Yesterday morning, we heard Sam Donaldson and a Congressional Panel of previous congressmen from throughout the country speak to us in very interesting and diverse perspectives. Steve Bell wrapped up the entire section with video clips signifying the discrepancies within the media that held heavily in favor of president-elect, Barack Obama. This experience really shaped my knowledge of the United States government and its new transition modified by the media. We are the innovators and I am greatly appreciative to have been in the presence of some of the greatest that passionately shared their experiences and successes with us as young students.
Later in the afternoon, we visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It felt like I was in a Disneyland for adults. I was absolutely fascinated by the artifacts that came together to represent us as a nation. It is amazing to see the belongings and actual clothing some of the most influential people in America wore. We actually got to see Abraham Lincoln’s famous top hat on display. It was also interesting to actually see reference to my hometown, Brocton or “Brockton”, New York in the railroad funeral taken during Abraham Lincoln’s funeral. I also noticed a polling machine used in Jamestown, New York in the major general display outside of the exhibits.
I also enjoyed seeing the entertainment and science exhibits. I was very excited to see Roberto Clemente’s Pittsburgh Pirates uniform, Judy Garlands ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz and Julia Child’s kitchen. I also found it rather interesting to see the large birth control exhibit symbolizing a new way of life for Americans. It was really weird to see a larger cell phone from probably 2004 on display as a spectacle because of its size. Technology is amazing if it five years is considered historical =).
We also ate lunch at the Smithsonian café. It was rather fascinating to see all the “American” foods on display especially in context of ethnic food such as we view Chinese food, Thai food, Mexican food, etc. I have never thought as my every day cuisine as: “Can I have a #1 hotdog platter with macaroni and cheese and a Pepsi?”
