DC: It’s not all “Their” fault.

I don’t know why I get this sense when I walk through the doors of our Nations Capitol. I don’t know what it is about this place that causes my heart rate to go up two or three beats per minute.

It happened several years ago when as a TV News Reporter, I came to Washington DC to shoot a series on the new congress; it happens to a lesser degree when I step through the doors of the Oregon State Capitol.

As I look up at the statues of Jefferson and Lincoln, I get a lump in my throat. When I see the people from other countries who flock here to see what we have, I’m reminded how blessed we are. As I walk through the Vietnam and World War II Memorials, I tear up.

When I sit down to talk with some of the most powerful senators in the country, my nerves twitch a bit with excitement.

So much is said about what’s wrong with this country and I do my share of complaining and stirring, and that’s okay, but we can’t forget what we have either. We can’t blame those we put here in Washington for all the problems of the world. At least they are doing something. Many of us just bitch and do nothing to change or add to the debate.

If we as a people, as a country, do not get past our partisanship: We’re dead. If we don’t stop banging our party drums and instead do as Senator Mark Hatfield used to tell his staff, we will continue to give away what we have.

What did Hatfield tell his staff to do? What is his advice that so many ignore?

“Open your mind and develop a listening ear.”

His life is a reminder that when all is said and done, when the debate is over and the decisions finished, relationships must be preserved.

Please don’t just read this blog and say: “How nice or what a good reminder.” We’ ve created a culture that abdicates its responsibility. If you want change, work for it. If you want freedom, it will cost you everything. If you want to live, you have to find a way to become selfless.

Yep, that’s what I’m finding in Washington DC. Rather amusing isn’t it?

1 Comment

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  Arleen Field September 17, 2010 at 2:58 pm

  What a lovely writeup, Rick. Very heart-warming to read of how greatly you were touched as you walked and attended meetings in and throughout our beautiful Capitol. The city and the building. It does give one a sense of pride and admiration for all of those who have gone before us in order to provide what we have now. And I most definately agree, that it's all about giving up self. Self always seems to get in the way of the important stuff. Our God and our Country. From there, all things fall into place. I share the pride with you, Rick. I have felt the same way while living there. To be a part and feel the energy and excitement of, makes you want to continue your work while in the big city. I have been doing some research on those beautiful frescoed ceilings and walls “corridors” and have learned the amount of time it took get it to the point where Constantino Brumidi was ready to have his work exposed to the public. He only wanted the best for the United States. I love how he has placed “Moses” on one of the corridors. All of the many birds that he sketched and perfected in order to place them within these corridors. So much detail. So very beautiful! But from your text what stands out to me is the word “selfless.” That is how to survive. Thank you, Rick.