Spring Has Sprung!!

Hey Everyone!!

It is official -- spring has sprung in the great city of Washington, DC!! This is my favorite time of the year and as the snow becomes a distant memory and the temperature rises to the mid-70s and 80s, my focus on academics stray. This weather is amazing and the walks are breathtaking. Luckily, the work of the semester is pretty much over and the time to enjoy life is here.

One of the best parts of the beginning of spring in Washington is the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms along the tidal basin. In 1912, Japan's Mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington as a symbol of foreign unity. Each year, as the blossoms bloom, Americans can remember this special gift and this special unity. The city celebrates every year with a week long of festival of converts, activities, and even a parade. Last week the city turned pink for this special event.

I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms with a great friend Sara a few weeks ago as the white blossoms began to turn pink. It was a great experience to forget about the constant essay work and the stresses of school and enjoy the breathtaking views on the walk around the basin. From the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial and back we witnessed why people from all over the US and the world flock to DC this time of year. Below are some of my favorite pics from that day and that walk.

A Painter Paints The Gorgeous Sight

A Sight of Love

The Sun Peaks
Through the Cherry Blossoms

Life in Dc

A Circus Life

Hey Everyone!!

So I know there is long gaps between blogs lately, but it has been crazy here in DC. In another blog this week I will write about my research paper that literally consumes all my time. Now, I have a moment to relax and tell you about some of the things that have been going on. These past two weeks have led to amazing opportunities that will never be forgotten. I am so grateful to have experienced everything I have up to this moment and am still   taken aback by life in DC everyday. 

Speakers:

I feel as though over the past few weeks have our class' speakers covered the theme "you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it". We have heard from former Us attorneys, Hill workers, creators of organizations, etc. What have I learned? Exactly as stated before, you can do anything if you just want too. 

Self Confidence!!

One of the first speakers we had in the past two weeks was an experienced FBI agent who has risen through the ranks and now serves in one of the most coveted positions in the FBI. Now you may think someone like this may be too serious or boring, but our speaker spoke with ease and humor. He told us the story of his life and engaged the 32 of us with his stories: the ups the downs and the in-betweens. Later we spoke with a former, US attorney. Through all of his journeys, all of his titles, his successes and failures, he gave up what he had the fame, prestige, for his family - to make sure his kids were able to get the best education possible. We also met someone who worked so hard, studied so hard, and had the opportunity to work for a senator. Unfortunately, her passion for working on the hill was taken away as the voters decided to not re-elect the Senator. She did not give up and now has another high profile job for the federal government. Last week we heard from one of the founders of a highly controversial conservative  interest group, GoProud. This organization, since its opening, has experienced opposition and messages of hate because although they represent most of the same views as conservatives, they represent gay conservatives. The co-founder knew this would happen, but it was more important for him and the other co-founder for the voices of a silent minority were not being heard. Their desire to succeed gave the voice to those who were once not heard, those who were afraid of coming out as a conservative that coming out as a homosexual. Lastly, we heard from a student that knew what they wanted - to become a lawyer defending the Constitution of the United States. He worked hard, put himself through proper schooling, and now gets to do what he loves everyday. 

Many people join the Washington Semester Program to meet speakers from across the spectrum of the professional world of Washington DC. I knew that I would meet incredible people, people with great stories and significance. Never did I think I would gain as much insight as living life to the fullest as I truly have. While others are networking and getting possible contacts from the people we meet, I am learning the power of desire and believing in yourself. 

Circus Time:

Me with all the proper circus gear

One thing I have learned while living in the great city of Washington is the ease of getting lost in life. In a world of people who are clothed in suits on a day to day basis, a world surrounded by breaking news headlines, monuments, memorials, important people and buildings, it is easy to get swept up in the craziness. Quickly I learned upon my arrival that most of my life here would be an "adult life" - one where I would have to take a step back from my usually quirky always looking to do something stupid to brighten someones day or get a laugh. Often, I joke I am a ten year old stuck in twenty year old's body. Here that is not true, it can't be. I am okay with that though. I know what its like to have a 9 - 6 job, what its like to write a 60 page paper, what its like for school and work to consume every moment. However, sometimes I get the opportunity to take a break, to sit back, relax, and most of all have fun.

The Best Part

Last week, a dear friend of mine, Sara, approached me about attending the Ringling Bros Circus that weekend. Yearning to do something fun and spontaneous we decided on a date and within two days I had tickets. The day quickly arrived for Sara and I to attend the circus and we waited with baited breath. It was so much fun to be with a friend and enjoying life at the circus - dressed in shorts and polo rather than a suit. During intermission, we quickly ran down to the snack bar and indulged in the snacks of yesteryear - popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, washed down by an ice cold coke.To make things even better the cotton candy came with a whimsical hat that made for many hilarious pictures. The circus was filled with oos, aahhhs, and plenty of laughs. Joy and awe blanketed any thoughts or stresses of every other day -- for those two short hours, our lives were stress free. Sara and I bonded that day and have quickly embraced the concept of living in the moment and have planned out future trips to the blooming cherry blossoms, the zoo, etc. 

Sara and I Ready for the Cicrus

These past two weeks have been quite a whirlwind. Later this week I will post again with pictures and the telling of a great April fools joke, a weekend with my family, the blooming blossoms, and reflections on the future. Until then I will wake up, go to school, go to work, and enjoy living the Capital life. 

Stay honest and keep those around you honest!!

- Josh

Well Hello There

Hey Everyone,


I feel like it has been decades since I wrote in this last.  So many things have happened that I wanted to catch you up on  from my hiatus from the world of blogging. 


SPRING BREAK

My nephew Jesse in
 one of his Birthday Presents

A few weeks ago we had Spring Break and while some of my friends were jetting off to LA, to the Virgin Islands, to Europe, there was no better place in my mind to go then my two homes. Firs I made a quick stop at my actual home in Rhode Island. It was my nephew's first birthday and I was so fortunate to be able to be at his party. After the party was over I jumped into my Ford Explorer (which i have missed so dearly) and made the 5 hour journey back to my second home, Saint Michael's College. It was go nice to be back with my friends again.   I really realized how much i miss and love the people of SMC everyday while in DC. I have made many friends down here, but nothing can compare to my friends at St. Mikes. After spending a few days I packed all my stuff to leave for Rhode Island, but was blocked my more than 2 ft of snow falling in less that 24 hrs. Crazy! Eventually I traveled back to Rhode Island, where I focused on spending as much time as possible with family and helping out in the classrooms that I volunteer in every break. Oh yeah. I also had an interview at the state house in RI and am really hoping to get an internship with the RI Department of Education!!! 


A Capital Life=A Busy and Hectic Life

The White House 

Upon my arrival back into the city, I faced a two month stretch of a busy hectic schedule. With seminars piling up, the congress getting work done, and my looming research paper - I have not been able to breathe. I guess  it is part of the life. Would I exchange it for anything? No. Absolutely not. Sure, I could be seeing the Eiffel Tower, the pyramids of Egypt, Buckingham Palace, but truly nothing excites me more than to see the Capitol Building, the White House, and all the monuments on a daily basis. I will never have this opportunity again and I am working hard to make as much out of it as possible. Our speakers have been so amazing as of late, from members of congress, to FBI supervisors, to DNC staffers, to US Attorneys. 

My Class with
Congressman Cuellar (D-TX)

The best part about the speakers we have had so far, in my eyes at least, the fact that so many of them are alumni of the Washington Semester Program, some even have been students of my professor. This simple facts make political futures so easy to grasp - that the experience I have gotten at WSP will propel me into the political world with a step up. Whenever I sit and listen to alumni, a curious thought passes through my head...will i speak to this class one day? what will my title be? what will my bio say? what story would Dr. Lowenthal share about me before speaking? I never thought a career in politics was possible for me -- I always just envisioned myself returning to my small town of Portsmouth, RI and teaching forever. That has changed so much because of this program. I now can see myself moving down here and working on the hill, working for a non-profit, and maybe even becoming a lobbyist for education issues. These are all things that the WSP has made more possible and I am so glad that I chose this program. I am thankful for my busy and hectic schedule, because it means that I am getting to do so much, hear so much, and see so much. 


I hope to set aside more time to write more as the days pass, but now it's back to the research paper...30 pages to go :)


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
-Josh

To Lobby or Not to Lobby

Hello Everyone!!


This week in my American Politics seminar we are focusing on Interest Groups and Lobbyists. For those of you who don't know, an interest group is a collection of people who are organized to advocate for an issue or a set of issues. These interest groups can be small, like a community organization standing up for better schools, or large, like the national education association. These interest bring people together to affect public policy. Lobbyists, are individuals, often associated with interest groups, that advocate for issues. They are the people who meet with public officials and staff to discuss issues in hopes that legislation will favor their group or cause.


Yesterday, our class was fortunate enough to hear from a lobbyist who actually graduated from the Washington Semester in 2003. Lindsay Lee, a hill employee turned lobbyist, spoke to our class about her path to where she is now and about her job. Like other speakers, she reitterated the importance of network and taking any job that comes your way. Lindsay continued with a discussion about lobbyists, often thought of as a dirty word in DC. She talked about the importance of lobbying, giving a professiona voice to organizations and an organiziang board to get messages about. Like all fields, there are a few bad apples that ruin the bunch, and this has brought the lobbyist reputation down. Hearing Lindsay, however, deffinitely made me think a lot more about possibly becoming an education lobbyist. I really liked how down to earth she was and really genuinely cared about the message she was fighting for.

Life in DC has been crazy to say the least. From papers to office work to research to wassa work, my time has been consumed. Now, I am embarking on Spring Break. I will be attending my nephew's first birthday, visiting my school, and spending a lot of time with my family. Get excited!!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest!
- Josh

Conservative Like Me: My Journey into the Mind of a Conservative - Part 2

Hey Everyone!!

Here it is...the moment many of you have been waiting for. Last week I began a 2-part Blog Series about my experience CPAC. However, due to the events of last week, I postponed this blog for a few days. It is back. Below, you will read my reactions to the events that took place at CPAC. What is CPAC? It is the Conservative Political Action Conference, a gathering of strong conservatives to discuss their political agenda, mingle, and network with others like themselves. It was my first investigative journaling piece. I delved deep inside -- I wanted to journey into the mind of a conservative. 

It has now been two weeks since CPAC and I have had a lot of time to think about this blog. Many people believe this will be an extreme partisan bashing of the far right wing, it will not be. I, throughout this piece, will be fair. If at all offended or would like to discuss something further, please read the entire piece and then talk to me. For any questions or comments, please email Jmiranda@smcvt.edu. 

My first picture in the auditorium

I remember it like it was yesterday. The first time I stepped into the Marriott hotel was exhilarating. My friends were so excited, shaking I do believe. We quickly were registered and voted in the straw poll. Once we found ourselves in the main ballroom, we listened to some pretty big names. People clapped, people screamed their support, and it was an exciting atmosphere. Over the next three day, much of my research would be done in here. I saw many positive things come from the podium at the front. I heard the words of ways to unite the people of America, I heard people with plans on how they can save our country, I heard people excited about the political process. There were big names. I sat 20 ft from the likes of Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the Honorable Mitt Romney, the Honorable Tim Pawlenty, the not-so-honorable Ann Coulter, etc. People I had watched for years on the news were right in front of me. It was hard not to be swept into things. There was such a happy atmosphere within the ballroom. I fully admit, I was surprised with how many times I stood up and cheered. There was a smile on my face, a smile on the face of my friends. It was an opportunity you could not get anywhere else, but in the great city of DC. 

Downstairs was the exhibit hall. I will admit this was not my favorite part of CPAC. Walking down the stairs, you were immediately barraged with pamphlets. Some of them really struck me and appalling. One was the ten reasons gay marriage and homosexuality was absolutely wrong. Now, you must be thinking you were at a conservative function, what do you expect? Well, not 30 ft from the flyers was a stand for one courageous group of Conservatives. They are an organization titled GOPROUD, an organization for the rights of the LGBT community. If you watched the news leading up to CPAC, you would know that many did not want this group to be at the event. One of my classmates, Kevin, interns with GOPROUD and even though people came over and criticized them to their face, they were still so proud to be there. I still can't believe or imagine what the members of the LGBT community went through that weekend -- whether it was the anti-gay pamphlets or the books and signs promoting parents to teach their kids about the wrongs of homosexuality or books to assist your friend who is gay to become an "ex-gay", yes, an "ex-gay".

Former Spearker Newt Gingrich

 Something else that struck me in the exhibit hall was the representation of stereotypes. What do you think of, when you think of a Conservative Republican. Many may think of the gun-wielding, god-fearing, left-hating, cowboy hat wearing, person. Although I encourage all to not stereotype people and to only base upon judgment when actually meeting someone, but I was shocked at what I found at CPAC. In one of the exhibit halls, the NRA had an electronic shooting range, where you could learn how to fire a gun -- this, at a political rally, this, just weeks after a congressional representative was shot and almost assassinated. Now I will not say that the NRA is evil and guns are the reason for all the violence in the world, but why shooting lessons? Another thing that surprised me was the hate towards the left and especially towards President Obama. There were mean-spirited t-shirts, a wall of pictures to throw eggs at, a dartboard, stress relievers of Obama, Pelosi, and Reid, and an Obama countdown statue, were just some of the things handed out that symbolized not a disagreement, but in my eyes, hatred. A conversation that stuck me the most this weekend, something that I had not planned and really did not want to be a part of was a conversation by two youths my age on the religion of President Obama, whether he was a Christian or Muslim. I got aggravated and almost broke my cover. I turned around and asked how these students "knew" Obama was a Muslim. They regurgitated the usual rhetoric, "he helps terrorists, secret deals with Islamic Nations, oil, etc." I then asked a very simple and fair question that unfortunately incited a gut-wrenching remark that forced me to leave. I asked, "If Obama was a Muslim, in a country that written in the words of its constitution, state a freedom of religion, what would the issue be?" Without even thinking twice, the boys responded in almost unison, "He'd be a terrorist.” That was what they were taught, Muslims = terrorist, a lesson many people teach their kids every day. Religion played a big part in the weekend; in fact, I was somewhat surprised how much God was a special guest at CPAC. Almost every speaker spoke about God and how only he could bring the country from turmoil, on a poster that asked why you were a conservative, someone wrote, because God is, and there were several Christian exhibits in the halls. This was fine, they had every right to be there, but the line between church and state were often blurred, especially when a speaker stated that America needed to return to its "Christian Values".

Former MA Governor Mitt Romney

Now, this blog is not a rant, rather a collection of observations. The left wing of the nation is not exempt from anything stated. They are not innocent of inciting hate towards the other aisle. They are not guilty of many of the things conservatives are. This shows the partisanship of our country, and I believe the fruition of the warnings of George Washington in his farewell address. What I saw at CPAC was something beautiful. It was a gathering of people who had a common interest. It was a gathering of people to support each other. I was so proud to be an American when I was there. Sure, I was deeply offended by some of the things that were said, but the fact that everyone can express their own opinions is something beautiful. In so many countries, people cannot speak their mind, they cannot express concern of the government, and they cannot stand up. As the conference was going on, the people of Egypt were rising up to their government, and the police were sent after them and their internet was shut down. This is not the only example. We live in a country where if you do not agree with something you have every right to stand up and say it. That is what I saw at CPAC, I saw people practicing their first Amendment right. I saw people who were proud to see their heroes. I saw people literally shaking or smiling uncontrollable like my friend Noelle and Hannah in the midst of political figures. I saw the ability to communicate and understand in conversations with my friend Katherine. I saw the courage to stand up for who you are no matter what, with my friend Kevin. I saw what made America so great. I saw people proud to be an American!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 

-Josh

Out of Crisis Comes Opportunity

Hello Everyone.

Today, I had planned on releasing Part 2 of my Conservative Like Me expose, but have decided to prolong it. As those of you in the Saint Michael's College community know, SMC suffered a great loss last night. For those of you who are unaware of what happened, a freshman male died unexpectedly. Even while in Washington, D.C., last night I felt so much loss and grief. Saint Michael's college is more than just a great community, it is a family. When a family member is lost, even though you may not know them, it feels like a ton of bricks has hit you. We lost an SMC brother last night, a brother that will never be forgotten in all of our hearts.

An ancient chinese proverb states, "a crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind”. There is no doubt that the events of last night wasa great crisis for our community. If anything, we must take away the importance of love, the feeling of love. After hearing the news last night, I instantly took to my phone and told my friends how much I loved them. This is so important. Everyone is loved. Although sometimes we may forget, or feel as though it is not true, there is someone out there that loves you. This crisis has given the SMC family the chance to see that, to become aware of the importance of telling those around you how much you love them. I invite all of you, in Jordans memory, call, text, email, notify those around you that you love them. Let them know that you are their for them. In a Facebook status last night, someone wrote that you will never know when someone needs to be told they are loves, needs a helping hand. This is so true. We are not psychic. We don't always know when someone needs a hug, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or just three words. We must take every chance we can to offer these to those we care about, and to those we may argue with.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Jordan, and to anyone who may believe that ending their life  is their only choice. You are LOVED.

Peace, Love, and Hugs,

- Joshua

Conservative Like Me: My Journey into the Mind of a Conservative - Part 1

On February 10, 2011, I began an investigative journaling experience. This experience brought me from a socially very liberal and fiscally moderate to an extreme right wing conservative. Although not a stretch from my high school years, this challenge was harder than I thought it would be. I attended the Conservative Political Action Conference, an event sponsored by the American Conservative Union. This conference is what conservatives wait for every year. Held at a Marriott in DC, CPAC welcomes leading conservatives to speak and hundreds of organizations to hold exhibits in the exhibit hall. This is my story at CPAC, my journey into the mind of a conservative.

After getting out of class early, several friends and I entered the Marriott and I began living the life of my “alter ego”. We registered and got our badges, then voted in the all-important straw poll – a poll that would tell if the election was held that weekend, who the CPAC attendees would vote in. Next, we went to the main ballroom and heard rising speeches from Newt Gingrich and other political leaders. The room was filled with energy. It was filled with people of all ages, from student to senior; everyone was there to hear what their leaders were saying. Eyes glued and hands ready to clap, people were intrigued by every syllable spoken.  I decided to venture my way down to the exhibit hall and hear what organizations had to say. Personally, it killed me to take some of the flyers that were being given, whether they were angry rhetoric of the President or a list of the reasons gay marriage was an abomination to society. Looking over my schedule for the weekend, I figured out what I wanted to see and how I would cover all bases to write this blog today.

Friday brought much excitement for my friends, for it was the day Mitt Romney spoke. I arrived early and saved seats. As the countdown ticked and finally showed 00:00, my friend Hannah nearly had a heart attack, almost set to tears of joy that she would see one of her heroes speak. The honorable Mitt Romney gave a very positive speech and brought the crowd to their feet many times. My friend Hannah did not move an inch; I have never seen someone so focused on one thing in my life. The rest of the day was spent with a friend Katherine, another excited conservative. As we strolled through the exhibit halls we had conversations about what each booth was representing, even though most of the time we did not agree, I could understand where she came from. Besides speakers, I sat in on a few panels –including school choice. Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul closed my afternoon at CPAC and gave two very different speeches, which enticed two very different reactions from the audience.

The last day of the conference, Saturday, brought on anticipation of the results of the straw poll.  Governor Haley Barbour opened my last day at CPAC, and gave a speech that was warm and inviting, a thoughtful speech that brought the crowd to their feet. Most of my Saturday was spent with a friend, Gabby, who is President of her college Republicans. Walking with her and conversing with her brought a different view. Gabby spoke of the issues that she cared about, what defined her political stance; however, many of the things she spoke of were different from what I heard from others. Ann Coulter was the last speaker before the results were announced. Her words brought different reactions from the audience, from silence to laughing to standing up and applauding, my reactions will be stated in part two of this piece. After Coulter, the result of the straw poll was announced and showed that Ron Paul won. The room was split in half – some people jumped up, screamed, and cheered, but the other half sat silently or jeered. The conference closed with a heart wrenching speech from Congressman Allen West, a speech that brought loud applause and event tears from the crowd.

I invite all the readers of this blog to read Part 2, which will include my feelings and reactions to the weekend. It may not be what you think!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest,

-          - Josh