Capital City Lights

It has been really fun to be in D.C. over the inauguration. While Heather and I didn't end up making it to the inauguration (we gave up after seeing how crazy the crowd was at our Metro stop), we have really enjoyed the build up and being able to feel like a part of the excitement. The job I am in really provides for an opportunity (and responsibility) for keeping up to date on what is going on in Washington. I am continually amazed at how proximity allows for such a different level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant issues. It is still neat for me to see all of the events going on (like the set up for one of the inaugural balls right across the street from where I work). Also there always seems to be some sort of protest going on in D.C. Heather and I have had a great time taking it all in and making time to do fun things.

It has also been really exciting to be here as the Congress gears up in the New Year. There is a real sense of excitement and opportunity. There also appears to be a chance for some actual bipartisanship. However, it is clear that the old dysfunctional working relationship between Democrats and Republicans continues to simmer just under the surface. It is easy to understand why Americans get so frustrated with Congress. It appears there is some truth to the notion that being in Congress too long skews your priorities. It seems that many Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle are more focused on spurning their colleagues than creating quality public policy.

This focus on rivalry and partisanship plays a large role in Americans generally having such a poor opinion of Congress, with recent approval ratings around twenty percent. It is hard to imagine that changing significantly unless Congress changes the way it functions. It is hard to tell at this point if the bipartisanship is genuine or if it was just a period of good feelings that will soon be replaced with tired rhetoric. I am much more optimistic than usual about these matters, maybe because I am now a part of Congress. 

Driving out to the FDA yesterday from the GAO building reminded me how beautiful the city is and how little driving I have actually done around it. Heather and I will definitely have to do some exploring by car at some point. I am so used to seeing the Metro as my main mode of transportation that I don't even consider driving for anything other than going further away from D.C. I am sure Heather will get some great pictures out of it.