There was a bitter February wind whipping around us as my kindred spirit Renee and I ventured to explore the entirety of Our Nation's Capital--Washington, D.C. Just to be clear: when I say bitter I mean Jack Frost bitter; bitter with a capital B.
I have explored much of D.C. in earlier days, having lived in Northern Virginia as a child. As such, I pretty much knew the ropes. I knew what exhibits to catch at the Smithsonian, how to maneuver the Metro system like a native, and where to stay (K Street is great, located right behind the White House).
In any event--even though we had to brave sub-zero temperatures (OK, maybe not, but it sure felt like it), a Saturday in the middle of winter is a D.C. tourist's delight. There was absolutely no one around. While walking around the Capital Reflecting Pool, we encountered--count 'em--two joggers the first night we were there. The Feds and their staffs clear out of town for the weekend, and leave our national landmarks to those brave enough to venture out.
On Saturday afternoon, after a long morning of hitting the Memorials and Smithsonians, we trudged up Capital Hill for a more intimate view of the Capital building. Boy, was it intimate--more than I could have even imagined. We were at the backside of the Capital building (facing the Library of Congress) for about a half and hour, taking photos, admiring architecture, and just being tourist-y. During that time how many security guards did I see? Two. How many security barriers did I cross to get thisclose to the building itself? None. Granted, neither of us tried to peer in a window or open the massive front door, but you get the point. We were allowed to be there. We were American citizens; and this was our Capital.
Upon seeing the accessibility of a national landmark, I realized: this is what a democracy is all about. It's about having the access to our national leaders; to those who formulate and implement public policies that have everyday effects on our lives. If more voters could experience the immediacy of the federal experience, I truly believe they would realize the magnitude effect that their political opinion (regardless of party affiliation) and representative votes can have on the nation itself.
If people could see their school civic lessons in action, they would see how they can make a difference. That, my friends, would bring true power to the people.
On Saturday afternoon, after a long morning of hitting the Memorials and Smithsonians, we trudged up Capital Hill for a more intimate view of the Capital building. Boy, was it intimate--more than I could have even imagined. We were at the backside of the Capital building (facing the Library of Congress) for about a half and hour, taking photos, admiring architecture, and just being tourist-y. During that time how many security guards did I see? Two. How many security barriers did I cross to get thisclose to the building itself? None. Granted, neither of us tried to peer in a window or open the massive front door, but you get the point. We were allowed to be there. We were American citizens; and this was our Capital.
Upon seeing the accessibility of a national landmark, I realized: this is what a democracy is all about. It's about having the access to our national leaders; to those who formulate and implement public policies that have everyday effects on our lives. If more voters could experience the immediacy of the federal experience, I truly believe they would realize the magnitude effect that their political opinion (regardless of party affiliation) and representative votes can have on the nation itself.
If people could see their school civic lessons in action, they would see how they can make a difference. That, my friends, would bring true power to the people.
