people credit him with helping to end the Cold War. It’s hard to rule Reagan out as a possible monument earner. Despite his dealings with the Iran-Contra scandal, and questionable economic policies, for the most part he enjoys a tarnish free two term presidency. Let’s put him on the short list, and move on. George H.W. Bush. A one-term president with a fair approval rating. He was president during the first Gulf War, a successful multi-lateral campaign to stop Suddam Hussein from invading Kuwait. He also did not make the mistake of trying to occupy Iraq. These are pluses, but with the low approval rating, and failing to capture a second term, I believe that the first Bush fails into the category of such presidents as Zachory Tyler, John Quincy Adams, and Benjamin Harrison. We know they were there, but we’re not really sure what they did. Last but not least, is Bill Clinton. Clinton looks like a shoe-in at first glance, he has the highest approval rating, the country enjoyed unprecedented economic prosperity during his two terms, and he helped end ethnic cleansing in the Baltics. This all seems good, but Bill had trouble keeping it in his pants, and the murder’s row of Jennifer Flowers, Paula Jones, and Monic Lewinsky may prove too powerful for Clinton to get through. I say he goes on the short list, but with an asterisk, like Roger Marris.
I guess the only real question is whether time heals some of the wounds that some of the more recent president’s have on their resumes. Did Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR enjoy the praise they receive today in their own time? Will the names Reagan and Clinton be put on the list with these four men one day? For some, I’m sure, that is a scary thought.
I recently took a trip to the National Mall, and walked to the several presidential monuments and war memorials. I don’t want to turn this blog into a description of what these tremendous accomplishments of art, architecture, and cultural preservation made me feel as I walked in each one. Needless to say that each is a remarkable tribute to the great men that came before us, and their accomplishments.
As I went to each of the presidential monuments, for Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR, I remembered reading that a monument to President Eisenhower was being planned. I wondered if have been any presidents since Ike that would be worthy of a structure like the Lincoln Memorial. President Kennedy already has the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and his memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. But are there any others? It seems today, that the position of President of the United States is occupied by a person who has half the country very angry at them. Here are the job approval ratings of the last nine presidents as they left office.
Clinton-65%
Bush-56%
Reagan-64%
Carter-34%
Ford-53%
Nixon-24%
Johnson-49%
Kennedy-63%
Eisenhower-59%
If we eliminate the Presidents that had approval ratings of less than 50%. We are left with Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Lets look at each and see if any of them have monumental qualifications. First up, Gerald Ford. Notable because he is the only president who wasn’t elected (he was appointed after Nixon’s first VP resigned, and then took office after Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal), and he fell a lot (gave Chevy Chase something to do on SNL, lord knows he needed it). The Gerasld Ford Memorial? Nope, I don’t really see it happening. Next up, Ronald Reagan. As we saw after his death, Ronald Reagan was a beloved president. His approval rating is second only to Clinton’s as he left office, and many people credit him with helping to end the Cold War. It’s hard to rule Reagan out as a possible monument earner. Despite his dealings with the Iran-Contra scandal, and questionable economic policies, for the most part he enjoys a tarnish free two term presidency. Let’s put him on the short list, and move on. George H.W. Bush. A one-term president with a fair approval rating. He was president during the first Gulf War, a successful multi-lateral campaign to stop Suddam Hussein from invading Kuwait. He also did not make the mistake of trying to occupy Iraq. These are pluses, but with the low approval rating, and failing to capture a second term, I believe that the first Bush fails into the category of such presidents as Zachory Tyler, John Quincy Adams, and Benjamin Harrison. We know they were there, but we’re not really sure what they did. Last but not least, is Bill Clinton. Clinton looks like a shoe-in at first glance, he has the highest approval rating, the country enjoyed unprecedented economic prosperity during his two terms, and he helped end ethnic cleansing in the Baltics. This all seems good, but Bill had trouble keeping it in his pants, and the murder’s row of Jennifer Flowers, Paula Jones, and Monic Lewinsky may prove too powerful for Clinton to get through. I say he goes on the short list, but with an asterisk, like Roger Marris.
I guess the only real question is whether time heals some of the wounds that some of the more recent president’s have on their resumes. Did Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR enjoy the praise they receive today in their own time? Will the names Reagan and Clinton be put on the list with these four men one day? For some, I’m sure, that is a scary thought.
Farewell DC: Thanks for the Memories
As I sit down to make my final entry into this Blog, its hard to believe that the semester is actually over. Time flies when you’re having fun, and even though this semester was alot of fun, I felt that it is underscored that I gained a great deal more than the useful contacts, life-long friends and career experience that DC has offered.
Culturally DC has more to offer than the Hamilton bubble, the Beltway bubble brought new experiences, from going to Korean Musicals bringing to light the plight of detainees in concentration camps, to seeing the Washington Nationals get thrashed by everybody, its hard to pin point on which experiences I appreciated most. It has been a whirwind semester to say the least.
Professor Eismeier has been fantastic, you really get to know your Professor when you’re their only responsibility. You develop the kind of relationship that I could only yearn for at Hamilton. From class discussions to random insights, there are rarely any dull moments with him. The best part of having someone like Professor Eismeier is that he really understands Hamilton Students and enjoys hanging out with us and teaching us the way he knows how. Brilliantly.
The more uplifting parts of the semesters have involved meeting alumni who attended Hamilton and have achieved so much despite having no clue where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do. As a junior who is not always sure what I want to do when I graduate I can’t help feeling grateful that I’m not the only one feeling that way. Alum past and I daresay Alum future have all been down this road and are only more than happy to help fellow Hamilton brethren find their place in this ‘real’ world.
Living in a city after living at Hamilton is daunting to say the least. After being wrapped in Kashmere for two years, a semester in DC was perhaps one of the most invaluable, real life experiences a Hamilton student can have. Actually having to feed oneself, dressing appropriately for work everyday, getting to work on time, cleaning ones own living area. Its just mind boggling to me how many perks there are at Hamilton and how I took it for granted.
Everyone unfamiliar with the Hamilton DC program thinks it a great program and can only applaud that Hamilton offers such a program. Little do they know how invaluable it really is, as a student, being able to explore career paths and having the opportunity to work with your congressmen, or in my case a think tank. It is mind boggling to me why more people don't do it. I got to meet some truly amazingly intelligent people and then some famous ones. but, as I've come to realize from my time at Hudson, behind every famous person, are about ten mind splittingly smart analysts.
What I take away from DC ranges from many things, but one that comes to mind are the Senior Fellows at Hudson, they are just fascinated with the way people think, and I was lucky to experience meeting people who just love what they do. If there is one lesson I’ve learned from this experience is to do what you love, you’ll go further and regardless of the result you’ll never be disappointed.
Thank you Hamilton and thank you to the members of the progam that made this semester so memorable.
As I sit down to make my final entry into this Blog, its hard to believe that the semester is actually over. Time flies when you’re having fun, and even though this semester was alot of fun, I felt that it is underscored that I gained a great deal more than the useful contacts, life-long friends and career experience that DC has offered.
Culturally DC has more to offer than the Hamilton bubble, the Beltway bubble brought new experiences, from going to Korean Musicals bringing to light the plight of detainees in concentration camps, to seeing the Washington Nationals get thrashed by everybody, its hard to pin point on which experiences I appreciated most. It has been a whirwind semester to say the least.
Professor Eismeier has been fantastic, you really get to know your Professor when you’re their only responsibility. You develop the kind of relationship that I could only yearn for at Hamilton. From class discussions to random insights, there are rarely any dull moments with him. The best part of having someone like Professor Eismeier is that he really understands Hamilton Students and enjoys hanging out with us and teaching us the way he knows how. Brilliantly.
The more uplifting parts of the semesters have involved meeting alumni who attended Hamilton and have achieved so much despite having no clue where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do. As a junior who is not always sure what I want to do when I graduate I can’t help feeling grateful that I’m not the only one feeling that way. Alum past and I daresay Alum future have all been down this road and are only more than happy to help fellow Hamilton brethren find their place in this ‘real’ world.
Living in a city after living at Hamilton is daunting to say the least. After being wrapped in Kashmere for two years, a semester in DC was perhaps one of the most invaluable, real life experiences a Hamilton student can have. Actually having to feed oneself, dressing appropriately for work everyday, getting to work on time, cleaning ones own living area. Its just mind boggling to me how many perks there are at Hamilton and how I took it for granted.
Everyone unfamiliar with the Hamilton DC program thinks it a great program and can only applaud that Hamilton offers such a program. Little do they know how invaluable it really is, as a student, being able to explore career paths and having the opportunity to work with your congressmen, or in my case a think tank. It is mind boggling to me why more people don't do it. I got to meet some truly amazingly intelligent people and then some famous ones. but, as I've come to realize from my time at Hudson, behind every famous person, are about ten mind splittingly smart analysts.
What I take away from DC ranges from many things, but one that comes to mind are the Senior Fellows at Hudson, they are just fascinated with the way people think, and I was lucky to experience meeting people who just love what they do. If there is one lesson I’ve learned from this experience is to do what you love, you’ll go further and regardless of the result you’ll never be disappointed.
Thank you Hamilton and thank you to the members of the progam that made this semester so memorable.
Working at ABC this semester was definitely an eyeopening experience, and while I learned much more about politics than I ever wanted to know (like who did the polling in the GA-08 race) I also learned some things about the journalism world that I felt like passing on before I pack up and leave the district:
1) The mainstream media is liberal. There I said it. You learn this quickly after you realize that the only person working with you who voted for Bush was another intern.
2) More importantly, however, the media is biased towards a good story. This year, it was all about the Democrats. They were the comeback kids, and it made for an excellent story. At the same time, there’s a reason the Kerry Gaffe gained as much momentum as it did. After months of Foley, bad polling, and Iraq, the media needed to beat up on someone else for a while.
3) Journalism (like most other professions in DC I’m beginning to realize) is all about maintaining relationships with key people. We had our “golden sheet” of key contacts, and it was imperative to know how to contact them at all times (even to the extent of finding out what hotel room they were going to be in on election night). This is particularly important in journalism, however, because you want to be the first person someone calls when a story breaks, and the one to get the juiciest quote.
4) The key is to know what questions to ask. Everyone is talking to the same people, and will be writing the same stories the next day, so it’s important to find something dishy to ask. For example, it was through a reporter asking an obnoxious question at a press event that Allen’s Jewish mother story broke. The highlight of my semester was definitely asking Sen. Obama for a response to that story. He dodged my question, but if he had answered it, it would have been amazing.
1) The mainstream media is liberal. There I said it. You learn this quickly after you realize that the only person working with you who voted for Bush was another intern.
2) More importantly, however, the media is biased towards a good story. This year, it was all about the Democrats. They were the comeback kids, and it made for an excellent story. At the same time, there’s a reason the Kerry Gaffe gained as much momentum as it did. After months of Foley, bad polling, and Iraq, the media needed to beat up on someone else for a while.
3) Journalism (like most other professions in DC I’m beginning to realize) is all about maintaining relationships with key people. We had our “golden sheet” of key contacts, and it was imperative to know how to contact them at all times (even to the extent of finding out what hotel room they were going to be in on election night). This is particularly important in journalism, however, because you want to be the first person someone calls when a story breaks, and the one to get the juiciest quote.
4) The key is to know what questions to ask. Everyone is talking to the same people, and will be writing the same stories the next day, so it’s important to find something dishy to ask. For example, it was through a reporter asking an obnoxious question at a press event that Allen’s Jewish mother story broke. The highlight of my semester was definitely asking Sen. Obama for a response to that story. He dodged my question, but if he had answered it, it would have been amazing.
As my last semester in college wraps up, I'm left with one thought. How on earth am I going to function without the perks and amenities that college life offers me? Example, how am I going to feed myself? This semester I have cooked probably 6 or 7 times, and there is no way I can afford to eat out every day in the real world. Will I starve? Will I learn to cook? Will I eat grilled cheese and peanut butter everyday? I don't know, and it freaks me out to think about it. I need to find a place to live, a job to work at, probably need a car or something. I mean what the hell, this is actual responsibility, something I am not too used to. The DC semester has been a good preparation for real life and has taught me that i just may be prepared for life on my own. I had a great time, enjoyed the people I was with, and appreciated the oppurtunity. I am not good at recapping, or even writing coherently so lets just say I had no regrets from this semester and wouldn't change it for the world. Enjoy college while you can, because when you see the end of the tunnel there is a strong urge to turn around.
So long blogosphere!
I am sorry to report to you all that this is my last blog of the semester. After spending the last few months in DC, I am going to be sad to leave. Although I worked in what was described to me by my boss as the most do-nothing Congress since 1948, I feel like I learned a lot just by showing up. I got to experience the DC political scene from two different angles. In my first job I worked in a lobbying office, and in my second I switched sides to work in a Congressional office. From the numerous receptions (with lots of great food) to spending election day campaigning in Virginia, my internships provided me with some great experiences.
What I really would like to do with my final blog is to give my full endorsement to the HC@DC program. I don't think there is anything else you can do at your time at Hamilton that is more rewarding than this program. For government majors especially, there is no class at Hamilton that will be able to teach you what you can learn in one semester in DC. While there are times when you come home from work tired and have no desire to cook, and would really just like to walk over to Commons, it has never crossed my mind once that I would rather have spent the semester at Hamilton instead of here in DC.
Well I am not sure when or if I will ever return to blogging, but it has been one interesting and great experience and I would like to thank everyone in the program for that.
Jon
I am sorry to report to you all that this is my last blog of the semester. After spending the last few months in DC, I am going to be sad to leave. Although I worked in what was described to me by my boss as the most do-nothing Congress since 1948, I feel like I learned a lot just by showing up. I got to experience the DC political scene from two different angles. In my first job I worked in a lobbying office, and in my second I switched sides to work in a Congressional office. From the numerous receptions (with lots of great food) to spending election day campaigning in Virginia, my internships provided me with some great experiences.
What I really would like to do with my final blog is to give my full endorsement to the HC@DC program. I don't think there is anything else you can do at your time at Hamilton that is more rewarding than this program. For government majors especially, there is no class at Hamilton that will be able to teach you what you can learn in one semester in DC. While there are times when you come home from work tired and have no desire to cook, and would really just like to walk over to Commons, it has never crossed my mind once that I would rather have spent the semester at Hamilton instead of here in DC.
Well I am not sure when or if I will ever return to blogging, but it has been one interesting and great experience and I would like to thank everyone in the program for that.
Jon
One of the biggest problems facing US-China relations is China's currency manipulation. China has basically frozen it's currency, the RMB, at around 8 RMB to 1 dollar. What this does is create an export driven economy in China, bolstering China's economy but hurting it's trading partners. Right now Secretary Henry Paulson is in China discussing these issues, yet it seems that China isn't willing to give much ground. If they want to join the WTO and become a responsible global member then China must learn to comprimise, and to refrain from actions that are illegal under WTO standards.
Wrap it up B!
Most of my blogs have been fairly verbose but I am turning over a new leaf of brevity in this final entry into the blogosphere. I am going to recap a whole entire semester of work, fun, learning and excitement in six succinct paragraphs.
I have called Washington, DC, more specifically 2601 Woodley Place, home the last four wonderful months and I couldn’t have asked for more. A huge bellowing apartment with all the fixtures located in a posh nook filled with various bars, dining options and a metro across the street. Sure beats the VT, Commons and the Jitney.
I also couldn’t have asked for a more exciting time to be working in Washington. I worked at the NRCC, (Acronyms are really big in DC), National Republican Congressional Committee, and witnessed politics firsthand. I saw the highest highs and lowest lows that this city can offer, lows referring to the catastrophic political upheaval I watched Nov. 7th from a lovely Best Western in Nashua, NH on my Get Out The Vote campaign. But I was working in our nations capital and felt quasi-important every time I put on my suit, swiped my Metro Card and prepared for a real 9-5(the hours fluctuated drastically after the election).
I really liked the group dynamic we had this semester. I only knew one member of the group pretty well beforehand but quickly made friends with the rest. We had three seniors, one of whom found the greatest loop-hole in Hamilton College history by doing this program as his final semester and then working all the angles to find a permanent job here, Bravo, who led us diligently with our studies and shared light on all that Hamilton has to offer. The rest of us were juniors, a hodgepodge of people from all over the place with different political affiliations, backgrounds, beliefs but I think it truly worked. From Pakistan to Georgia, Illinois to Babylon, Manlius to Philadelphia, Cambridge to California we all came together and I hope had a fun time.
Professor Eismeier also led to the success of the Program by allowing us to do our own things and then bringing us together for class, debate, and our enjoyable weekly excursions. Thank you.
I promised to be brief but it’s very hard to sum up a whole semester and this only scrapes the surface of all that we did. I really enjoyed D.C and look back to returning many times in the near future. To those at Hamilton who still have a chance to do this program don’t miss out! There will always be another “awesome” off campus party and the bitter cold of Clinton, New York but this program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sorry for sounding preachy almost like I am writing a Hallmark card but I had fun and really can never wrap these blogs up.
Adios Blogosphere, the NRCC, Rent-A-Center, Sherry’s, Adams Morgan, and Tono Sushi you have all been so good to me and I thank you!
Most of my blogs have been fairly verbose but I am turning over a new leaf of brevity in this final entry into the blogosphere. I am going to recap a whole entire semester of work, fun, learning and excitement in six succinct paragraphs.
I have called Washington, DC, more specifically 2601 Woodley Place, home the last four wonderful months and I couldn’t have asked for more. A huge bellowing apartment with all the fixtures located in a posh nook filled with various bars, dining options and a metro across the street. Sure beats the VT, Commons and the Jitney.
I also couldn’t have asked for a more exciting time to be working in Washington. I worked at the NRCC, (Acronyms are really big in DC), National Republican Congressional Committee, and witnessed politics firsthand. I saw the highest highs and lowest lows that this city can offer, lows referring to the catastrophic political upheaval I watched Nov. 7th from a lovely Best Western in Nashua, NH on my Get Out The Vote campaign. But I was working in our nations capital and felt quasi-important every time I put on my suit, swiped my Metro Card and prepared for a real 9-5(the hours fluctuated drastically after the election).
I really liked the group dynamic we had this semester. I only knew one member of the group pretty well beforehand but quickly made friends with the rest. We had three seniors, one of whom found the greatest loop-hole in Hamilton College history by doing this program as his final semester and then working all the angles to find a permanent job here, Bravo, who led us diligently with our studies and shared light on all that Hamilton has to offer. The rest of us were juniors, a hodgepodge of people from all over the place with different political affiliations, backgrounds, beliefs but I think it truly worked. From Pakistan to Georgia, Illinois to Babylon, Manlius to Philadelphia, Cambridge to California we all came together and I hope had a fun time.
Professor Eismeier also led to the success of the Program by allowing us to do our own things and then bringing us together for class, debate, and our enjoyable weekly excursions. Thank you.
I promised to be brief but it’s very hard to sum up a whole semester and this only scrapes the surface of all that we did. I really enjoyed D.C and look back to returning many times in the near future. To those at Hamilton who still have a chance to do this program don’t miss out! There will always be another “awesome” off campus party and the bitter cold of Clinton, New York but this program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sorry for sounding preachy almost like I am writing a Hallmark card but I had fun and really can never wrap these blogs up.
Adios Blogosphere, the NRCC, Rent-A-Center, Sherry’s, Adams Morgan, and Tono Sushi you have all been so good to me and I thank you!
It is a daunting challenge to put how I feel into words, much less recap everything which happened this semester without writing a book.
There was the fun of learning how the Red line operates, and then the daily commute at rush hour. I can say that no train I tried to enter was too crowded for me. I feel bad for the unfortunate souls who couldn’t get onto trains at rush hour or after games because the trains were too full.
Interning instead of taking a normal course load was interesting. At first I thought it would be better just to take four classes down here sans internship, but through the semester the benefits of an internship became apparent, most notably the networking opportunities and seeing what the post-grad world is like in DC.
I definitely made the right choice with Hudson because I performed few administrative tasks, and they were mostly limited to sitting at the front desk when duty called. All the people there are extremely friendly, and we interns were able to have fun.
It was truly exciting when the elections rolled around, and the District’s focus changed from reelection to cleaning house and speculating about who will head the new committees. Even though my side will not be in the majority for the next two years, it still was fun to watch the Democrats trip over themselves in the attempt to get their message out.
What I will miss the most about DC is the fact that there is always something to do here. I didn’t feel that there was a time that I had no options for going out and doing something mildly constructive.
It will be fun to see if Hamilton can top this semester. Until then, this was truly the best semester ever.
There was the fun of learning how the Red line operates, and then the daily commute at rush hour. I can say that no train I tried to enter was too crowded for me. I feel bad for the unfortunate souls who couldn’t get onto trains at rush hour or after games because the trains were too full.
Interning instead of taking a normal course load was interesting. At first I thought it would be better just to take four classes down here sans internship, but through the semester the benefits of an internship became apparent, most notably the networking opportunities and seeing what the post-grad world is like in DC.
I definitely made the right choice with Hudson because I performed few administrative tasks, and they were mostly limited to sitting at the front desk when duty called. All the people there are extremely friendly, and we interns were able to have fun.
It was truly exciting when the elections rolled around, and the District’s focus changed from reelection to cleaning house and speculating about who will head the new committees. Even though my side will not be in the majority for the next two years, it still was fun to watch the Democrats trip over themselves in the attempt to get their message out.
What I will miss the most about DC is the fact that there is always something to do here. I didn’t feel that there was a time that I had no options for going out and doing something mildly constructive.
It will be fun to see if Hamilton can top this semester. Until then, this was truly the best semester ever.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Man in Germany stops Brazil robbery via Internet
Nobody needs a Sloman Shield anymore, now crooks need to worry about hidden cameras that connect directly to live cell-phone and laptop feeds.
A Brazilian businessman traveling in Germany watched by live video as a burglar robbed his house on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. The man, who was on a business trip in German, received an alert on his cell phone from the security system in his beach house in Guaruja in Sao Paulo state, police said on Tuesday.
The system provides him an alert via text, and he then has a live camera feed to his complex in Brazil. He then logged on to his laptop and via the Internet saw live images of the burglar at work. He then phoned the local police.
This is another wonderful way that technology helps us in our everyday lives, 10 years ago that poor guy would have returned from Deutschland and found his house ravaged, but the advent of new technological advances now turn the tide in securing ones home in our favor. More homes could use these technologies to insure a safe and pleasant trip. This may seem a little drastic but if someone has the means these security systems seem like they would be very stealth and overall effective.
Police chief Rodrigues said that, the burglar used a ladder to break into the house. When the police entered, he had a pile of goods such as the stereo system in the kitchen ready to be taken away, "He was surprised when realized he was being seen by cameras connected to the Internet,"
Sorry bud I am sitting at a Coffehouse in Germany sipping on my latte watching you trying to steal my crap in RIO. Have fun in jail bud, you should have read Robert O’Harrow’s book, because then you would have known there is No Place To Hide.
Nobody needs a Sloman Shield anymore, now crooks need to worry about hidden cameras that connect directly to live cell-phone and laptop feeds.
A Brazilian businessman traveling in Germany watched by live video as a burglar robbed his house on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. The man, who was on a business trip in German, received an alert on his cell phone from the security system in his beach house in Guaruja in Sao Paulo state, police said on Tuesday.
The system provides him an alert via text, and he then has a live camera feed to his complex in Brazil. He then logged on to his laptop and via the Internet saw live images of the burglar at work. He then phoned the local police.
This is another wonderful way that technology helps us in our everyday lives, 10 years ago that poor guy would have returned from Deutschland and found his house ravaged, but the advent of new technological advances now turn the tide in securing ones home in our favor. More homes could use these technologies to insure a safe and pleasant trip. This may seem a little drastic but if someone has the means these security systems seem like they would be very stealth and overall effective.
Police chief Rodrigues said that, the burglar used a ladder to break into the house. When the police entered, he had a pile of goods such as the stereo system in the kitchen ready to be taken away, "He was surprised when realized he was being seen by cameras connected to the Internet,"
Sorry bud I am sitting at a Coffehouse in Germany sipping on my latte watching you trying to steal my crap in RIO. Have fun in jail bud, you should have read Robert O’Harrow’s book, because then you would have known there is No Place To Hide.
If anyone missed out on today's Situation Room on CNN, you missed one interesting debate between host Wolf Blitzer and former KKK member/Louisinia State Representative David Duke. Duke, who is currently in Tehran, Iran for a Holocaust conference, and Blitzer, who is Jewish, engaged in a very heated discussion concerning the state of Israel, and the Iraq war.
Duke is in Iran for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's conference on the Holocaust, or should I say conference on denying the existance of the Holocaust. Over the past few days there have been reports of the "scholars" who have spoken at this conference. Every single person has commented that either the Holocaust didn't exist, or that the death totals were grossly overstated and are much closer to the 2,000 mark. The fact that Ahmadinejad had Duke as his American scholar, should even prove to people in Iran how ridiculous this whole thing is.
Duke, in his interview with Blitzer, ultimately blames the "Zionist neo-cons" of the US government for starting the war in Iraq. He blames people such as Paul Wolfowitz (who he says shaped America's interests when he was in government) for creating the war to benefit Israel. Duke continues on the interview with his belief that Israel is controlling the United States throught its money and media control. He even continues on to call Blitzer a "Zionist agent".
Ultimately while I commend Blitzer for not losing his cool during the interview, I don't believe he deserved any airtime in the first place.
Duke is in Iran for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's conference on the Holocaust, or should I say conference on denying the existance of the Holocaust. Over the past few days there have been reports of the "scholars" who have spoken at this conference. Every single person has commented that either the Holocaust didn't exist, or that the death totals were grossly overstated and are much closer to the 2,000 mark. The fact that Ahmadinejad had Duke as his American scholar, should even prove to people in Iran how ridiculous this whole thing is.
Duke, in his interview with Blitzer, ultimately blames the "Zionist neo-cons" of the US government for starting the war in Iraq. He blames people such as Paul Wolfowitz (who he says shaped America's interests when he was in government) for creating the war to benefit Israel. Duke continues on the interview with his belief that Israel is controlling the United States throught its money and media control. He even continues on to call Blitzer a "Zionist agent".
Ultimately while I commend Blitzer for not losing his cool during the interview, I don't believe he deserved any airtime in the first place.
So I have to figure out a way to rap up three months in less than 300 words. I think the best way to go about it is to explain that Congressman do not do that much. The thing that struck me the most was how much all of the assistants do compared to the Congressman. They give them all of the information and how to vote.
Having lived in New York City for the last couple of years the thing that surprised me the most about DC is how slow the city is. Many of the people do not get to work until 9:00 or so and many leave around 6:00 or so. It amazing that many people only work 9 hour days. I do not see this as a good thing. I would hope that the city which controls the fate of the United States would work harder, but I guess that is the government for you.
One of the main questions students ask themselves following college is whether they will be able to work full-time and not have the freedom of college. While I still do not have the full answer to that question. I can say I would rather work than go to college. I cannot say exactly why except to say that enjoy work over college. In any case, it is nice to know that I will be able to adjust to the working world.
In the end, it was nice to enjoy another city and get to meet other people from around the country who I would never have had the opportunity. I can say that overall I enjoyed the program and would do it again, even over returning to Hamilton College.
Having lived in New York City for the last couple of years the thing that surprised me the most about DC is how slow the city is. Many of the people do not get to work until 9:00 or so and many leave around 6:00 or so. It amazing that many people only work 9 hour days. I do not see this as a good thing. I would hope that the city which controls the fate of the United States would work harder, but I guess that is the government for you.
One of the main questions students ask themselves following college is whether they will be able to work full-time and not have the freedom of college. While I still do not have the full answer to that question. I can say I would rather work than go to college. I cannot say exactly why except to say that enjoy work over college. In any case, it is nice to know that I will be able to adjust to the working world.
In the end, it was nice to enjoy another city and get to meet other people from around the country who I would never have had the opportunity. I can say that overall I enjoyed the program and would do it again, even over returning to Hamilton College.
Looking back at the semester, I realize how much I actually learned. It wasn’t just in the classes or in debates; it was throughout the city, living on my own, working in an office, and meeting new people. This semester in Washington definitely flew by, but not without great memories attached.
I have always enjoyed politics and learning about government, both American and International; but in Washington, politics is viewed in a whole different sense. It is true what they say, that life is different inside the beltway. One of the things I found most fascinating about living and working in Washington was just how smart everyone was. Standing, waiting for the metro, you over hear a couple of conversations. To the left there are two women talking about what resolution Congress will come to between the different detainee bills proposed by McCain and Bush. To the right are two men and a woman discussing the breaking story they saw on the Hotline that morning that polls show Democrats moving closer to victory in November. No matter where or when, it is inevitable that you will find people on the streets holding legitimate, intelligent conversations.
Another thing that struck me about Washington was how business-oriented the entire city is. Monday through Friday there will be a continuous flow of foot and road traffic between 6am and 9am, which will die off until about 5pm when it picks up again until 6pm. During the in-between times, the residential city streets will be dead. A few cabs will drive by here and there, you may find an occasional tourist family walking to the zoo, but for the most part, the residential areas are dead. The business blocks, however, are bustling. It is strange to find someone walking around the streets of DC (during the work week) in a t-shirt and sweats. This city is so business-driven; I have never seen anything like it!
I am going to have to say, though, that one of my favorite parts about being in Washington, DC this semester was being able to appreciate and experience the Washington Famous. Now, the Washington Famous are, to all us political nerds, celebrities. Being here during the November 2006 election made the sphere of the Famous even bigger, and more exciting in my eyes. Walking around the Senate buildings it is not uncommon to see famous politico such as Senators Kennedy, Chafee, Clinton, or Lott. Even seeing Wonkett or an ABC reporter walking down the street is a thrill! It sounds lame, but its all part of being a new found Washingtonian.
All in all, it was a great experience and a fantastic city that I now feel comfortable calling one of my own. Hey, I may even be back this summer!
I have always enjoyed politics and learning about government, both American and International; but in Washington, politics is viewed in a whole different sense. It is true what they say, that life is different inside the beltway. One of the things I found most fascinating about living and working in Washington was just how smart everyone was. Standing, waiting for the metro, you over hear a couple of conversations. To the left there are two women talking about what resolution Congress will come to between the different detainee bills proposed by McCain and Bush. To the right are two men and a woman discussing the breaking story they saw on the Hotline that morning that polls show Democrats moving closer to victory in November. No matter where or when, it is inevitable that you will find people on the streets holding legitimate, intelligent conversations.
Another thing that struck me about Washington was how business-oriented the entire city is. Monday through Friday there will be a continuous flow of foot and road traffic between 6am and 9am, which will die off until about 5pm when it picks up again until 6pm. During the in-between times, the residential city streets will be dead. A few cabs will drive by here and there, you may find an occasional tourist family walking to the zoo, but for the most part, the residential areas are dead. The business blocks, however, are bustling. It is strange to find someone walking around the streets of DC (during the work week) in a t-shirt and sweats. This city is so business-driven; I have never seen anything like it!
I am going to have to say, though, that one of my favorite parts about being in Washington, DC this semester was being able to appreciate and experience the Washington Famous. Now, the Washington Famous are, to all us political nerds, celebrities. Being here during the November 2006 election made the sphere of the Famous even bigger, and more exciting in my eyes. Walking around the Senate buildings it is not uncommon to see famous politico such as Senators Kennedy, Chafee, Clinton, or Lott. Even seeing Wonkett or an ABC reporter walking down the street is a thrill! It sounds lame, but its all part of being a new found Washingtonian.
All in all, it was a great experience and a fantastic city that I now feel comfortable calling one of my own. Hey, I may even be back this summer!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
World Bank
Though my dad has been working at the World Bank since before I was born, I was astounded at how little I knew about the organization, or at least at the scope of areas covered. I think this was by far the best trip we took all semester, and the briefing on IT really tied a lot of the things we have covered this semester together, though focusing on the topic internationally. It was fitting that we began the year with a debate on Google in China and ended debating the same type of restrictions foreign governments impose on their citizens in regard to accessing the outside world.
My dad, who works in the legal department, loves his job, and when he returns from his missions abroad I enjoy discussing the issues he confronted. Rarely, however, have I discussed the moral implications of his work, or rather what crosses his mind as he and the Bank discuss various programs seeking implementation. As we discussed at the Bank, the dream of ending world poverty often entails losses for some to benefit the majority. For instance, many trucks of food and supplies sent overseas by various organizations may be hijacked by warloards. But though that may appear discouraging, for every truck that is hijacked, many more reach their destination. Like in the Google in China debate, I feel it is more important to give people a new technology, though their government may restrict its use, than to withhold it entirely.
I think we all learned that when we attempt to help everyone, there will always be those that we fall short in helping. However, the World Bank leaves their motto so ambitious in order to ensure noone thinks their job is ever done.
Though my dad has been working at the World Bank since before I was born, I was astounded at how little I knew about the organization, or at least at the scope of areas covered. I think this was by far the best trip we took all semester, and the briefing on IT really tied a lot of the things we have covered this semester together, though focusing on the topic internationally. It was fitting that we began the year with a debate on Google in China and ended debating the same type of restrictions foreign governments impose on their citizens in regard to accessing the outside world.
My dad, who works in the legal department, loves his job, and when he returns from his missions abroad I enjoy discussing the issues he confronted. Rarely, however, have I discussed the moral implications of his work, or rather what crosses his mind as he and the Bank discuss various programs seeking implementation. As we discussed at the Bank, the dream of ending world poverty often entails losses for some to benefit the majority. For instance, many trucks of food and supplies sent overseas by various organizations may be hijacked by warloards. But though that may appear discouraging, for every truck that is hijacked, many more reach their destination. Like in the Google in China debate, I feel it is more important to give people a new technology, though their government may restrict its use, than to withhold it entirely.
I think we all learned that when we attempt to help everyone, there will always be those that we fall short in helping. However, the World Bank leaves their motto so ambitious in order to ensure noone thinks their job is ever done.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Junior Year
It has amazed me how quickly college has gone by and how each and every year is very different from the last. Freshman year is about making new friends, finding your niche and adjusting to college life. Sophomore year is about not being a freshman and cherishing college with your newfound friends. Sophomore year you are still excited about the newness of college, and don’t have a worry in the world. Junior year unfortunately is not so naïve (well not for me at least). Junior year is about going to new places and experiencing new things and this is exactly what the Washington program has done for me.
As a sophomore, I felt that I had a solid group of friends and that I did not really need to branch out from to find more people at Hamilton. Since coming to Washington, I have found that was completely untrue because I have found many new friends that I will stay close with in the coming years. In order to make the best out of your experience in DC, you need to have the right group dynamic. This semester we definitely had the right group dynamic, and this made my time here that much more enjoyable. The great group dynamic made classes better, field trips fun, and going out on the weekends a blast. There was always a large group wanting to go out and have fun and I am so thankful for all of that.
These new friends will continue to affect my life in a positive light even when I return to campus. Unfortunately, not all of the junior class will be on campus when I return and this will force me out of my niche and will make new friends. I think this is a very positive aspect of junior year because it opens your eyes up to new people and experiences on the hill. The third year of the same parties and the same events can get pretty boring, but experiencing these things with different people will make them that much better in the end. At first, I was uneasy about going back to Hamilton knowing that most of my friends were going to be abroad, but after this semester I am more comfortable and excited to experience the hill in a new light.
The Washington program and being a junior has made me become aware of the fact that I only have one year left at Hamilton and then I am done. While this scared me at first, I have realized how many great opportunities that can come out of college (i.e. great co-workers, a good job, nice apartment). Juniors, well most of them, have matured a lot since they were 18 years old and right out of high school. Being a junior, I can say that I feel that I will be ready to leave college when I graduate as a senior. I have one more year left to have my fun at Hamilton and then I will off into the real world or off to graduate school.
I am very sad to leave this wonderful group of people and this great city of Washington, D.C. I will go back to the hill with the new wisdom of what is important about college and who my true friends are. I am ready to continue the Hamilton experience for the next year and a half and make the best of it. The Washington program has allowed me to expand my Hamilton network and branch out of my safety net. I think that although each and every year is a great and different experience at Hamilton, I will cherish my junior year the most.
It has amazed me how quickly college has gone by and how each and every year is very different from the last. Freshman year is about making new friends, finding your niche and adjusting to college life. Sophomore year is about not being a freshman and cherishing college with your newfound friends. Sophomore year you are still excited about the newness of college, and don’t have a worry in the world. Junior year unfortunately is not so naïve (well not for me at least). Junior year is about going to new places and experiencing new things and this is exactly what the Washington program has done for me.
As a sophomore, I felt that I had a solid group of friends and that I did not really need to branch out from to find more people at Hamilton. Since coming to Washington, I have found that was completely untrue because I have found many new friends that I will stay close with in the coming years. In order to make the best out of your experience in DC, you need to have the right group dynamic. This semester we definitely had the right group dynamic, and this made my time here that much more enjoyable. The great group dynamic made classes better, field trips fun, and going out on the weekends a blast. There was always a large group wanting to go out and have fun and I am so thankful for all of that.
These new friends will continue to affect my life in a positive light even when I return to campus. Unfortunately, not all of the junior class will be on campus when I return and this will force me out of my niche and will make new friends. I think this is a very positive aspect of junior year because it opens your eyes up to new people and experiences on the hill. The third year of the same parties and the same events can get pretty boring, but experiencing these things with different people will make them that much better in the end. At first, I was uneasy about going back to Hamilton knowing that most of my friends were going to be abroad, but after this semester I am more comfortable and excited to experience the hill in a new light.
The Washington program and being a junior has made me become aware of the fact that I only have one year left at Hamilton and then I am done. While this scared me at first, I have realized how many great opportunities that can come out of college (i.e. great co-workers, a good job, nice apartment). Juniors, well most of them, have matured a lot since they were 18 years old and right out of high school. Being a junior, I can say that I feel that I will be ready to leave college when I graduate as a senior. I have one more year left to have my fun at Hamilton and then I will off into the real world or off to graduate school.
I am very sad to leave this wonderful group of people and this great city of Washington, D.C. I will go back to the hill with the new wisdom of what is important about college and who my true friends are. I am ready to continue the Hamilton experience for the next year and a half and make the best of it. The Washington program has allowed me to expand my Hamilton network and branch out of my safety net. I think that although each and every year is a great and different experience at Hamilton, I will cherish my junior year the most.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Role of the Military
Today the former Esteemed President/Dictator Augusto Pinochet of Chile (depending on who you are) died. He led Chile for 17 years after coming to power in a bloody, allegedly CIA sponsored coup and ruled with an iron hand.
A popular target for human rights and political activists for many years, it only when he was stripped of his immunity from prosecution that the true extent of his vile actions have come to light. There is no doubt that he was guilty of corruption, mass murder and political suppression but he also steered Chile on a path of economic prosperity and political stability that was previously unheard of. His admirers included former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who actually modeled her economic policies on Chile's model. Despite General Pinochet's state of dishonor, Baroness Thatcher has publicly sent her condolences to his family. He must have been a remarkable man to earn such loyalty from Britain's Iron Lady.
Although he was willing to commit the worst deeds to stay in power, there is little doubt that he in fact help build Chile into the state it is today. One of the reasons for his success was the longevity of his power, the stability he provided Chile was fundamentally due to his iron grip over the military. This affirmed his authority, allowed him to carry out the much needed economic policies and bringing them to fruitition. Although General Pinochet was elected President of Chile, his strength was unquestionably derived from the military. Which brings us to the question of what the role of the military truly is?
There is no greater example of a game of ping pong between military coups and civilian rule dominating politics than Pakistan. Majority of its existence since gaining independence from the British in 1947 has been under military rule. The question of the role of the military in any country is problematic. In Pakistan time has shown that the role is not just to repulse foreign invaders and to carry out the will of elected leaders but to bring stability to every aspect of governance and policy, because no civil institution has the strength to withstand corrupt politicians bent on misusing their elected position. In evidence most of Pakistan's economic prosperity and stability has been under military rule and no civilian Premier has been able to diminish the power of 'the generals' as they are popularly known as. In a history so rich in military coups it is hardly surprising that the current President gained power through a coup. Although democracy advocates impress on the necessity of a sustainable democracy relying on elected non-military politicians to run the country, Pakistan is a model of a country that needs military strength to push through much needed reforms, it is hardly surprising that the most liberal policies have been enacted by un-elected military leaders.
The role of the Military has over the course of history been positive, not to say that the military is not corrupt, it does however, better the lives of the general populace, because unlike the feudal lord politicians, military men come from less than aristocratic backgrounds.
Then there is the United States, where an elected civilian President, commands ultimate control over the military. The term Commander-in-Chief succinctly describes the relationship between the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I have always been bemused by the lack of a military coup in American history. True, men with military backgrounds have attained the office of the President of the United States, but there is never a question of deposing a civilian President. At the Hudson institute I am fortunate to have worked with General William Oden, former NSA director, and he explained to me quite simply that there has and never will be the question of deposing an American President and the reason for this is that the American people would never stand for it and that military commanders do not attain the kind of loyalty that the President of the United States does. Movies and shows like the West Wing like to focus on the difficult working relationship between the civilian executive branch and the military, the reality is that the role of the military in America is simple. Obey the chain of command, and at the very top is the elected, civilian President of the United States. Top generals may not like it, but its ingrained in them to do as ordered. Thinking otherwise is alien. The role of the American military is specific to protecting national borders and enacting foreign policy.
However, a military can only act in this manner when civilian institutions have the required strength to protect democracy. Weak civil institutions, corrupt politicians and disenfranchisement of the masses sometimes require the military to protect the people from their bad democratic choices. Although in today’s role, this position may be unpopular, the role of the military is far more dynamic and big brotherish than one would like to believe. And as General Pinochet has proven it is not always with the best personal consequences, even though his contribution to the development of Chile cannot be ignored. The question one must pose is that if one would commit an act of evil if one truly believed was for the greater good. I think that is what drives most military coups, rather than an insatiable thirst for power.
Today the former Esteemed President/Dictator Augusto Pinochet of Chile (depending on who you are) died. He led Chile for 17 years after coming to power in a bloody, allegedly CIA sponsored coup and ruled with an iron hand.
A popular target for human rights and political activists for many years, it only when he was stripped of his immunity from prosecution that the true extent of his vile actions have come to light. There is no doubt that he was guilty of corruption, mass murder and political suppression but he also steered Chile on a path of economic prosperity and political stability that was previously unheard of. His admirers included former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who actually modeled her economic policies on Chile's model. Despite General Pinochet's state of dishonor, Baroness Thatcher has publicly sent her condolences to his family. He must have been a remarkable man to earn such loyalty from Britain's Iron Lady.
Although he was willing to commit the worst deeds to stay in power, there is little doubt that he in fact help build Chile into the state it is today. One of the reasons for his success was the longevity of his power, the stability he provided Chile was fundamentally due to his iron grip over the military. This affirmed his authority, allowed him to carry out the much needed economic policies and bringing them to fruitition. Although General Pinochet was elected President of Chile, his strength was unquestionably derived from the military. Which brings us to the question of what the role of the military truly is?
There is no greater example of a game of ping pong between military coups and civilian rule dominating politics than Pakistan. Majority of its existence since gaining independence from the British in 1947 has been under military rule. The question of the role of the military in any country is problematic. In Pakistan time has shown that the role is not just to repulse foreign invaders and to carry out the will of elected leaders but to bring stability to every aspect of governance and policy, because no civil institution has the strength to withstand corrupt politicians bent on misusing their elected position. In evidence most of Pakistan's economic prosperity and stability has been under military rule and no civilian Premier has been able to diminish the power of 'the generals' as they are popularly known as. In a history so rich in military coups it is hardly surprising that the current President gained power through a coup. Although democracy advocates impress on the necessity of a sustainable democracy relying on elected non-military politicians to run the country, Pakistan is a model of a country that needs military strength to push through much needed reforms, it is hardly surprising that the most liberal policies have been enacted by un-elected military leaders.
The role of the Military has over the course of history been positive, not to say that the military is not corrupt, it does however, better the lives of the general populace, because unlike the feudal lord politicians, military men come from less than aristocratic backgrounds.
Then there is the United States, where an elected civilian President, commands ultimate control over the military. The term Commander-in-Chief succinctly describes the relationship between the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I have always been bemused by the lack of a military coup in American history. True, men with military backgrounds have attained the office of the President of the United States, but there is never a question of deposing a civilian President. At the Hudson institute I am fortunate to have worked with General William Oden, former NSA director, and he explained to me quite simply that there has and never will be the question of deposing an American President and the reason for this is that the American people would never stand for it and that military commanders do not attain the kind of loyalty that the President of the United States does. Movies and shows like the West Wing like to focus on the difficult working relationship between the civilian executive branch and the military, the reality is that the role of the military in America is simple. Obey the chain of command, and at the very top is the elected, civilian President of the United States. Top generals may not like it, but its ingrained in them to do as ordered. Thinking otherwise is alien. The role of the American military is specific to protecting national borders and enacting foreign policy.
However, a military can only act in this manner when civilian institutions have the required strength to protect democracy. Weak civil institutions, corrupt politicians and disenfranchisement of the masses sometimes require the military to protect the people from their bad democratic choices. Although in today’s role, this position may be unpopular, the role of the military is far more dynamic and big brotherish than one would like to believe. And as General Pinochet has proven it is not always with the best personal consequences, even though his contribution to the development of Chile cannot be ignored. The question one must pose is that if one would commit an act of evil if one truly believed was for the greater good. I think that is what drives most military coups, rather than an insatiable thirst for power.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Once again technology has captured the ugliness of racism on the world’s most popular and newest video source, “U-tube.”
Michael Richards, comedian and star of TV show Seinfeld stated, "50 years ago we [white people] would have had you hanging upside down with a fork in you’re ass"! Those were the statements comfortably stated to an audience of different racial backgrounds in LA a few weeks ago in the year “2006”. People may ask why bring up such an issue? You're only adding more fuel to the fire. Well, I would say that this kind of fire has never been put out.
For example, years ago Senator Trent Lott claimed that if the country had remained segregated the country would have been better off; a statement that caused him to lose his leadership position. Years before, Senator Jesse Helms produced a commercial against black democrat Harvey Gantt, which eluded to the idea that affirmative action is simply a black person taking a job that is rightfully due to a white person. More recently, the RSCC produced an add eluding to the idea that Senate candidate Harold Ford sleeps with white women.
Again and again the supposedly non-existent issue of race somehow finds its way back onto the center stage. This may cause many to question why would republicans spend thousands of dollars on an ad suggesting Ford sleeps with white women? Well in Tennessee, a state where the Ku Klux Klan was founded, and one reluctant to acknowledge interracial marriages, this was destined to yield some results.
Well yes, Michael Richards is overt and the republican’s actions are covert, but both are simply the result of the absence of dialogue, which has produced legislation but never a conversation about race. So while some stand shocked and appalled over Richard's statements I know nothing will come of it given that, Senator Lott was just re-elected to senate leadership. But maybe things have changed; I guess we will find out once Obama announces his intent to run for President in 2008.
Michael Richards, comedian and star of TV show Seinfeld stated, "50 years ago we [white people] would have had you hanging upside down with a fork in you’re ass"! Those were the statements comfortably stated to an audience of different racial backgrounds in LA a few weeks ago in the year “2006”. People may ask why bring up such an issue? You're only adding more fuel to the fire. Well, I would say that this kind of fire has never been put out.
For example, years ago Senator Trent Lott claimed that if the country had remained segregated the country would have been better off; a statement that caused him to lose his leadership position. Years before, Senator Jesse Helms produced a commercial against black democrat Harvey Gantt, which eluded to the idea that affirmative action is simply a black person taking a job that is rightfully due to a white person. More recently, the RSCC produced an add eluding to the idea that Senate candidate Harold Ford sleeps with white women.
Again and again the supposedly non-existent issue of race somehow finds its way back onto the center stage. This may cause many to question why would republicans spend thousands of dollars on an ad suggesting Ford sleeps with white women? Well in Tennessee, a state where the Ku Klux Klan was founded, and one reluctant to acknowledge interracial marriages, this was destined to yield some results.
Well yes, Michael Richards is overt and the republican’s actions are covert, but both are simply the result of the absence of dialogue, which has produced legislation but never a conversation about race. So while some stand shocked and appalled over Richard's statements I know nothing will come of it given that, Senator Lott was just re-elected to senate leadership. But maybe things have changed; I guess we will find out once Obama announces his intent to run for President in 2008.
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