The Gum Tree for 2005 February 3

Well, it was a long flight on a tiny airplane from Houston and a big hassle from Washington, but Louise and I are back home. Yesterday we had a special treat of taking a guided tour of the Capitol building provided by congressman Matheson and led by one of his staff. Part of the fun was not only looking at the beautiful artwork but also trying to recognize the people in the buildings. On the transport train to the Capitol, we saw Dennis Kusinich (sp?) of Ohio. In the capitol I saw Rick Santorum, and then we had the pleasure to be able to go to the House chambers and watch live house debate. There, Fred Barns of Massachusets was speaking on the Solomon Amendment and Discrimination against Sexual Orientation in the military. It was neat to see the very room where the President would give his State of the Union Address hours later. The media were laying down their power and communication lines through the capitol building. We weren't able to go to statuary hall because of the preparations for the State of the Union. Funny thing about that hall is that people around would always mistakenly call it statutory hall. I guess that it is difficult differentiating between a statute and a statue. The trip was an educational experience, and perhaps I will get my very own office in Washington someday as well. I could see Dave Matkin working in Government there and I would be sure to visit often if he did. (hint hint)