Today’s speakers really kept me awake and interested despite another early morning. Today I respected the absolute honesty presented by each speaker. Secret Service agent, David O’Connor, efficiently presented one of the most interesting first-hand experiences I have ever heard. Not only did he really focus on the complexity of the position but the substance behind it. He explained the Secret Service as a mission to preserve the democratic process, not just the stereotypical “overprotective” presidential bodyguards. The reality of his explanation could not have been worded any better. We the people elect one person to represent us as a people, therefore, when one threatens the life and placement of this individual, they actually threaten our Constitutional right. The respect I hold for these flexible, level headed, brave and incredibly intelligent agents grew immensely as I heard the passion each one holds to protecting the symbol of the United States domestically and globally.
Regardless of the mixed commentary I heard regarding Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Marc Pachter’s presentation, I became entirely encompassed by his fascinating analysis of presidential image and its impact on presidential success and reception. Collectively, the United States is a very visual society. Today, we can watch YouTube videos; create personal avatars and watching thousands of television programs. Beauty, grace, power, trust, etc. are all personally discerned within a unified cultural belief system that is reinforced by the imagery surrounding us. The consistent cultural portrayals certainly have not changed much throughout history, which Pachter strongly suggested by examples of presidential portraits. It is unfortunate that some did not truly intake this philosophy because it is becoming much more prevelant in a modern society that only allots minimal time to actually portray political values and appeal to the public. The most effective way to present these things is through image portrayal, which I think should be called the “picture book phenomena.”
Democrat, Bob Beckel and Republican, Cal Thomas honestly called for the American focus on common ground. The heavily emphasized labels of Democrat and Republican have only become a barrier for much needed change within our country. Many politicians have forgotten their original and constitutional intended purposes: to serve the citizens needs. Instead of a focus on what is right, it has become a glorified position to gain individual and partisan power. Sometimes a completely liberal approach to an economy is not what is needed for the nation, but it could possibly appeal to the gain in individual or party power. Obama’s approach to his presented economic stimulus plan is exactly the example in which Beckel and Thomas are calling for. Obama is not merely trying to make friends to satisfy his own party, he is designing a plan from both spectrums that is neccessary for the well-being of the people. This need for political adaptation is exactly why I am an idependent because in times, especially like these, we do not have time to focus on labels, only the collective good.
I would like the share a quote by Abraham Lincoln that I ironically quoted in a themed pet peeve speech last semester for Public Speaking regarding this call for common ground:
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
Our visit with NORML, the advocacy group for the legalization of marijuana truly introduced me to my first experience with an intelligent explanation for such a cause. I am glad that I experienced the passion and pride that lobbyists, such as this group hold when they are fighting for their constitutional rights and beliefs in a government setting. Even though I hope the government does not legalize the “celebration of cannabis” so freely as to the allowance for users to multitask the “celebration of cannabis” and the process of driving, I do agree with the governmental contradictions regarding marijuana in religious and medicinal contexts.
After the seminar, Mindy and I originally intended to visit the Federal Bureau of Printing and Engraving, BUT we took a detour and ended up visiting the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Even though it was not our desired destination, the undesired visits always result into a beneficial mistake, at least through my experiences. The interactive elements and visuals were very interesting and the stamp collection is absolutely fascinating. I definitely recommend others to stop into this museum if you just so happen to pass by it.
