Washington, D.C.

In the words of my amazingly awesome mother, “Just imagine!” Every day there are decisions being made in this city that have such enormous impact on the country and world. Every single news program I’ve watched in the last year has a story that relates back to a decision that was made in this city. George W. Bush is the most talked about man in the world. As for the United States he’s probably the second most talked about person. First is probably that Paris Hilton girl and I’m sick of it. There are more pressing issues to cover. Why does a respectable news channel like CNN have to cover her going to jail. I mean I’ve got a pretty cool story! Anyways, that’s the first and last time I’ll ever mention her name on my blog… back to D.C.

There we were, Charles and I, sitting at COSI eating some lunch and he mentioned, “It’s strange to think that the president could be only a few hundreds yards from us.” That’s about how close we grabbed a bit to eat to the White House. The only other time I was in DC I was a young boy and hardly remember a thing. Mostly I remember the long line to go up the Washington Monument. Now I have a few different memories.

We spent about five hours on our feet, walked the entire length of the Mall, stopped in a few museums, and visited a few memorials. The WWII Memorial is impressive in its size, though I fear it still doesn’t connect with the audience. Especially when there are teenagers who are lying over a big quote that’s respecting the lives of those who fought for us. The Vietnam Memorial is entirely different. It’s simple. Charles mentioned how he once heard is described as a scar, which is very accurate both in appearance and historically. The vibe is very quiet, people are in awe of the names. You hear very few people talking unlike any of the other memorials. As a testimony to great design it’s amazing how a simple idea can convey a great message.

Charles mentioned that if he could go back to one day in recent history it would be back to the mall on August 28th, 1963. I wasn’t born yet and the only visual of it that really captured me was from watching Forrest Gump. It would have been amazing to see all those people, and there I was standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial trying to visualize what took place 44 years ago. Of course that’s just one of the many historical days in the city.

What entertains my brain through the city are all the thoughts of controversy, myths, and scandals. Such things about are there really anti-aircraft missiles on top of buildings? You can think of the Monica Lewinski scandal or the debate of what happened in Washington D.C. on 9/11. Quote honestly, much of an American’s perspective of Washington comes from the movies such as Independence Day or Enemy At The Gate. Personally I’d just really like to roll a few frames in the bowling alley of the White House.

Just like New York City, I am in awe walking around. There are people dressed up in fancy black suits that cost more than a car. Every time I see someone with identification for security clearance I automatically start wondering who it is and what they do. Simply by being here I am motivated to become more involved with government, learn about the process, and take my part as a citizen. It’s an amazing place. And it still feels that these hardly touch on my thoughts. Maybe I can move to Washington after this trip and share my experience of the country. And if that doesn’t work out, maybe I’ll add US Senator to my to-do list.

P.S. As these blog entries get longer and longer I think it means I’m getting ready to write a book.