SC Debate Last Night and Primary

I enjoyed the debate last night and linking it to what we all learned in DC. What was particularly rich was how Newt attacked the media and John King for that initial question about Newt's ex-wife and the suggestion that Newt had asked his ex-wife (according to that ex-wife) for an open relationship. Newt must have loved the question really. He attacked King, CNN, ABC and the whole media and finally suggested that the media is "protecting" Obama. The media is/are an easy target since they are so woefully mistrusted and seen as biased and Newt might be laughing all the way to a SC primary win.

Newseum: The Iconic Banner

During my two and a half hour visit to the Newseum on Friday, I came across, what is now my favorite exhibit of the entire museum, the Cox Enterprises 1^st Amendment Gallery. Encased in five glass cases were the five fundamental freedoms, what James Madison called “the great rights of mankind.” The one image that resonated with me most was a sign, hung high above the last case and off to the right:

While taking Dr. Sharkey’s POSC420 Constitutional Law class last semester, we discussed various Supreme Court cases, which included Morse v. Frederick. It was a court case where a high school principal suspended Joseph Frederick for displaying his banner across the street from the school. I found the case interesting because of the Tinker case relation and the outcome of this particular case. The simplicity of duck tape and white paper created this iconic banner. It was exciting to see something, that was so easily made yet had a huge impact on the Supreme Court and it‘s community, up close and personal. Who knew that is all it would take?

Finding Common Ground

I originally wrote this post Friday, but I've just recovered from the trip enough to actually share my thoughts here. :)

During our Friday morning session, we were asked what the most important thing we learned was. After reflecting for a bit, I realized that the most important thing I learned is how gray politics really is. Although I've always understood that there is not only right and left in politics, it has be awesome to see that in person. More often than not, the words of the speakers were not about the "big" issues we think separate Democrats and Republicans, but rather the smaller, more important factors that bring us together. The media tries to tell us that the parties are too polarized to come together. Our speakers did discuss the fact that the parties are very polarized, but that the reason for that resides in the fact the the members of the parties do not correspond with one another. It gives me hope knowing that I heard from speakers of different parties and was able to see common ground in their words. The most important thing I've learned this week is how vital it is for us to show Americans that politics isn't black and white and that although it's okay (and necessary!) to disagree, we must find common ground to move forward!

Blogging at Gate D22

We went to the Holocaust Museum today during our free time. I have been to the institution on many occasions and yet, the exhibits never lose their poignancy or weight. Also, the abundance of information offers something new- whether it be an insight or fact previously unknown- even on the 10th or 11th visit. We spent about two hours there before we went to the White House, and though I would have loved to make it to the FDR Memorial, the HM demands your attention and specific kind of measured contemplation as you walk through. I also enjoyed bearing witness to the reactions of my friends and the discussion during the walk to Pennsylvania Ave.

These are the stairs from the final exhibit. I really enjoy the architecture of this museum - how they mimicked the authoritarian and mechanical feel.

Hall of Remembrance

As I am writing this, we are waiting for a new plane to arrive from Charlotte. As you can see, we are pretty equipped for the delay! Laptop, books and conversation :)

Delayed Reaction

Columbia College students' and company's flight was delayed at the airport around 7:30 p.m. But here's some previous traveling photos. (Top Left: Train - Your seat is now a hot spot./ Top Right: Hillary Owens and Christina - Joy Ellerbe gearing up for a flight to Baltimore, before hitting D.C.

~Christina - Joy Ellerbe

Washington: A Growing Experience

The Capitol at night reflected across the pool

Me, Chantel, Jessica, and Allie in front of the White House

When I first made the decision to go to Washington, I honestly had no clear understanding of exactly what the trip and the seminar through the Washington Center would entail. Coming from a fairly conservative family, I have usually followed the political views understood in my house, and it wasn't until coming to Columbia College that I began to question the foundations on which my beliefs were made. However, the questioning of my stance in the realm of politics has only recently become productive, and the trip to Washington only helped me to both solidify some of my opinions on political issues--such as education and marital rights as well as bipartisanship and the weight of the government--as well as learn how to be a more informed voter by understanding the truth behind the media's influence and campaign financing. 

While political rhetoric can often be overwhelming to the public, and I am no exception to this confusion, I do think that going to Washington and being in the presence of influential individuals in the media, politics, and political science has helped me to unravel the massive knot that is the American political system. Additionally, becoming a more informed citizen in the notion of politics has helped me to think beyond the immediately visible information I receive in other areas of my life as well. Speakers such as Clarence Page and Steve Bell, both journalists who covered extremely controversial subjects for major news outlets in print and television, demonstrated that the products of the media cannot be taken entirely at face value due to influences from bias, whether intentional or not. After my experience in Washington, I will face the world knowing that I have the chance to influence my government, but I cannot "go [ignorantly] into that good night."

Who Controls The Media? Fact or Fiction

This just in: Columbia College Administration was upgraded from Classroom #2 to Classified Room... One comment was made, "We plan to take over and seal the dysfunctional habits of the American government with duck tape." (Top Right: Newsroom in Newseum).

Obviously Congress was not too pleased about this! Are these unhappy faces the result of knowing Cover Ups? Bryant believes change is due but not with the intentions of the Columbia College Administration.  (Top Left/Right: News clippings of various events).

Is this story believable? Perhaps for some Americans it is. Taking images and fragmenting sentences could misinterpret someone's intentions on purpose or by mistake. Ultimately, American's reflections should lie quickly on the concern of whether we understand the Freedom of the Press and if we want Freedom From The Press. (Top Left/Bottom Right: Snap shots from Newseum's displays).

~ Christina - Joy Ellerbe