Okay, so I went to Washington D.C. warning; gossip alert.

[The Backlash Cometh]

Whoops! Mods, this really belongs in the Lounge. Please move if possible.

Here are my reflections:

Even though it appears that the mall is in the midst of a major restoration project, I really didn't see many construction workers around the area. There were plenty of homeless people or men out of work, but very few construction workers. I realize the Washington monument project may take some specialty work, but what about the reflection pond between the WWII and the Lincoln Memorial? Or are lily pads suppose to be part of the decorum?

Top recommendations: FDR memorial and the American Holocaust Museum. The FDR memorial most represents to me what America stood for. You'll find it in the quotes that are etched in the walls. On the other hand, the Holocaust Museum is particularly chilling because there are similarities in what was happening back in Germany when Hitler came to power and what is happening today in the US: (1) Weak opposition from the leftist parties who were fighting each other, instead of paying attention to the growing power from the right, (2) Economic instability, (3) Attack on the intellectuals and the artists (4) once Hitler obtained the position of Chancellor, he used his power and popularity to eliminate his opponents; (5) Religion was used to demonize a group of people, (6) There were pseudo scientists who promoted the idea that some people were inferior, thus less worthy of consideration. That's just a few.

Some inside information overheard from a crowded Washington Capital tour, which is probably not so "inside:" You can't drink the water in the Capital because it has lead. There is a room in the back called a caucus room which committees use to use to mull over the issues, but now it's a "reception room" where lobbyist bring in free food and alcoholic drinks to get access to our congressmen and discuss their particular issues. How many work places do you know where you can go drink and talk shop without getting fired?

Oh, and mistresses seem to be a recurring theme. One intern said that each congressmen gets an extra seat at special events, like inaugurals, and the seats are generally given to a spouse but sometimes they let their mistresses have it. (Do you think that post Clinton, this tidbit is something that the rest of Red America should be told?) And, I didn't hear this one myself, but someone on a tour said that Washington's mistress is painted in the inaugural painting???

Folks, in Washington there seems to be a lot of crap going around which maybe we should pay closer attention to. And I'm not talking about what makes it to C-SPAN.

[bluestateguy]

1. Uh, what kind of mistress?

The one who is just the girlfriend on the side, or this kind of mistress?



Washington politicians have been known to indulge in both

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. I think you miss the point.

If it was this common, then we should make sure that Red America is aware of it so that it can no longer be used as a weapon.