Capitolized

I didn't officially start my communicators' summit until 5 pm today, so I tagged along with David and another one of our board members as they made a couple visits on the Hill. We stopped by Senator Cornyn's office, as well as the Senate Minority Ag Committee office.


While strolling through the halls of the Russell Senate Building, we passed by Senate Ag Committee Chairman, Tom Harkin of Iowa. He wasn't dressed like a senator. He had an "on-a-mission" look on his face and was wearing some khakis and non-senator looking brown shoes. I wouldn't have noticed him if our board member hadn't said, "Hello, Mr. Chairman," and then told me who he was. During the creation of the new farm bill, this man was a large player.

Our communicators' summit was set up to allow all of us to come together to strategize on how to deal with the pressing issues of the corn industry. We gathered for about two and a half hours, ate, then adjourned early. Since the sun was still up outside, I decided to take a little walking tour of the vacinity.

A step out the revolving door of our hotel and you can see the U.S. Capitol building towering gallantly up New Jersey Ave. This is my third trip to DC and I'm still captivated by its majesty every time I see it.

The cool thing about the city is there is always something going on. Tonight a band comprised of Naval officers was tooting out some tunes on the Capitol steps, while at the Capitol side of the Mall, thousands of twenty-somethings were gathering to watch a movie on a gianormous screen.

After reading my previous posts, you all know the impact the setting sun has on me. Seeing the red and orange colors behind the Washington National Monument is no exception.

DC has a presence unlike any other city. I mean, obviously, it's out nation's capitol city. But, this is where things happen - where decisions are made that affect everyone. I've witnessed firsthand the BS factor of politics, but it's easy to forget all of that when you see the grandeur of the monuments, buildings and power that defines Washington.

I had loads of sweet pictures of this gloriously patriotic sight, however, I took the pictures in RAW mode with my fancy schmancy camera, and I haven't loaded that software on my laptop, so use your imagination. I'll post them when I get back.