Pondering

Hello Everyone:

I am loving DC. When I came out here I wasn’t as grateful as I am now for this amazing opportunity, I was super stoked, but I was ungrateful for the internship I got (I will admit). I now know there was a reason why I came to DC. Already I have learned that not only does our political process here in DC work, but that it is not perfect. Of course not everything is perfect, however it is fascinating to see how things work. I have also learned that what I thought was a congressman who stood for the things he believed in, is a congressman with strong political moral wheaties, gusto, and mojo. Who stands up for stuff even if it is hard. Who even it kills him, or makes him seem like he is Hitler he will do it, if he feels it is right. It is interesting how to begin with I came out here thinking that if challenged he would never take that stand. I can speak from experience, that those in Utah in the first district are safe in the hands of this man. Although the process and legislation is not going according to plan, things don’t get accomplished. This man that I work for, knows what he wants and he goes for. The staff is amazing, and handles my personality with amazing jive and vigor. Some can speak Laureneese too! I can ask them any dumb question and receive an answer. I have met with previous governors of Utah, many people of the first district, and the number one thing that I am proud to say is that a) I am from Brigham—but B) that my mom is the mayor. I have been to a energy crisis foreign affairs meeting in which they talked about Russia , and was able to ask them questions. We learned about the oil in Europe . We learned that oil and natural resources is a political commodity. Not only that but I have been able to randomly share what I believe as far as my standards and the office standards with people. It is scary, but so cool to be asked by random security guards that you have made friends with, or metro people about the church. I love talking with people. This past weekend I went to Philly and Valley Forge . To see where our founding fathers wrote and debated over the constitution was very cool. . .

We also went under the famous LOVE fountain. Can you feel the love?

Then I saw a museum in which showed how our constitution changed which was amazing, the Roddin museum (it was a very thoughtful experience), as well as the Philly Musuem of Art.

The Fountain of Roddin

Muesum of Art in Philly

and some graffitti on the way.... I also saw the liberty bell, and the defining moment of the revolutionary war. We also got to see were George Washington worshiped. I am learning tons, I am learning that the world although we can simplify it or complicated it as much as we want that in the end it is balanced. That although Congress suspends or lets out early and we don’t pass legislation, that things in the end will shape up. Congressmen and Senators were elected by the people, if it takes a bomb or a energy crisis they will realize that they need to represent the people – to forget their party and to represent their people. We trust them, so why can’t we trust them? All it takes is faith. If our founding fathers did it (granted with hills and bumps) then we can certainly do it?

Sincerely

Lauren