I wrote this after my first full day in Washington DC.
...Today I was in Washington DC for my first visit ever. I got to spend the entire day at the Capitol, first acting like a tourist, and then meeting people. I told myself when I first scheduled this trip that I wasn't going to buy into the whole "DC is such a cynical place" thing. Sure, there are plenty of people who get into politics for very cynical reasons. And the constant negotiating of power causes the optimistic to moderate themselves. But there are a lot of people fighting for the forces of good at the highest levels. And it makes me very proud as an American.
At first I got to do the same touristy things anyone can do. But then I got to do some other really cool stuff. I got to wander around on the Senate floor, and then behind it all in...I can't remember what they called that back room with the velvety blue sofas. I got to check out the cloak room, where I learned that Sen. Reid likes his water at room temperature, no ice. I got to ride the subway and have a snack. And all the while I was running into and being introduced to cool people.
The most amazing part, however were the conversations I had. But first, some background -
For the past couple of months I've struggled with who I am in this whole adventure. I've worried that my idealism would make me look flaky. I've cringed when people have referred to me as a true believer. I've tried to temper my optimism, lest people think less of me or see me as weak. But that's not who I am, so I went to the Capitol today determined to be honest and be who I am.
I had very straight forward, very blunt conversations about leadership, responsibility, the blogosphere, the difference between politics and government, philosophy, trust, and hope. All of it was off the record. There was plenty of disagreement. But we had more in common than not, and I left feeling that the most wonderful thing about the Capitol was not the art or even the history, but the people inside. It really all comes down to that. People convincing other people to do what they see as the right thing.
Maybe they were blowing smoke up my butt, but they took a long time doing it. I guess we will see. Yet right now I feel almost high with hope. And I know I need to quickly put my feet back on the ground, but not today. Today I'm going to relish what happened and dream about possibilities...
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