To follow up my previous post, I thought that I'd give you all a glimpse into my amazing semester interning in Congressman Weiner's office.
I was a Legislative and Press Intern -- my job included your stereotypical clerical duties (answering the phone, going through the mail, stuffing envelopes, etc). I was also tasked with giving tours of the Capitol Building whenever constituents came to visit DC. There were a few rather interesting ones -- a tour of 13, 5th graders and we got lost in the building, ended up coming out the wrong door, and met meeting Speaker-elect Pelosi the day after election day in 2006, on her way to being elected as Speaker of the House.
Some of my other duties included researching past legislation on housing and building codes, attending congressional hearings and proof-reading press releases. I developed such a great relationship with the staff, mostly because I was there 40 hours per week, just like them -- I was the only intern to have that kind of schedule. Because of that relationship, for the last half of my internship I was able to sit in on staff meetings -- meetings that interns were not allowed to be in on or participate in.
The one I remember most vividly was when the congressman announced that he was redecorating his office. At first, we were a bit puzzled -- then that evening, the painters came in and we were stunned by the color choice - yellow. And it wasn't just any yellow -- it was the brightest yellow I had ever seen on an interior wall. It was the color of a school bus. At first we thought it was a mistake, one that would test the limits on the congressman's colorful language. Much to our surprise, it was exactly what he hoped for. Bizarre? Absolutely. However, that's just the type of guy he was -- always keeping us on our toes.
Some of the best times in that internship were standing in the congressman's office, watching him give profound speeches on the floor of the House, condemning bad legislation or praising an unsung hero. We would cheer and clap as he flashed his titanium backbone, and made us proud to call him our boss.
Anthony Weiner may have let us down, but Congressman Weiner never has.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
an extremely difficult 24 hours...
First and foremost, to those of you that are regular followers of my blog, you can thank my friend Aaron for this post. He encouraged (and coerced) me into writing about this, since I had previously planned on being a shut in for a few days.
Five years ago I had the incredible opportunity to intern for Congressman Anthony Weiner in his Capitol Hill office. Then and now, I firmly believe it was one of the incredible experiences that I have ever had. I got to work with some of the most brilliant people, for a member that I truly admired. He found an issue that he was passionate about, and fought for it, no matter the cost. He defines what a Member of Congress should be -- someone that's there to represent the people and fight for what is right, and not his own selfish interests.
Yesterday watching his press conference was the most emotional evening that I've had since this past election day. I'm not sure which was worse, watching one of my role models crumble on national television as a laughing stock, or watching someone I worked so hard for and became so close with, have to concede and election he so truly deserved to win. Both bought an absurd number of tears to my eyes.
While I acknowledge that what Congressman Weiner did was bad, I will never resign the fact that he is an exemplary congressman. He has always been a voice for his people, and the people of the Democratic Party. He has the guts to go on shows like O'Reilly and Hannity, and successfully defend his beliefs to people whose sole mission is to destroy them. People like Andrew Brietbart live to tear him down, and I hope that they never succeed.
It is my avowed hope that he can get past this horrible patch and continue his impeccable service to the people of NY-9, and the country. Without his voice, I fear for our future.
So, in the most official capacity that I have -- Congressman Weiner, I pledge my unconditional support to you. May you succeed in overcoming this, and continue to be a voice for those who do not have one.
Five years ago I had the incredible opportunity to intern for Congressman Anthony Weiner in his Capitol Hill office. Then and now, I firmly believe it was one of the incredible experiences that I have ever had. I got to work with some of the most brilliant people, for a member that I truly admired. He found an issue that he was passionate about, and fought for it, no matter the cost. He defines what a Member of Congress should be -- someone that's there to represent the people and fight for what is right, and not his own selfish interests.
Yesterday watching his press conference was the most emotional evening that I've had since this past election day. I'm not sure which was worse, watching one of my role models crumble on national television as a laughing stock, or watching someone I worked so hard for and became so close with, have to concede and election he so truly deserved to win. Both bought an absurd number of tears to my eyes.
While I acknowledge that what Congressman Weiner did was bad, I will never resign the fact that he is an exemplary congressman. He has always been a voice for his people, and the people of the Democratic Party. He has the guts to go on shows like O'Reilly and Hannity, and successfully defend his beliefs to people whose sole mission is to destroy them. People like Andrew Brietbart live to tear him down, and I hope that they never succeed.
It is my avowed hope that he can get past this horrible patch and continue his impeccable service to the people of NY-9, and the country. Without his voice, I fear for our future.
So, in the most official capacity that I have -- Congressman Weiner, I pledge my unconditional support to you. May you succeed in overcoming this, and continue to be a voice for those who do not have one.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
lapses in posts -- unavoidable?
Sorry that it's been a while since I've written -- don't worry, I'll be sure it doesn't happen again. Well another quarter of grad school down, only a billion left to go. (sigh) I've been spending a majority of my waking hours on final papers. I know that I hate taking tests, but I need to be careful what I wish for. Two 12+ page papers due within a 24 hour period is definitely everyone's nightmare.
I have come to Washington, DC for a while -- a change of scenery is the key to mental stability during such an unstable time. After living in an area where good weather is a foreign concept, I had an unfortunate run-in with the sun. Currently, I'm sporting a rather lovely shade of red on my shoulders. The stark contrast to the white from my shirt straps its definitely entertaining.
Being down here has really reinvigorated my hopes of ending up down here eventually. I walk around Capitol Hill and the rest of the city and there's an intoxicating buzz -- the buzz of brilliant people living, brilliantly. It also makes me think about other job markets and what their competition level is in comparison. After about half a second, I realized that they are nothing in comparison. The most brilliant people our nation has to offer, coalesce in DC. New York and LA -- they don't have anything on DC.
I mean, think about it. What industry is in each of the 3 aforementioned cities? LA -- Hollywood. Yes, it's competitive, but for acting and show business. NYC -- fashion and finance. Competitive? Sure. DC doesn't just house the President, but it's the nucleus for the nation. Anything that happens anywhere in the country, is usually dictated by what Washington says. That's a lot of responsibility for those of us who wish to take it by storm.
Are we willing to accept the burden that residing in such a prestigious environment demands? Are we prepared to live our lives and make our careers second to none? I can absolutely say that I have never had more than one answer for both of those questions. ABSOLUTELY.
I have come to Washington, DC for a while -- a change of scenery is the key to mental stability during such an unstable time. After living in an area where good weather is a foreign concept, I had an unfortunate run-in with the sun. Currently, I'm sporting a rather lovely shade of red on my shoulders. The stark contrast to the white from my shirt straps its definitely entertaining.
Being down here has really reinvigorated my hopes of ending up down here eventually. I walk around Capitol Hill and the rest of the city and there's an intoxicating buzz -- the buzz of brilliant people living, brilliantly. It also makes me think about other job markets and what their competition level is in comparison. After about half a second, I realized that they are nothing in comparison. The most brilliant people our nation has to offer, coalesce in DC. New York and LA -- they don't have anything on DC.
I mean, think about it. What industry is in each of the 3 aforementioned cities? LA -- Hollywood. Yes, it's competitive, but for acting and show business. NYC -- fashion and finance. Competitive? Sure. DC doesn't just house the President, but it's the nucleus for the nation. Anything that happens anywhere in the country, is usually dictated by what Washington says. That's a lot of responsibility for those of us who wish to take it by storm.
Are we willing to accept the burden that residing in such a prestigious environment demands? Are we prepared to live our lives and make our careers second to none? I can absolutely say that I have never had more than one answer for both of those questions. ABSOLUTELY.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Joplin, Missouri -- my destination of choice.
As those of you that know we well know, I find disaster relief to be paramount to almost everything. The eight days I spent in Biloxi, MS were by far the most rewarding days of my life. I met the most extraordinary people that had been through the most horrific of experiences. Their spirits were so high after being so devastated -- I could not imagine being so upbeat when everything I knew had been destroyed.
These past few weeks watching the non-stop coverage of the devastation in the Midwest has brought back some potent memories of the days I spent on the Gulf Coast. It also helps me put things into perspective. When I think of how horrible to be unemployed, I watch reports of the people in Joplin and remember that I have parents that are caring for me, a roof over my head and can afford to attend graduate school (thanks Treasury Dept!).
Now, after regaining perspective and appreciating what I have, now all I can think of doing is running off to the Midwest and giving what little I have to those that have less than nothing. The temptation grows with every passing day and have yet to think of a reason to resist.
As Mark Twain once said, "I deal with temptation by yielding to it." Maybe I should take his advice.
These past few weeks watching the non-stop coverage of the devastation in the Midwest has brought back some potent memories of the days I spent on the Gulf Coast. It also helps me put things into perspective. When I think of how horrible to be unemployed, I watch reports of the people in Joplin and remember that I have parents that are caring for me, a roof over my head and can afford to attend graduate school (thanks Treasury Dept!).
Now, after regaining perspective and appreciating what I have, now all I can think of doing is running off to the Midwest and giving what little I have to those that have less than nothing. The temptation grows with every passing day and have yet to think of a reason to resist.
As Mark Twain once said, "I deal with temptation by yielding to it." Maybe I should take his advice.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
victory is good for the soul.
Just a quick shout out to my fellow democrat, Kathy Hochul on her striking upset tonight over Jane Corwin and Jack Davis.
Congratulations Congresswoman-elect -- can't wait to see the great things you do in Washington!
Congratulations Congresswoman-elect -- can't wait to see the great things you do in Washington!
mini-vent.
For those of you that don't live in Western New York, today is a big day -- Election Day. Former Congressman Chris Lee resigned in January after a scandal involving him posting partially nude pictures of himself of Craigslist, soliciting sex. Today's election is to fill his vacant seat.
Days like today are ones that can define careers for people like me. It also has been shown to create more frustration than one can take. I'm amazed at the number of people that think voting is a burden -- something I've never understood. It takes 5 minutes, at the most. You walk in, pull a lever (or these days, insert a piece of paper) and that's it. Literally one of the most mindless tasks imaginable.
The driving force behind their apathy is the lack of importance. To those who don't vote, it isn't important.
As someone that strives to create change for the good of everyone, I hope the apathetic change their minds. We all get what we ask for and not participating is asking for trouble. This may be in a fit of frustration, but if you don't vote, I hope all of your requests for medicaid, social security, student loans, a public education and healthcare are unilaterally denied.
As my former boss, and friend, used to say on the campaign trail -- history is made by those who show up. To all of you that don't vote -- I hope you will be swiftly forgotten.
Days like today are ones that can define careers for people like me. It also has been shown to create more frustration than one can take. I'm amazed at the number of people that think voting is a burden -- something I've never understood. It takes 5 minutes, at the most. You walk in, pull a lever (or these days, insert a piece of paper) and that's it. Literally one of the most mindless tasks imaginable.
The driving force behind their apathy is the lack of importance. To those who don't vote, it isn't important.
As someone that strives to create change for the good of everyone, I hope the apathetic change their minds. We all get what we ask for and not participating is asking for trouble. This may be in a fit of frustration, but if you don't vote, I hope all of your requests for medicaid, social security, student loans, a public education and healthcare are unilaterally denied.
As my former boss, and friend, used to say on the campaign trail -- history is made by those who show up. To all of you that don't vote -- I hope you will be swiftly forgotten.
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