Day 5 - "Atrocity and History"

Today was a day that we were able to look at both sides of the coin when it comes to history. Throughout our nation's history, there have been glorious moments when the United States has fought vigilantly and overcome triumphantly. There have been other times when our nation has taken foolish paths, not responded properly to events in history, and has not upheld its dedication to the idea that "all men are created equal." One of the worst atrocities in the history of the world was the slaughter of 5 million or more Jews in the Holocaust. This morning, we got to visit the National Holocaust Museum for ourselves. There are many words I can say to describe this place, but I am at a loss of words to describe what insane crimes against humanity you see in there. Hitler is a very interesting man because he didn't rise through power by a military coup or obvious force. Instead, he used trickery and the passions of the German people to get appointed Chancellor and later Fuhrer. What Hilter's Germany did to the Jewish people in concentration camps just chills me, but it was really bad when I saw a model of a crematory and pictures of the results of Nazi medical "experiments." It absolutely revolted me, and I can only describe it as sick and wrong. On the other hand, today we also got to visit the National Archives and see one of the greatest triumphs in world history. Before my very eyes were the documents that forever changed our nation - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Bill of Rights. Though faded and hard to read, the idea of history coming to life appeared in my mind as I was looking at the very handwriting of Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathers. It was one of my favorite moments on the trip, and I feel privileged to have been able to see it. Today we also visited the ESPN Zone (which is not nearly as great as it sounds), got to see Ford's Theater and the house where Lincoln died, and visited the old Washington, D.C. post office. Tomorrow, we will spend some time in D.C. and then finally head home. It has been a great trip, but it is time to come home. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get in a blog entry for tomorrow but thanks to those who have been following!

Day 4 - "Tax Day"

Tax Day is a ver appropriate way to describe the action going on arround the city. If you couldn't tell that it was tax day, then you REALLY weren't paying attention. The TEA Party was everywhere but especially at the Washington Monument. We have been told that Sarah Palin will be giving a speech at 6:00 pm and that the majority of the partying was taking place in front of the IRS. To be truthful, that really wouldn't be my sort of thing even though I would enjoy watching all of those people (some of whom are acting a little bit too strongly) react to their favorite star Sarah Palin. On a different note, we visited the Arlington National Cemetery today. This was truly one of the most sobering experiences I have had all week. There are 600+ acres of people who have given their lives so that we can live freely. We watched a wreath-laying ceremony by a general from Ukraine, and we watched the changing of the guard. It really was one of those things that makes you appreciate the service of many and realize the work that is still to be done with the threat of terror still alive and well in our world. We also visited the home of Robert E. Lee (this was incredibly interesting because you could see D.C. and the Potomac River and realize that D.C. was incredibly vulnerable during the Civil War). After that, we travelled to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for lunch and a little exploration. I had heard stories that the Smithsonian was huge, so let me say this: the Smithsonian is HUGE! It has about ten buildings with each one about the size of a normal museum and each dedicated to a different subject. It took us about two hours to get through this museum. Then, we went to the Washington Monument area, went "vendor hopping," and saw the legions of TEA partiers. This is truly an interesting sight. For those who have never seen them, imagine that you are going to a Nebraska football game. It's pregame and tailgating time. Now imagine that the Washington Monument is Memorial Stadium, and the fans are members of the TEA party. That is the most accurate description I can give to the TEA party. I heard members of the party talking about all the "autrocities" of Barack Obama up and down the sidewalks. I may have agreed with some of their points, but it did get a little old. This was our first day without "Close-up Intervention" meaning that we were led only by our teachers. It was great to not have that constant attention. Tonight we will have our last workshop, a farewell banquet, and a dance. Then, just two more days here in D.C.

Day 3 - "Capitol Hill Day"

Today was my favorite day of the entire week. We saw democracy in action, met the leaders of our democracy, and got to visit the historical landmarks funded by our democracy. To start, we attended a Nebraska Breakfast (apparently a 67-year tradition) where we saw Nebraska senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns. We also met Jeff Fortenberry (who represents Lincoln, Norfolk, and West Point areas) and Adrian Smith (who represents our district). We then met each of these people individually throughout the day and asked them questions. Then, we got to see the United States Senate in action as they debated extending jobless benefits. By far, one of the most interesting parts of the day was when we got to visit the Library of Congress. My aunt was absolutely right when she told me that it was the embodiment of Thomas Jefferson's idea of a national treasure (for those of you who do not know, this is actually what the National Treasure movies are based offf of). Jefferson, himself, contributed over 5,000 books to the library (that we got to see) and the library had many displays on American history dating from the Aztecs and Incas to the creation of the Bill of Rights. I was a little disappointed about the fact that we did not get to visit the actual library. The actual library, with tens or hundreds of thousands or millions of books was closed to the public. Instead, we got to see the library from a balcony that was sealed off by glass and where flash photography was not allowed. I would have to admit that this incredibly disappointed me, but I am sure the chief librarian and Congress have their good reasons. We also visited the Supreme Court (meaning that we have now visited the houses of all three branches of government), and saw a hillarious play "Shear Madness" performed at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. It was today that it really settled in (after three or four days) that I was here in the middle of history. At one point, I was less that one hundred feet from the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution (and even the Magna Carta). I also saw the Watergate hotel. It takes a little bit of time, but after a while, you really understand the history behind this city, and you truly appreciate how close you are to it all. I would encourage every American to try to fund a trip to Washington, D.C. It is not only patriotic, but it really helps you develop an appreciation for the history of this great nation. Thanks again to all who follow the blog!

Day 2 - "Muggy Today, Bright Tomorrow"

Today was probably the worst weather we will have all week. We walked to House offices on Capitol Hill, took a picture by the Capitol Reflecting Pool, ate at the National Press Building, visited the Eastern Market neighborhood, listened to an Armed Forces Panel, saw the White House, and participated in a Mock Congress. The muggy weather somewhat reflected the level of excitement felt today. After an exciting day of Memorials, Monuments, and History, today seemed to be a little bit of a "downer" because of all the talking and little sightseeing that was done today. However, there is a bright spot. Tomorrow, we will be spending the entire day on Capitol Hill. We will meet our representative and our senators, and we will be able to see democracy in action. We will also be attending a performance of "Sheer Madness" at the Kennedy Theatre tomorrow night. So, despite the somewhat mild day we had today, tomorrow is where all of the focus is. Tomorrow is the day where we truly get to see our democracy in full swing and where we get to meet and talk to those people who have a direct influence on what happens in our law making system. So far, the trip has been incredibly enjoyable and everyone is becoming more comfortable with each other. I have to admit that as we now approach the midway point, there are people I will miss from this trip, but for right now, I should probably head to bed. It's 10:15 pm here and we are leaving for an All-Nebraska Congressional Delegation Breakfast at about 7 am. Thanks for the comments!

Day 1 - "Memorial Day"

No, today was not that special day in may, but today would still be fittingly called "Memorial Day" for the people on the Close-up trip. Today, we visited the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, World War II, Vietnam War, Abraham Lincoln, and Korean War Memorials throughout the day (we also visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, but that's beside the point). One of the greatest things that stick out at these memorials is all of their symbolism, imagery, and quotes. They really reflect the way these people lived or how the war is viewed. For Thomas Jefferson, it appeared that everything was drived by a passion to live for God and his belief in limited government. It was Jefferson who first instituted the idea of "seperation of church and state," but he constantly explains his belief that freedom and liberty are gifts from God. Franklin Roosevelt's Memorial (which was probably my favorite) was loaded with symbolism. President FDR had many famous quotes, and these were emblazed upon stones all around his memorial. There were also waterfalls in the background and images of scenes of the Great Depression. The one thing that struck me the most was where this famous quote was posted "I have seen war...I hate war." Many large stones were strewed about the memorial and on them were the words (as if broken apart) I-Hate-War. It was fantastic symbolism to the destruction caused by war and how ironic it was the Roosevelt led us through World War II. We also got to see the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. It worked out that a park ranger played his speech while we were there so we heard him speaking and could imagine ourselves delivering it before a large crowd. This, of course, was in front of the Lincoln Memorial, which is loaded with symbols and quotes that picture Lincoln as the Savior of the Union and the Great Emancipator. There was a great contrast between the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. While Vietnam was incredibly solemn and all about struggles, Korea was about oneness and unity. It had a "wall" like Vietnam's except that people's faces were etched into the wall so your reflection joined them. Finally, the World War II Memorial was gave an even different feel. It had the idea of victory etched all over it, and it felt as if you were walking through a victory ceremony. Got another workshop tonight and then a debate between a liberal and a conservative. This could be interesting.

We Arrive

After hours of driving and sitting on a plane we have finally arrived in Washington, D.C. I have to admit that everyone was incredibly tired especially as we were waiting in Chicago O'Hare for our connection flight to D.C. The first feeling you get when you fly in here is I can't believe I'm really here! On our descent in the flight we saw many of the most important and historical sites in our nation - the Washington Monument, the National Cathedral, the Pentagon, and the World War II Memorial. We even hovered over the Potomac River as we landed at Reagan National Airport. The feeling that you get in this city is its history. You feel so small because you are standing in the presence of hundreds of years of history and wonder. Right now, we're in Crystal City, Virginia (which is in Arlington), and I simply cannot emphasize enough how amazing it feels to know that you are this close to the nation's capital and the aura of history and power that go with it. Tonight, we will take part in a workshop that divides up students from Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Then we will travel to the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial for a study visit later on tonight. This will be our first true visit into D.C., and I can't wait.

Trip is Coming!

There is a lot of excitement as the first day of the weeklong trip to Washington approaches. Already, plans are being made, and soon there will be lots of packing to do. The biggest worry is that someone, especially me, might forget something. We will be visiting many places while in Washington from the Jefferson Memorial to the Holocaust Museum to Arlington National Cemetery. We will also be meeting many of the very people who shape our country's laws such as Sen. Mike Johanns, Sen. Ben Nelson, and Rep. Adrian Smith. In addition to all of this history, there will be plenty of time for dances, meals, and even a play at the Kennedy Theatre. All in all, there is much to look forward to in the coming days. Soon enough, all of us will be on a plane from Omaha to Chicago and then D.C.