Author: Sagacity

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Little things show character

What a fascinating day it has been. I have met ministers and priests, relatives of top individuals in government, and walked probably miles. With all that, I want to share a couple of heart warming thoughts of some things I saw today.

I was told to take a family on tour of the Capitol. I was not really looking forward to it, but I like to meet and be with people. It was a set of grandparents, parents, and two children.

They were open and friendly and I could tell it was going to be an enjoyable tour. They were all bright eyed and very attentive. Even the grandfather, was very attentive and I could tell was listening to every word I was sharing. The littlest girl would always stand beside me and lean her head against my hip. She was so adorable and would turn out to be quite the asset.

When we were in the Russell Rotunda, I was telling about the old rail car when I saw Senator Kerry coming up the way. I discreetly informed my group that if they would casually look, they would see Senator Kerry. She turned around and ran over to him and asked if he was Senator Kerry. He reached down and shook her hand and confirmed that he was. He walked her back over to the group and shook everyone’s hands and excused himself. While they were all Republicans and had only moments before implied they did not like Democrats one bit, they were impressed by the occasion. I found it very heartwarming and encouraging of people who are protrayed as so cold and impersonal.

That is not the end though. The little girl was really excited to have met two Senators and was telling me about it. We got on the rail car to go over to the Capitol when Senator Thune got on the car. I told them about him and when we got off, she asked him if he was Senator Thune. He assured her he was, shook her hand, met all the rest of us, and went on his way. She was thrilled about three Senators. The grandfather was excited to meet him since he removed Daschle from his seat.

In the Brumidi corridors, I explained the frescos and the grandfather saw Senator Biden coming down the corridor and again told the little girl. She went and asked if he was Senator Biden. Again, he shook her hand, came over and shook all of ours, and went his way. Now she was up to four and almost giddy. She asked for us to point out any and all Senators so she could shake their hands. Now she was up to four.

Near the Senate Rotunda, I was explaining the tour when Senator Warner came by. Again, the grandfather indicated who he was and she announced herself asking if he was Senator Warner. He was kind, shook her hand, came and shook all of ours, and excused himself. Now she was at five. (She met Senator Smith that morning at the Welcoming Oregonians to Washington)

The tour continued and we didn’t run into any Senators in the meantime (at least that any of us recognized) However, by halfway through the tour she was asking if she could walk with me and hold my hand. With permission, I said she could. I had a "buddy" the rest of the tour, at least that is what she called me. She was so darling and sweet.

Towards the end as we were about to go downstairs to get on the rail back to Russell, Senator Inhofe got off the train. I told her who he was, and she followed suit. Again, we all shook hands and he left us.

At Russell, we piled in the elevator on the way up to the fourth floor. At the second floor, Senator Dodd climbed aboard the elevator. Nobody could tell the little girl who he was though without being obvious. However, without a miss, she turned and asked if he was a Senator. He turned and acknowledged he was and we parted in the hall way of the fourth floor. She was up to 7.

Well, it appeared that all our adventures were over and she was in tears at having to leave me. I was holding her and she didn’t want to let go. Come to find out they were going to the Capital South stop of Metro and it was pouring outside, so I offered to walk them through the tunnels to the Cannon Building, which is just across the street from the Capital South entrance. She was delighted and I got to spend some more time with this obviously close family.

Back downstairs to get on the train for the Capitol. The train car was coming in, I didn’t see him, but this time the father announced who their arrival was going to be. Senator Kennedy got off the train, asked who the cute little girl was, and ushered her into the rail car. When he put his hand to the side, she gave him a hug on the leg and he gave her a pat on the back. She stepped in the car and put out her hand to shake his. He shook it, let out a little chuckle, ushered everyone onto the car shaking our hands in the process, and then walked away. By the time we were at the Capital she in delightment was proclaiming she had shook eight Senator’s hands and the brother of a President. It was adorable. Too bad there were not more on the rest of the trip. It was a bit of a story for me as well to shake 7 Senator’s hands in one day.

We said our good-byes, she wept at our parting, beaming parents and grandparents sent many thanks, and I offered my services if they ever needed them. Walking back to Russell I thought about the singularity of the experience of the tour. It dawned on me that it was not the thought of shaking these Senator’s hands that made the difference, or that we even saw them, but I was struck by the smile and happiness in each of the Senator’s eyes with this darling little girl. It was beautiful. She brightened my day, and each one of these Senator’s days. In my conversations with others, especially those who have worked in Kennedy’s office, they always made him sound like such a grouch and unhappy. I will never forget the smile on Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, or Senator Warner’s face and in their eyes. I felt and saw the goodness in their souls, despite what anyone might say each of these individuals belief or thoughts.

It was a day which was life altering and beautiful. I hope this little girl never loses her innocence nor her happiness. What an amazing family. Their unity and love for one another was evident and easily spread. There is so much of beauty in the world, too bad we all forgot how to let it shine.

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Life goes on…

It seems sometimes there isn’t really anything to be told. The days of our lives sometimes seem as mundane as the turning of a door on its hinges. One moment it is day, another it is night, day in and day out, going back and forth. I thank heaven it is not usually like this, but sometimes it is.

Things have been interesting. Department of Defense appropriations seems like the endless debate about things which don’t matter. It is like saying do you prefer coffee or tobacco, when in reality neither are good or desired. Nevertheless it seems we debate about these things while the important things miss our attention. Our minds have been decoyed to lesser and more mundane.

We had General Conference this last weekend. What a powerful time. It was especially a great time for me to catch a cold. I could stay home and veg in front of the television and feel okay about it. The recovery did take the whole weekend so I was glad I did not have to face church as well. I am glad to have my yearly cold overwith and hopefully it will stay that way. I did allow myself to get a bit run down so it is my own fault.

President Hinckley’s opening remarks were very good. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and power. President Faust gave a very animated and enlightening talk on light. I kinda laughed to myself when I could see his youthful vigor. Elder Wirthlin’s talk about trials, tribulation, and adversity I felt was much needed and very timely. I did not attend Priesthood so I look forward to reading it. Sunday was a good day of talks. I really
appreciated Elder Hales’ talk about the Restoration. President Packer’s talk was especially good about continuing revelation. I liked Elder Uchtdorf’s talk about the basics. Overall it was a very rewarding conference and I will have to be sure to return to my notes.

A new highlight in my life is that one of the other interns has moved to Northern Virginia. Of all fortune, which often seems to always be in my path, he turns onto the main road the same point I caught the Metro. I now have a ride to church which means I can save $10 a day in parking and riding the metro. That definitely works out for one trying to save money from an internship that pays next to nothing in Washington. I must be grateful though, for most internships don’t pay at all.

What adds to the trip and privilege of riding to work, it is that he is full of questions. So far at work I have had the privilege of giving three copies of the Book of Mormon to my colleagues, with one other shortly to come. The one that asks the most is my riding partner and we have done nothing but discuss religion, scripture, and the restoration since our rides together. Forty five minutes is plenty of time to get a good discussion in and we get the chance twice a day. I am loving it. Missionary work is something I have loved. What I would not give to go again. D.C. is helping to fulfill and keep that starvation at bay for the moment. Going to lunch with three for an hour and being quizzed about the spirit world is something sublime and a dream come true. What an opportunity. I hope and pray that all of these might come to some type of fruition at some point in their lives.

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Dupont Circle

Another amazing weekend has flown by.  I would never have thought I would have as much fun as I would.  Evan and Amber Fetters came from Lexington, Virginia for a visit.  They are both graduates from USU and Evan and I became good friends there.  He is currently enrolled in Washington and Lee Law.  They wanted to come up to DC, hit the temple, and visit some friends.  Evan and Amber planned to pick me up and then we would go to the temple.  But since it was General Relief Society Meeting tonight the temple was closed.  Oh well.  We still wound our way through a congested Washington (due to a load of protests) to the BYU building at L Street.  We found it, picked up Ambers friend, a Kristine Willie and made our way to eat at Raka just off Dupont Circle.  Kristine is from Mendon, Utah and is indeed of handcart fame.  (She works for Senator Reid too)  I had some great szechuwan (sp?) beef and we all had some great laughts.  We really enjoyed ourselves.  Made our way back to BYU where Evan and I went to a Washington Nationals vs New York Mets game.  We lost by a whole 3 points, but they scored all 5 of their points in the first inning, so the game was not very interesting.  Amber and Kristine took the auto and were horribly lost finding the General Relief Society Game.  I think they finally caught the last 30 minutes.  Gavin Bruce met Evan and I at the baseball game.  They talked about sports, something I know and care little.  We made our way on the Metrorail back to BYU housing, said good night to Kristine, and found ourselves sleeping soundly at the Thompson Household in Springfield, Virginia.
We arose early to get ready for church.  We rode the Metrorail to Friendship Heights, Maryland and attended the Washington 2nd Ward.  It was a singles ward with probably 400 individuals present.  It was packed.  It is the Chevy Chase Chapel which looked like an old colonial building.  I remember my old roommate Samuel Allred speaking about the Chevy Chase Ward.  I was excited to be there.  There were some cool people.  Sacrament was not too terribly interesting.  I got a couple of chapters read in my Book of Mormon.  But afterwards before the ward separated, all guests were expected to introduce themselves basically at the end of Sacrament meeting.  It was great though that afterwards all these Idaho people came up and visited with me.  I met a Mary Pope from Rexburg who is nannying on Connecticut and Cherry Hunsaker who graduated from Minico High.  I remembered her face but could not remember where I knew her from.  I even doubled with her on a date in high school.  I felt pretty bad for not remembering.  It was 8 years ago though!  They are both going to come up and take a Capitol tour.  I hope they do come.  It is always good to make new friends.
We made our way back to BYU after and ate a dinner with the rest of Kristine’s floor.  We finally made our way back to Franconia-Springfield despite a whole mess of Metrorail construction.  It took ages.  So that was the weekend.  A new ward, new people, new places.  I loved Georgetown, it reminded me of England so much, definitely American though.  It was nice to have a friend in Senator Reid’s office.  I told her I wanted to take her to lunch to get a full scope of the office and what it is like in a Democrat’s office, and especially Reid’s.
Well, things are going better in the office.  I think I was a bit negative about stuff.  I do expect the Senator to be more personable to the whole staff and make himself more accessible, but however, I do enjoy where I am.  I see him like once a week.  I see Senator Dodd more than that.  He even talks to me in the elevator.  Some comment today about how the marble floors are nice, but they get harder the older he gets; or his feet are getting more sensitive.  He was very friendly, more than some of the others I have visited with lately.  I am always the perpetual analyst looking for ways to improve and sometimes that attitude causes me to be overly critical.  I must always keep my judgement in tune with the spirit of charity and faith.  That is not always easy to do.
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The usual

A short entry in update of the events of the days.  I continue to be fortunate to see and run into the most fascinating people.  I visited with a lady today whose husband is a 3 star general.  She invited me to dinner and said she would like her husband to give me a tour of the Pentagon (I gave her a tour of the Capitol).  That will be something I look forward to cashing in as a great learning experience.
Judge John Roberts paid a visit to the office today.  I had run some things to the Senator’s car for him and was returning his keys to him.  As I was walking from his office, Judge Roberts was ushered in.  He shook my hand, I stood aside, and he went into the offices.  I did not even know he was coming, but nevertheless, I was more than happy to shake his hand.  I felt fortunate to shake the hand of the future Supreme Court Chief Justice.  What an honor.  I feel his power, I can sense a certain awe at the intellect and goodness of this man.  I do not sense this with most others I meet, they just don’t radiate power.  I sense the power of their office, but as individuals I don’t sense it.  This man though, I feel the power of his person.  I can only imagine what he could do for the highest court of the land.  I am completely comfortable with him and his person.  After some of my experiences lately, he gives me strength that some things are working for the benefit of our government.
Walking through the tunnels to get to Capital South Metro stop, I was walking through the basement of Cannon with Gavin, my fellow intern.  We were walking behind a man who seemed familiar.  I then said in a distinct voice, Mr Bishop.  He turned around and it was indeed Mr. Representative Rob Bishop from northern Utah.  I was pleased to walk and visit with him for a few hundred feet.  Nothing really interesting.  He seemed tired or down.  I hope he is well.  It was good to visit and meet him and shake his hand.  What I would not give to sit down with one of these individuals and pick their brain for a while.  I sensed a good man, but downtrodden.  I wish him all well, especially in the House of Representatives, one can get lost in there.  Such confusion!
I love the opportunities to meet and visit with these people.  I am impressed with the amount of power these people hold.  I am impressed with the strength and ability of Washington.  I only wish and pray I felt more individuals who held this power within.  Bishop seemed like one who could, but was tired or down.  Roberts is a moving individual.  Well, I close another entry.  The little run ins are great, but I wish I could learn more!
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More Brigham Young

Letter to Brigham Young Sr from Brigham Young Jr
8 Dec 1864
“I have enjoyed myself well while on this mission and altho it has been short I think it will make me look into my own heart, and in a small measure realize the blessings with which I am surrounded.  Altho I do try to do my duty and live as I know you would have me, in placing my whole mind upon the work in which I am engaged, yet I will occasionally wander away to the valley, and I can see you in my minds eye, and I can’t help but exclaim in the depths of my heart, that the day I see you again and grasp your hand and those of the brethren will be the happiest of my life, and I look forward to it as the day of the beginning of my existence.  I never could appreciate those blessings before and I am afraid I do not sufficiently at the present time, but I know I thank God from my very soul that he has given me such a father and altho I may err in many things, yet my desire will ever be that I may be a source of rejoicing to you and never for a moment give you pain or grieve the spirit of God within me.  I know I have your prayers for my welfare with the rest of my brethren who are in missions, and I feel to thank you for the good advice and very kind letters you sent me, for those few words from you do me a world of good, and as I have stated before in my letters that as often as you write me so often will you confer a blessing upon me, that I am hardly worthy to receive.  If I gave the Lord sufficient thanks for all his blessings poured out upon me through you, it would take an eternity and as little as I feel like
I could do will be to spend the life he has given me in his praise and to glorify his name upon the earth.”
Letter to Daniel H Wells and Brigham Young Jr
8 Dec 1864
“…It is to be regretted that at this late day, after the Latter-day Saints have had so much instruction upon the plan of salvation, men should fail to perceive that there is nothing that the adversary can offer as a temptation to seduce them from the path of righteousness and truth which they cannot obtain by treading in that path undeviatingly.  There is no good thing which is not comprehended in the gospel of Jesus.  Every gift and blessing that can enhance the happiness of man, or add in the least to his enjoyment and to the development of his God-like nature, is promised unto man through his obedience to the truth, and he can receive all these things as fast as he prepared himself
for them.  Strange to say, however, not only are the people in the world blind to this great fact, but men and women, who call themselves Latter-day Saints, and who have been taught to principles of salvation, fail to recognize
it, and desert the substantial pleasures which they would enjoy eternally, and go in pursuit of their shadows.”
Letter to Brigham Young Jr
8 Feb 1866
“The time for the election of our city officers is next Monday.  Active steps have been taken of late to have all our people naturalized, so that they may be fully qualified as voters.  This subject has not received that attention of the past that it will doubtless in the future.  While we have a subtle and designing foe to contend with we must take every precaution to maintain our position and influence here and the government which the Lord, thus far, has given unto us.  Were the Saints to be negligent in availing themselves of their privileges as American citizens, and not go to the polls and vote, our enemies would be delighted, as such neglect would give them such an opportunity as they desire.  There is some talk about their nominating a ticket to run in opposition, but they will accomplish nothing, and it is a glorious consolation to know that they never can obtain any success over the church and kingdom of God unless the  Saints should be careless and off their guard.”
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Brigham Young

Just something I thought you may find interesting.  These are some excerpts of letters from Brigham Young I thought you may enjoy.  I am not giving any segway to tell what comes before or after, but I think they stand on their own.
Letter to Joseph A Young in Manchester, England
3 Feb 1855
“I look upon this mission as a sort of probation—a kind of middle period between boyhood and manhood—a time which as you improve or neglect, will make or mar your future career.  Therefore, my son, give heed to the instructions of those who are placed over you to counsel and direct you in the thorny and dangerous paths you now tread, and in no instance let me hear of your having neglected or disobeyed their injunctions.
“While you are absent from the Valley, I wish you to lose no opportunity of making yourself familiar with all that is useful and likely to benefit you, for to be able to combat with the world we must make ourselves acquainted with the ways of the world.  This can only be one by keeping your mind constantly on the alert and when in society never allow anything to escape your notice.  Listen attentively, and observe minutely the manners, customs, and remarks of all, for form the most humble of our fellow creatures an observing man can learn something that will be useful to him in after life.  Such has been my course and, from daily and hourly experience of its benefits, I recommend you to pursue the same.
“There are many things you can inform you mind upon, the laws of England, her form of government; lose no opportunity in your travels of visiting her manufactories, her works of art, her grand and spacious buildings, and all that
is worthy of note, not from a mere idle curiosity, but to store your mind with that which will benefit yourself and your brethren in after years.
“When in society (for you will be called to mingle in it a great deal) use every endeavor to improve your address, and always exert yourself to be agreeable, and no matter whether poor or rich, treat them with equal courtesy.  Do not be pompous to the needy, nor condescending to the wealthy, but show by your manner that you do not respect a man because of his money.  By this you will gain the love and admiration of those worthy of your esteem, and at comparatively little expense, for it costs but litter labor and attention to be polite and civil to those around you.”
Letter to Brigham Young Jr at 42 Islington, Liverpool, England
30 Aug 1862
“So far as you may have opportunity I wish you to improve yourself to the utmost in studying good books and in associating with, and listening to, and profiting by, the conversation and experience of good persons, that when you speak to the people, they may be persuaded that they are not only listening to one having authority, but also to one appreciating and preaching the good, sound, saving doctrines and precepts he teaches.  Cease not to lift up your voice in all faithfulness, teaching the people the way of life and salvation, which you know.
“As I advised you on the 6th inst., I wish you to carefully observe how poor folks get along, which you will have excellent opportunities for doing, and to be prudent and economical in all your expenditures as much so as consistent
and reasonable with your calling and duties, realizing that means unwisely or luxuriously expended had far better be husbanded for gathering the poor. Whenever necessity and your judgment dictate, you are at liberty to apply to Br.
George Q. Cannon for such funds or other assistance as you may need, who is authorized to supply your prudent wants.
“Ever strive to be humble, faithful and obedient, calling upon the Lord in faith and sincerity, and he will fill you with wisdom and understanding, give you power to influence the honest in heart, guide, bless and protect you, and
crown your faithful labors with a success that it has not entered into your heart to conceive possible in your youth and inexperience.  Though going forth at an early age to proclaim salvation to mankind, yet you start under many
very favorable circumstances, and I doubt not you will seek to and rely upon our God, striving with your might to aid in building up his kingdom and strengthening the same upon the earth, with an eye single to His glory, that he will enable you to overcome, and win many souls to His cause.”
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Birthday!

Happy Birthday to myself.  It was yesterday and I had a great day.  Gwen took me to Mt. Vernon yesterday morning in celebration.  It was a real treat.  I enjoyed visiting and traipsing the grounds of our first president.  I am even more impressed by George Washington than ever.  I knew some pretty inspiring things about him, but these opened my eyes to fields I never knew he was even involved it.  It was fascinating!  The home was impressive.  It shows some age, but is a historical place.  I have thought loads about privatizing these types of places and this is an example of why.  It was much better maintained and preserved than any government entity has been able to do at any other location I have visited of theirs.  What is more, they are making great roads to progression and keeping up the place that the Park Service can’t do.  What is even better, I know the money I pay for it goes right back into it’s preservation or other helps.  There was a fair on the grounds that day of artisans who produce crafts, furniture, and other things of the same time period as Washington.  It was very fascinating to see and watch.  I especially enjoyed watching and meeting the lace maker.  What a fascinating thing.  I never had any idea how lace was made by hand.  It was an education.
 
Later in the day Dennis and I drove around.  He showed me around.  I am always impressed by the history of this place.  He showed me the prison where Stanton, Mott, and Anthony were all imprisoned.  It is closed now and they are thinking about turning it into a historical place.  Who knows what they will actually do.
 
The Thompson clan all gathered for a birthday party.  We had pizza, cake, and ice cream.  I got all sorts of things for my birthday.  Gwen bought me lunch at Mt. Vernon.  Socks, journal, party favors, books, cards, money, and other things.  I really felt loved.  I told them and insisted I did not want anything, even a party, but they did not listen.  Oh well. 
 
Age doesn’t bother me, but this one did for some reason.  I always hoped that perhaps the First Presidency would remove the restriction that you can only serve one mission.  Well, they didn’t.  The other restriction they have is that males have to go before they are 26.  Well, both of those restrictions now apply to me and I really wish they didn’t.  What I would not give to serve another full time mission.  Money or not, I don’t care where I was sent, I would rely upon the Lord to provide.  I know we are all to be missionaries, and I am, but oh what I wouldn’t give for a full time set apart mission again.  Something I hope that Amanda and I can do much sooner than later.  There is a whole world yet to explore, and many languages I would like to learn.  I have never really learned another, but a mission would be a great opportunity.  I get e-mails from Mauritania of Nick and Irene Eastmond and their adventures there.  The language (French), the people, the places, the scenes she describes.  I got e-mails all summer from Ghana from Rebecca Thomson.  Oh how much I would like to go there and see and experience all she did.  I get e-mails once and a while from Tazmania, or Tanzania, or Brazil, or Chile and wish I could go to each.  I pray the Lord will help make serving in other places possible, either through a job or as a missionary.
 
I have decided I would like very little to do with government.  I am becoming more and more disappointed by the National Government.  I have come to prize more and more the little state government I so much adored.  Idaho has a certain simplicity, purity that has not been lost yet.  Utah did not have it, they subscribed to too many ways of the politics.  Idaho still has Statesmanship in many ways. 
 
Working in the office of a Senator, I somehow expected him to be different.  Especially since he is LDS and held to a higher expectation.  So far, he seems to play the game like everyone else.  Somehow I expected a little bit more friendly and personality in the office.  So far, there is very little interaction.  What little there is is to shake hands with constituents and have a photo taken for them.
 
I don’t know what I expected.  I expected somebody who was more accessible, especially to his employees.  I expected somebody who would articulate their position clearly.  Something that I feel is not always clear, especially upon any underlying principles.  Someone who was more interested in getting to know the people he represents rather than being seen and doing what he wants.  Someone who sought association with those humble people of the every day walk of life, not the people who pay for lunch or a meeting.  Visiting to hear the common concern of the common citizen, rather than being scheduled for those with a goal and agenda.
 
Having just read the book about his own personal life, Cecil Andrus painted to me the common man doing his best to serve and meet their needs.  Nothing more.  I was very deeply touched by his sincere words and the simplicity of his stance.  His thoughts and comments have influenced me in many ways.  Too bad we don’t have more statesmen like him, rather than just a political figure.  Someone who is independent and is deeply respected by the people.  Someone who is the friend of the people, not just a representative.
 
My stance of smaller government and more individual rule has only been strengthened.  Washington D.C. has come to be the ideal of a way of life that will never connect with me.  I am a part of the land, of feeling a deep underlying connection between all things, and of each human person.  Washington D.C. seems to require individuals who are a law unto themselves.  Those who appear to speak for the people, but don’t know who they represent, and what is more sad is they do everything the people want rather than what they need.  Who knows what we shall ever do.
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The Highest Court in the Land

Another opportunity fell in my lap today.  I was able to attend about 4 hours of the hearings for the nomination of Judge Roberts.  It was fascinating to attend.  Some of the Senators I thought made themselves look like real idiots.  They obviously were not listening to Judge Roberts answers.  He really shined as he took very little from the Senators and responded very directly.  It was an impressive sight.  What is more, I found a man I very much like.  We think alike in so many ways.  Some of it was pretty hilarous to watch and partake of.
 
This morning was also another fortunate turn of events.  I took one of the elevators to the basement after taking a bill to the floor.  For the record I did not take the Senator Only elevator.  However, I was the first in and found myself descending with John McCain, John Kerry, Edward Kennedy, and Joseph Dodd.  Felt kinda important for a moment, then realized who I was amongst these men who change the lives of every citizen of the United States.  Not only did I ride the elevator with Senators, but there were some of the notable ones as well.  Senator Kerry was taller than I imagined, but it was him.  Senator Kennedy looked much older and tired than I am familiar with in my mind.  Senator McCain seemed smaller than I anticipated.  Lastly, Senator Dodd I knew who he was, what he looked like, but no other thoughts.  Strange where we end up sometimes.  Oh, if only I could pick their brains for a moment.  Too bad the elevator didn’t die and I could not ask questions, or at least listen for an hour.
 
Lastly, I sat at the front desk answering phones for the good man who was away.  Genny stepped aside for the moment and a man walked up to me I recognized.  He asked about meeting with Senator Smith and I took him where he needed to go.  There is a certain surreal feeling when a man is walking directly at you from across the room, and you know they are wanting to talk to you.  It was great to finally meet Senator Craig in person, a man who is representative of me, in the flesh he is there partially because of my vote.  Strange though to think that man is partially impowered because of me.  I took him to Senator Smith’s office and when back to work.  Senator Craig was heavier than his photos, but I knew him.  I met one of my Senators.