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                                                                                                              

The power of the word CITIZEN..messages from Secretary Norman Mineta

Today, my class had the honor to meet with Former Secretary Norman Mineta, actually it is more like former congressmen former secretary former secretary Norman Mineta. Sec. Mineta has an amazing resume, from his beginnings in politics as a Councilman in San Jose to becoming a Congressman from California, to work in two administrations as Secretary of Commerce for Bill Clinton and Secretary of Transportation for George W. Bush. However, when the former secretary spoke, he spoke not of his life as a politician, but worked to inspire us devote our lives to public service in any way, shape, or form. Further, he asked us to commit to working for those who don't have a voice, to inspire others to speak up and be proud, proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. 


Sec. Mineta opened the conversation with the telling of a story of a family experiencing some of the hardest times for Japanese Americans in American History, this family being his. The story began with a fourteen year old Japanese boy, the second son of the family, moving to America to find a way of life, as his status as second son prevented him from having meaning in Japan. This boy, accidentally getting off in Washington, traveled a year, work camp to work camp, to his Uncle in Southern California. The now 16 year old established himself, learned English, worked hard, and eventually began a family. On December 7, 1941, the life of this man and his family changed forever, as Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor. Sec. Mineta mentioned this was the first time he saw his father cry. The following February, President Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing the internment of Japanese Americans in segregated camps, which ended up mostly being horse stables at fairgrounds or race tracks. As a listener, hearing Sec. Mineta recount these events of his father's past and his memories of a child sent shivers up your spine. The most heartbreaking part was when he held a picture of a sign that was posted in neighborhoods that provided directions for "Aliens and Non-Aliens". Sec. Mineta drew attention to the last part, "non-alien". Although he was born in America, because of his ancestry, Sec. Mineta was not considered a citizen, rather a "non-alien". He told all of us that because of that very rhetoric does he hold the word "citizen" very close to his heart. After life in the internment camps and partnering with his father's insurance company, the Sec. Mineta moved to San Jose and began his work in politics.


Sec. Mineta closed the conversation with a beautiful sentiment about the country he loved and would sacrifice everything for. When discussing the diversity of the US, he stated that he doesn't like to think the country to be a melting pot, but more of a tapestry. In a melting pot, all the ingredients cook together, blend, and lose their individuality. In contrast, a tapestry is made up of several pieces threads, in this metaphor each thread resembling a person or culture. Although the pieces of thread are beautiful in their own way, when bound together to make the single tapestry they form something even more beautiful, without losing the unique beauty and  individuality of each piece of the thread. A truly beautiful sentiment from such a wise man. 


We did not get that much time with the former secretary, but I believe we all left wishing for more time to just sit and listen to his stories. This one man has been through so much. He has been the victim of the wrongdoings of his own country, but still has a burning passion for service to the country he loves so much. The word inspiring does not do him justice. This is why I came to DC.


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
- Josh

Norman Mineta

The definition of a relaxing weekend...

Hey everyone!!


Last time I wrote, I was stressed, crazy, and mentally exhausted. Luckily, 6:00 at work came quickly and it was time to relax. Instead of going out to the normal places, I stayed at home, read a book (it wasn't even for class..crazy :) ), and caught up on much needed work. Saturday brought another day of laziness and catching up. Later that night I attended a fashion show at Crystal City, one of the fashion districts of DC. I went with three of my housemates (Tata, Sumyie, and Rose). It was actually very fun and I felt extremely sophisticated (soooo classy :) ). At the end of the blog, there are some pics from the show. Today, Super Bowl Sunday, has been spent on campus at Washington Semester's Tenley Campus at the WASSA Super Bowl Party, put on by myself and fellow members of WASSA. It has been a great way to watch the game, eat great food, and meet fellow students in the program, especially since I don't live on campus with everyone.





The real reason I wanted to blog today is to share a poem that I found in a newspaper I bought recently. This newspaper is not your typical newspaper. It is called "Street Sense" and is a paper that is written about and by the homeless of DC. Those who are homeless have the opportunity to become sellers of the paper, they purchase them for 35 cents and can sell them for a recommended donation of $1. One of the sections is a poetry section and I would like to leave you today with one of the poems. It is called Home Free and is written by Robert Warren.

The end of homelessness, how could that be?


The Lord of us all said the poor and homeless
 would always be among thee.  


A test of life for the Lord to see how man gives to 
those less fortunate than he.


The end of homelessness how could that be?


With a home to live in - not on the street, with 
lowlife, murderers, and thieves, 


Regular folks, foreclosed on, trying to get back on 
their feet, 


And those who say shelter life is not for me. 


Remember the Lord of us all said they would always, 
be among us to see.


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
- Josh

Just when I had a second to breathe....

Hey Everyone!


It has only been a few days, but I feel like it has been a week since my last blog. Every day, I feel like the days get longer and the sleep gets less. Yesterday, I celebrated my one month anniversary of living in Washington, D.C. This month, has changed me so much.  In a past blog, I commented that it was starting to feel like adult time, but I should have knocked on wood. Looking back, I realize on a good day I am home before 10, on a great day before 8. These long days, however are filled with new, exciting, and challenging things. Some days it might be staying on campus for meetings, running through senate office buildings, wandering the Capitol Building, seeing newsmakers, hearing great speakers, I have learned to never expect anything anymore.

Inside the Rotunda

Monday saw a great opportunity to meet with and discuss life as Capitol hill staffers with Alumni of the Washington Semester Program. The four panelists, ages ranging from 24 to 30, discussed the struggles of living in DC and attaining a job, but also the proactive feeling of making a difference in the world. Also discussed was the set up of offices, daily routines, and how Washington Semester assisted the alumni into getting where they are now. After the conversation, one of my close friends, Megan from St. Marys, practiced giving a tour of the Capitol, which truly was the best tour as she could talk to us as friends and colleagues, rather than visitors. Monday afternoon's speaker was a media extraordinaire. Through his almost twenty year career he has seen the way people get their news go from local newspaper to today's online and social media. He served as one of the organizers of the first consortium of news from local papers in one document and has worked amongst several different companies and networks. His insight on politics from the behind the scenes was very intriguing and assisted me in learning more on how the news works to be nonpartisan. Tuesday, my class had two class discussion in which we discussed one of our texts, Hardball by Chris Matthews, and what we thought would be on this year's congressional agenda. Wednesday, the illness I had been suffering from hit me full force and called out of work for the first time ever. All the rest however, helped in getting me to be able to present a "How to Blog" presentation at our WASSA meeting to introduce the new WASSA Blog and co-host, with the rest of WASSA, the first PAJAMA JAM AND ROOT BEER PONG of the semester. It was a fun time had by all!!

Students playing root beer pong
and dancing in their PJS!!!

Like I stated in the beginning, these past few days have been quite hectic. I had two large assignments due that took up much of my free time. One was a series of memos to a candidate supporting them in a bid for a 2012 congressional or gubernatorial seat. My paper discussed the reasons why Joseph Kennedy II should run for his late-uncle's seat in 2012 and how he could do so, based on class discussions and seminars. The second assignment, and most time consuming,  was my outline for my research paper. Now, the work is done and the weekend is here. I look forward to spending time with friends, relaxing and sightseeing, taking a break from the fast life.

Stay honest and keep those around you honest,
- Josh