Day 1 & 2 Recap (January 10-11, 2009)

From Ben Koch ‘10…

Getting to D.C. 1/10/2009

I’ve learned that when traveling, uncertainty is the norm. My initial flight out of Bloomington was delayed three times, and my connecting flight to Washington from O’Hare was cancelled twice.  I heard there was a blizzard.  I eventually flew through Atlanta and arrived in Washington around 10 p.m.  Much of the journey was spent reading course material, but I took a much-needed break to look out my plane window as we finally glided into Reagan National Airport and realized that I was now in one of the most important cities on Earth.  I also caught my first glimpse of our U.S. Capitol Building from the air–an impressive sight.

A city in transit–braving the metro

Once at the airport, I soon had my first experience on the metro line.  I’ve ridden on mass transportations systems in other cities; however, I was truly impressed by the ease, organization and artistry of Washington’s metro.  This system was built for all citizens of the city and all citizens of the city used it–regardless of class.  After one short metro ride, I was safely checked into my room and got some much-needed rest.

The morning begins with CNN  1/11/2009

The alarm went off at 6:15 a.m. EST. Mind you, that is 5:15 a.m. Peoria time, and quite early for college students such as myself! I was once again back on the metro, only this time accompanied by a massive swarm of over 500 students from the seminar I am attending, all making our way to the University of the District of Columbia campus for our first day of speakers.  At the auditorium we were greeted by Eugene Alpert, Ph. D. and Senior Vice President of The Washington Center who told us, “Washington is like the game show, Jeopardy. All the answers are here. You must find the right questions to ask.”   As I contemplated those words, I realized even more that I was truly in for a special time in Washington, D.C., the city with the answer to my nation’s questions, and many of the world’s, as well.

Another segment of the morning lecture series featured Dana Bash, the Senior Congressional Correspondent for CNN.  Dana was a wealth of information, experience and knowledge on all things Washington, having previously covered the White House under George W. Bush, the campaign trail with John McCain, and now the Congress.

I presumed that her experience would be impressive, and I was excited to hear her answer questions from students in a genuine way.  I’ve never had the opportunity to meet the President or either of the presidential candidates, and it was insightful to hear firsthand from someone who had.  She described John McCain as sometimes being the “get-off-my-lawn old man” while at other times being “extraordinarily funny.” Ms. Bash also described President George W. Bush as being casual and articulate, especially on education and immigration issues.

After hearing about the candidates and seeing them on TV countless times, I’ve begun to envision them as less than human.  Hearing firsthand accounts of their human nature felt somehow refreshing and encouraging.

Her inside views and opinions were golden, including her insight into the media and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.  Ms. Bash was one of the first to speak with the Governor following the November 4 defeat.  Another interesting tidbit was when she mentioned her shock at learning of Hillary Clinton’s appointment to the office of Secretary of State. “You have ‘no drama Obama,’ and you get drama when you have the Clintons.”

Another jewel she gave was advice to aspiring journalists when responding to questions about her career’s future. She said she “stopped guessing a long time ago; what we cover is unpredictable.”

After Ms. Bash had concluded, I had my picture taken with cardboard cutouts of President-elect Obama and Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin.  Of course, this could never replace the opportunity of actually meeting a national figure, but one can only hope that such a meeting may occur.  In Washington, I’m told you never know whom you might run in to.

Tour of the city

In the afternoon, I was particularly looking forward to a bus tour of Washington D.C.  Until that point my only acquaintance with the city was its extensive metro system underworld.  The bus tour consisted of site visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, WWII Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.  I’d seen pictures of many of these national treasures; however, I’d never imagined that their size and stature would be so impressive.  My breath was taken away by the grandeur of these monuments.

Looking around, I saw the beginnings of the creation of a sort of infrastructure for the Inauguration day activities taking shape all around me.  Seeing the hundreds of portable toilets lining the National Mall in anticipation for millions of people over the next week, was a daunting realization–millions of people were going to fill these open areas!  In front of the Lincoln Memorial, a giant stage was being constructed to host President-elect Obama and Vice-President-elect Biden during their pre-Inauguration exercises and the jumbotron screens from which millions will watch the ceremony on the mall.  It was clear to me, in a new way after seeing this orchestrated effort in its infancy, that I was going to be a witness to history.

At the Lincoln Memorial I bought my first pieces of Obama inauguration souvenirs.  There are hundreds of “Obama stores” in D.C. dedicated to selling t-shirts, cups, mugs and more with his likeness.   The city feels as if it is preparing to welcome home a beloved friend with a huge party.  Big events are going to happen in D.C. over the next few days–and the next four (eight) years.

I’ve always been moved by memorials to those who have served our country through the armed forces, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  While standing at the Vietnam memorial, I was simply lost in the sheer number of names of lost lives–men and women, from such a horrific atrocity as war.  Staring at the names, I realized that the “Billy Joe Clayborn” in front of me could just as easily have been “Benjamin David Koch” in a different time and era.

War is an evil thing, yet here it was appropriately memorialized, being remembered in marble art that was sullen, yet beautiful.  As I read those names, I pondered what the memorial was truly saying to the millions of visitors who come each year.  I believe I found my answer as I noticed my reflection looking back at me while I studied the names on the wall.  We all play a part in remembering these sad times of human history and must work to ensure that more of these memorials are not built.  I stared back at the wall, at the names, at myself, and I was connected to the thousands of lives that were lost.

At the WWII Memorial, I looked up my grandpa in the directory of service.  I was not surprised to see his name was not in the database, but I was once again reminded of the selfless sacrifice that all of those who served during that time made.  My grandpa did not lose his life; however, he gave service to a country he loved and never requested anything in return, not even a mention in the WWII Memorial database.  Cards at the memorial gave instructions on how to add a name to the registry.  My grandpa is about to turn 90.  I’m going to show him pictures from the memorial and thank him for his sacrifice.   I’m also going to ask him if he wouldn’t mind if I submitted his name to the database for future ancestors to see.  I imagine he will decline the offer, but I’m still going to ask.  I want to make sure that I pay proper respect and give due thanks for all that he helped accomplish.

End of the day

While the weather had been pleasant earlier on (dare I say 40 degree weather is pleasant), it began to get quite cold after the sunset.  Our tour ended at Union Station, and after enjoying a delicious meal, it was off to the hotel to reflect on the day and prepare for the next.  I’ve enjoyed the seminar so far and look forward to continuing to build friendships with students from around the country. We’ll learn more about the media and its effect on politics, and we’ll discuss the new administration.  These are exciting times.