A feel for the city....

I say a feel for the "city" but if you were to ask anyone who has lived in D.C. longer than 6 months they would surely tell you that my title inaccurately describes the location.  This is a town.  They would claim that the antiquity of Washington allows for smaller boroughs, organized neatly into 4 quadrants, and even further distinguished by communities celebrating their own unique personality.  I have been here for less than 2 weeks, so I will still identify it as a "city" until my ability to navigate becomes more acute.

So to my fellow Comets back home, I have much to share.  But I will keep this post short and sweet as I still have about 100 pages to read, a journal to finish after walking the premise of the White House, and a memo due at work to Senator Kerry and Senator Brown.  To say the least, it has been a busy week.

Today we (all of the Archers) had a picnic in the park with Congressman Archer himself.  It was nice to meet the man that set in motion this program some 10 years ago and ultimately is the reason we are all here.  A humble man, he was eager to answer our questions with swift approach.  He made it clear that he respected all Fellows in the program regardless of ideology or political preference.  His mission was to allow students from Texas to experience legislation first-hand, and to provide the opportunity to be a part of the process. Although my political views are somewhat on the other side of the fence of Congressman Archer, it was fascinating to listen to his delivery.  It is easy to see why he has never lacked popularity and why he is so well respected today.

I think that the lesson I have learned thus far is to listen more and speak less.  It is one thing to be the smart kid in class and have everyone listen when you speak; an entirely different thing when you are surrounded by extremely educated people that can back up their agenda with statistics and rhetoric that can make your head spin.  I am very convicted in my beliefs - both politically and socially - but I have realized in a short period of time that by taking a moment to listen to your opposition's point-of-view, you learn much...about them and about yourself.

I do hope that your classes are treating you well and that you are learning a lot.  Pay attention!!  The things that you are learning now may seem irrelevant, but I promise you this:  you will use it.

Feel free to email any questions that you have.  Until then...