Day 3 (January 12, 2009)

From Ben Koch ‘10…

A new week

Once again I found myself up before the sun had risen, taking a brisk walk to the metro station with new friends from across the country.  It always amazes me how college students can adapt to new people at the drop of a hat.  I’ve decided that it will be cheaper for me to buy individual fares instead of a day pass today.  I’m not sure why, but I really enjoy using the fare machine as it gives change in golden one dollar coins.  The Presidents on the front were a nice touch to the patriotic march of the city during the Inauguration week.

Advertisements give hope

As if “Pepsi frenzy” had swept through the metro overnight, Pepsi advertisements about the upcoming Inauguration were everywhere.   I’ve never witnessed a company back an event so wholeheartedly.  Although I drink lots of Coke, I have to say the messages were energizing and exciting to see plastered throughout the metro.  I may begin drinking more Pepsi.  Many lobbyist messages appeared in the metro from MoveOn.org and Amnesty International, urging President-elect Obama to action during his first 100 days.

Memo to a new president

Our morning time began with a lecture by Dr. Michael Genovese, the author of our course textbook, Memo to a New President.  Dr. Genovese highlighted many of the challenges that President Obama will face when he comes to office-both those inherited from the current administration and those that all Presidents face. He said that at the beginning of the campaign, candidates were talking about “hope, change. Now [they're] talking about survival.”  Another interesting emphasis he made was that the “framers, by design, made it difficult for the President to lead.” It’s interesting to think that the creators of such a document went through such difficulty to prevent the nation’s primary leader from having too much power.  Dr. Genovese left us with a statement to consider for the day: “The question is not ‘will Barack Obama be powerful,’ but ‘will he be wise?’”  I’m hoping that he is.

Off the Record with the Secret Service

Special Agent David O’Connor was another invigorating speaker.  Mr. O’Connor is in charge of security detail for special events such as Inaugurations and conventions.  He said that the “preparation, scope and the enormity of the Inauguration will be unlike any we’ve ever seen before.”  I cannot even imagine where one would begin to plan for the security of such an enormous event.  He was both interesting and strangely entertaining at the same time. Students at the seminar asked him questions about his service at past venues such as the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention.  His responses were honest and sometimes unorthodox-but I was glad to have heard him speak and to know that the safety of this event is in capable hands.  Who knew that someone with such a serious job could have such a personable demeanor?  I wonder why that is?

Presidential portrait gallery

A picture is worth a thousand words-especially if you are the President of the United States. Marc Pachter, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American History, was another guest speaker who discussed the importance of portraying Presidents through official paintings.  When President Bill Clinton’s picture was commissioned, there was a controversy because he was featured in too casual of dress.  However, the official picture of President George Washington featured him in the equivalent dress of the time-and no one said anything back then.  Mr. Pachter said one of the most important descriptions of an American President is the initial picture of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stewart.  He said that until that picture, no one knew what a President looked like. That picture featured Washington as a common citizen instead of the successful general he was during the war. I wonder how the office of President would have been impacted by the commissioning of such a portrait of Washington as its definitive painting?

Finding common ground

My favorite speakers of the day were Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel, columnists for USA Today. The two are nationally known political commentators who are on the road presenting a dialogue on bipartisanship.  Mr. Beckel, a liberal, began his comments by declaring that the days of polarizing politics are over, and that “the day has now come when [politicians] will be punished for being polarized.”  His conservative counterpart, Mr. Thomas, introduced the common ground theme by saying that “the key to common ground is in personal relationships.”  Mr. Thomas provided important insight into how not only the Congress needs to begin mending bridges, but how everyday citizens should, as well.  It was encouraging to hear both sides point out how President-elect Obama is already practicing common ground to unite the country in tackling the huge economic crisis and appointing a diverse cabinet.  Mr. Thomas also gave a warning to those who wish to change Washington saying, “You don’t change Washington, Washington changes you.”  I wonder how much truth there is to such a statement?   I hope that I can bring this message of finding common ground amongst Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives back to central Illinois and Bradley.  We all need to find issues we agree on, and begin an open, safe and respectful discussion on those we don’t.

Group meeting - O Canada!

In an effort to find common ground not just within this country but also on the international scene, group discussion turned to three Canadian students in my group who are here for the Inauguration.  Certainly, they come from a country both similar, yet extremely different from mine.  In discussing common ground I was able to learn about some of the prejudices that exist in their country. While different from American prejudices, they highlight the same need people have for building a common ground.  An interesting discussion began about the segregation and separation movements of some regions of Quebec.  The students said that they face discrimination for attending an English University, and that they find adults are rude to the “Anglo-phones” (English-speaking Canadians) in their region. It’s apparent that there are prejudice barriers to overcome no matter where you are in the world.  Are we capable of overcoming them? I hope so.

Heads of state

During the evening I made a quick stop at the National Archives and Smithsonian along with Lauren Porto ‘10, only to find them closed for the evening.  Of course, I was sad to have missed one opportunity to view the United States Constitution, but we were both in for a surprise.  As we were walking to the metro station, we saw a motorcade, sirens and all, of Capitol Police cars heading our way.  I quickly grabbed my camera hoping to see someone of interest.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t make out a face, but I did notice the Mexican flag on several of the vehicles.  It was then that I realized that those cars must have the Mexican President Felipe Calderón on board, as he had met with President-elect Obama earlier that day.  Although I didn’t see him, it was fascinating to think that a foreign head of state may have been just feet away.  I’m still not sure how I’m going to react to seeing the President-elect in person. He seems so much larger than life!  Only one more week!