Cast Your Stones, Cast Your Judgement, You Dont Make Me Who I Am

I guess its time for another political rant. But surprise, this time around I'm aiming it at religious conservatives. I guess being in Washington just makes me frustrated with both ends of the political spectrum.

Let me be loud and clear: I support same sex marriage. I think same sex couples should be given the same rights as heterosexual couples. You don't even have to agree with homosexuality. If its against your religion, don't allow same sex marriages in your church or synagogue or mosque. But the first amendment clearly establishes separation of church and state, which means your religion shouldn't be allowed to influence our laws.

This post was prompted because I've been sorting a lot of mail and getting a lot of phone calls urging someone to overturn President Obama's executive order preventing LGBT discrimination in the workplace, specifically for federal contractors. Let's tear apart the arguments for this.
1. This gives members of the LGBT community special rights. Um... no. This executive order actually amends an executive order of President Johnson, which prevents discrimination based on race, sex, religion, etc. So unless you are a white, Protestant male, this order is granting them the same rights! Also, if you are making this argument as a Christian, this is the same order that is protecting you!

2. These protections shouldn't be given to lifestyle choices. Ok, so even if you believe that LGBT is a lifestyle choice (which I don't), you should check your argument. Your religion is a lifestyle choice. So if members of the LGBT community shouldn't be protected, then neither should members of the church. Then we should be allowed to discriminate based on religion because it is a lifestyle choice. This is just so wrong.
3. Its infringing upon your rights as a Christian. How is letting other people live their personal life without fear of discrimination infringing on your rights? But you pushing your Christian views into the political sphere is infringing on theirs. We are affording equal rights. Also, let's just refer back to the previous two points on how this order protects the rights of Christians.

Trust me, I know its hard to separate your religious views from your political views. But based on the first amendment, and the free exercise clause, we are required to try. Luckily, with LGBT rights this seems to be moving in the right direction.

Unfortunately, one area where I see more trouble in the future is the recent Hobby Lobby decision. Ok, we are leaning conservative christian again by saying employers don't need to provide contraception in health plans if it goes against their religious beliefs. Its a small blow for women's rights, but you take some and you lose some. But, what is going to happen when a Muslim business owner wants his employees to wear head scarves? You could make a similar argument. But then all of the conservatives staunchly supporting this Supreme Court decision are going to be the ones saying they didn't intend for it to be taken that way.

America doesn't protect religion. We dont protect the non-religious. We protect Christianity. And its imperative that we learn how to be Christian in a post-religious, progressive political sphere or just how to interpret the establishment clause in the first amendment.

It Can Be So Bold and So Cavalier

There is something very intellectual about DC. Everything you see and everyone you talk to seems to bring up something insightful or significant, an idea or ideal just waiting to impact the beneficiary. Here, knowledge is both power and currency. It can pull you ahead, or it can leave you in the dust.
Let's start with that age old adage that in refined conversations, there are two topics that you do not approach with a ten foot pole: religion and politics. As classy as DC can be, I don't think people have gotten the don't talk about politics memo. It will grace nearly every conversation you have, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with that person. Arguably this is because most people in the city work in politics, and the closer and more informed you are, the more you want to talk about it and the more you have to say. Unlike any of the other places I've lived, everyone here keeps up with all of the latest political news and can sustain an intellectual conversation. It probably doesn't hurt that if you work in the field, you probably like politics as well. All of these factors just spell a recipe for disaster for those elite few who still want to avoid talking politics. Good luck, it won't happen.
Now, I should address that although I started on a general note on how intellectual this city is, and that was a treatise solely on politics, it is fairly similar because knowledge about politics is a common base for most people in this city. Discussing politics is going to be much more relevant and prevalent than analyzing french philosophy or Russian literature.
Besides just conversations, there are so many intellectual things to do in DC. There are museums for days, for any interest you could possibly have. While most are packed with tourists just checking things off their list, once you have an appreciation for the historical context, these things become a lot more meaningful. For example, this weekend I went to Arlington National Cemetery. Seeing JFK's grave was so powerful of am experience for me, not because I'm a huge fan of him (aka I didn't cry like I did for Reagan), but because I find it fascinating to think how different things would be and how his legacy would be had he not been assassinated. Nearly all of this city represents a piece of history and what it means to be an American today.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy's Grave and the eternal flame commemorating him at Arlington National Cemetery

The best part about that is that people in DC embrace it. Whether its attending the folk life festival or it just being completely normal to read George W. Bush's biography at Buzz Bakery, people expect each other to be intellectual or cultured. That, and connections, are what is necessary to get you ahead.

Just an average day for a Poli-Sci addict at Buzz Bakery

This has nothing to do with the immense amount of intellect in DC, but here I am celebrating Fourth of July on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building, gearing up to see Frankie Valli play!!!

Living Just Enough For the City

I have been working on The Hill for a little over a month now.  And if you're from my hometown, The Hill doesnt refer to the slightly pretentious shopping area on Kercheval, just north of Fischer. In DC speak, The Hill means Capitol Hill, where I spend the majority of my time working in a legislative office for a member of the House of Representatives. Saying you work on The Hill also gives the stereotype of a grandiloquent group of people convinced that they are single handedly responsible for changing the world one day at a time. But regardless of whether you think that's something to brag about, I've learned a couple things during my intro to life both living and working on The Hill. Clearly, since I've mentioned it. I'm going to share that advice with you.

1. Read the Paper
I had heard this advice before coming to Washington. I'm sure you've heard this advice too. Its probably a good habit to get into no matter what city you live in, despite your qualms about acting like a middle aged man. Let me reiterate, a couple years ago, my boss bought me a subscription to the Wall Street Journal and told me the best thing I could do is read it every morning. So I did, until I grew tired of paying for my subscription and switched to the Washington Post.
Now, I start every day reading the headlines of the Washington Post, New York Times, Bloomberg, Politico (best discovery yet, if you like politics), and the Wall Street Journal if I have time. So if I ever felt informed before, it doesn't hold a candle to how I feel now. I've also discovered that the more I watch CSPAN, the more interesting I find it. Shocker? Tell me about it, it was for me too. But if you want to have an informed conversation, especially in this town, keeping up is a must. Also, its generally a good thing to know what your government is doing for you and what is going on in the world beyond the four walls of your office. God forbid you want to break the American stereotype and be informed. And from a reliable source too. If I have one more person tell me that the Department of Agriculture is stockpiling weapons to take over the country... like where in the world are you getting this news? The Enquirer?

2. Find a Good Park
Its my first time living in a true metropolitan area, and I find myself constantly surrounded by people. When I'm not at work, I'm in my tiny tiny apartment with three girls I hadn't met until I moved in four weeks ago. If you're familiar with Aristotle's writing on philia, they're friends of utility at best. So, I'm inside the majority of the day surrounded by people pretty much constantly.
Some people (read: extroverts) may love that. As an introvert, it really burns me out. About three weeks in, I found myself apathetic about everything and had very little desire to spend time with anyone. I took an afternoon, walked to the Jefferson Memorial and read some Kerouac beneath a tree. Problem solved, I came back totally refreshed! Since then, I've made an effort to just go spend time in a park, and there are lots to choose from in DC. Whether its sitting by a fountain in the United States Botanic Garden Bartholdi Park or just relaxing in the shade in the park by my apartment, its one of the few places in the city where "alone time" exists, at least for an intern with three roommates. So I'm learning to appreciate living in a city that makes verdure such a priority.

3. Take Advantage of "Free"
Speaking of being an unpaid intern and things I'm glad Washington prioritizes, one of the best things about Washington is how many things are free. Some things, like the museums and monuments, are obvious yet still amazing. However, its living here when you learn all the other perks offered to those who seek them out. For example, if you keep an eye out, most organizations host events with free food. From Common Sense Action to AIPAC, if you are willing to give out your email address and listen to the speakers, who are usually pretty interesting, you'll probably be rewarded with free dinner. The American Enterprise Institute is even hosting an event at a restaurant that includes free margaritas. Hello!
Then there are also tons of free events. Screen on the Green hosts weekly movies on the National Mall. The Kennedy Center offers a free summer concert series. My personal favorite so far is Jazz in the Garden, which takes place every Friday night. And by jazz, they really mean a live band. If you're a fan of spontaneity, this event is like a special surprise when you get there. You could be treated to jazz, but you could also luck out with Afro Funk. However, the real draw is having a picnic with some friends, possibly buying some sangria, and bonding while being serenaded by live music.
Let's just face it, as a college student bleeding money as an unpaid intern, the words "free" will pretty much get me anywhere.

4. Splurge on Good Walking Shoes
I thought I would have no problem with walking around this city, I mean I walked around the capitols of Europe almost every weekend for a year. Full disclosure, the first week I was here I had blisters on the bottoms of my feet. I had never had that happen before, nor did I know it was a possibility. But between getting lost in the tunnels connecting every building on The Hill, and exploring the city on weekends, I suppose I really put in some mileage. This is even with taking the Metro, which may be Gods gift to this nations capitol. Also, if you wanted another hard piece of evidence, all of the professional clothes I bought before coming here are now so baggy I cant wear them outside of my house. Apparently the walking and the heat achieved the weight loss a year of yoga never could.
So, because I was curious about exactly how far I was walking, I finally took the initiative to set up my FitBit. If you've never heard of the company, their products track your steps, miles walked, stairs climbed, and calories burned. I've never actually worn it to work (yet) because it doesn't quite match my professional wardrobe. However, on a casual weekend shopping in Georgetown, including taking the metro to Foggy Bottom and back, I walked six miles! And it felt like nothing. So beware, if you come to DC, you'll probably develop foot callouses and the thigh muscles of a god, or at the very least pro body builder. At the very least I'm figuring out why all Europeans are so thin.

5. Download Uber
For as fantastic as the metro is, and how used to walking you will become, there are times when getting an Uber is the most appealing and/or necessary thing in the world. I'll be the first to admit, that back in Los Angeles, where I had my car and any cab would likely cost me an organ, I didn't see the need for Uber. However, in a city, its a godsend.
Case and point: I'm at a bar on H St NE celebrating a friends 21st birthday. Why he picked a bar literally in the middle of nowhere is beyond me, but we had to take the bus from Union Station. Midnight rolls around and I live across town from my friends. As safe as I usually feel in the city, as a 20 year old female I had zero desire to take a bus and the metro alone on Friday night. Solution: Uber. If you need more examples, there's when the metro is closed, or when you're sick enough where you don't feel like you have the physical ability to walk and take the metro to the doctors. Even if you never encounter a situation where you use it, go download Uber.

6. Find A "Spot"
Like how everyone on Friends went to Central Perk, its important to have a spot. Someplace you can do work, meet a friend, or read your book if the weather doesn't jive with the park idea. I've found one in every city I've ever lived in. In Grosse Pointe, I love to sit and read at Morning Glory. In Lausanne, I didn't even need an excuse to get me to Le Barbare or my tea and pastry shop near Saint Francois. In California, I'm a fan of anywhere in the Palisades, and I'm chomping at the bit to find a cafe in TO. So, its a bit shocking I havent set my heart on one in DC. A realistic one anyway.
My favorite coffee shop is Baked and Wired. The only problem is that its in Georgetown, and the half hour trek is a bit long to make every time I want to curl up with a book. But here's my advice, forget Georgetown Cupcakes. The line is out the door, and its not worth your time. Baked and Wired has equally delicious cupcakes. The Texas Sheetcake was to die for and the Lemon Raspberry one was like a tea party in my mouth. Then, you can curl up in the back on a comfy couch with your coffee, cupcake, and book to relax a bit. If you're ever in DC, make sure you check this out!
Don't worry though, I have a list of realistic spots near my apartment to try, and I am planning on going through them all systematically until I find the one. Yes, a good cafe is like a good man.

7. Politics Might Make You Absolutely Crazy
Last but not least, politics makes people crazy. But its important that we define crazy, because it affects people in two different ways. Some people get actually lose their minds crazy. Recall the story about the people who think the department of agriculture is taking over the country. There's that kind of loony bin crazy. They also make me a bit "tear my hair out" crazy, but thats a whole other story.
Then there is the passionate crazy. That's the kind I would declare myself guilty of. In this town, where everyone works in politics, people talk about politics all the time. People want your opinion, they want to share theirs, they want to yell and scream about how incompetent the other side may be. And as you may have experienced, you will have infuriating conversations with people who have differing opinions. Maybe you even find their position so ludicrous you can't fathom why they would support it. I've begun to stop some conversations with friends straight up, particularly on topics that I get passionate about, because it will more likely destroy our friendship and tuin my opinion of you than facilitate a friendly discussion. Most debates I have are obviously not that severe, but they do get heated. Because politics makes people crazy.
And this fact, I would argue, is one of the best things we have going for us in Washington. People get passionate because they care. If I was apathetic about an issue, I wouldn't sit through heated debate after heated debate. I wouldn't fight you on why your position is wrong, or try to convince you to change your mind. Its important to remember that people get crazy because they care. People in the districts can portray the people serving them in Washington however they want. Everyone working here debates and puts in dozens of hours because they genuinely care.

Maybe I'll Find My Way Back Home

So I moved to Washington D.C. To be a Congressional Intern. I'm obsessed and I think I've finally found myself. This is the most at home I've ever felt, and it's only been a week.

Let's rewind. I moved to D.C. last week, six days ago to be exact. I moved into the fantastic tiny apartment in Eastern Market, which is less than a mile away from the capitol. Upside, besides the location, is my roommates are fantastic. Downside, the location is apparently a "high-crime" area. Not necessarily violent crimes, but lots of cars broken into, bikes stolen, that sort of thing. I've already been to a Nats game, met a bunch of great friends, brunched on 8th street, explored Eastern Market, and went to the National Gallery of Art. That's only in one weekend! I have a feeling I'll have a ton more stories to tell the more time I spend here.

For example, the other day, my friend was followed home in broad daylight by some creepy man yelling obscenities after her. She's been a little shaken up since. Then Tuesday, the rest of us were a bit late coming home from work - I met a friend for dinner and the other two went to a reception. So our friend is sitting at home freaking out, and when we finally get home, she says she thought we had all gotten kidnapped. In the best southern accent ever, one of my other roommates said "that'd be awesome... no wait... epic... no... terrible. That'd be terrible". To add a little levity to the high crime thing.

I've officially had four days of work in Congressman Gary Peter's office. It's absolutely nothing like I thought it would be, so far at least. I've learned that the Capitol is a maze and I've gotten lost more times than I can count. It's also completely massive, and I have huge blisters on the bottom of my feet to prove it. I didn't even know that was possible, they're not even from my shoes, just from walking so much! So far, I've been learning my way around, logging faxes and mail, answering phones and talking down incredibly angry constituents, and doing a bit of research. I have my first official day of tour training tomorrow, which means hopefully I will be getting lost less. Be patient, and hopefully the longer I'm there the more great stories I'll have to pass on.

If you had told me exactly one week ago that my life would be like this, I would have told you that was ridiculous. But this is real life, and I can not believe it. I hope I'm not jinxing this, but this is shaping up to be the best summer of my life. Maybe the best time of my life, and that's saying quite a lot. xx

Things Aren't So Black and White

This is my political piece. Prepare yourself.

There's been a bunch of stuff in the news about "white privilege" and affirmative action. There was that absolutely ludicrous girl from Detroit who argued she should have gotten into the University of Michigan. Why? Because she was black. Certainly not because her grades or test scores were anywhere near the median range of admitted students. How sound of an argument is this: Rejecting someone based on your achievements or projected success (or lack thereof) shouldn't be considered fair, but admitting someone based on their race is?

Then there's this article a Princeton freshman wrote about white privilege (see this link: http://www.ijreview.com/2014/04/134388-freshman-shames-ivy-league-college-personal-story-white-privilege/ ). It's one of the most well-written and insightful articles I've seen in awhile about this topic, about how our race doesn't define our struggles. You think black people were stereotyped before? Well it's stereotyping every race now to somehow define our path by what ethnicity we are. By acting as if we are all the same, or as if we have all have been born into the same advantages or disadvantages.

The thing that really gets me about both of these cases, is that are race very rarely defines who we are. True, there are proportionally more minorities living in the inner city or who belong to a lower income bracket. But what about the white person who has grown up in just as much poverty? What is affirmative action doing for them? Can you tell them that they somehow benefit from "white privilege" in comparison to a black family, in a well off neighborhood, who also could afford to send their child to elite schools? In some of the comments, people were listing these "privileges" that whites apparently have as the ability to attend private schools, the income to take SAT prep courses or participate in after-school activities, or having parents who have the time and desire to take an active interest in their children's education.

Let's be real. Not every white person will have these privileges. There are members of minority groups who will have these privileges. So it's quite ridiculous to stereotype them by race. In fact, I'd go as far to argue that race is correlated, but not causal. How's that for a logical fallacy? You are probably facing these challenges, not based on your race, but from your income bracket, if you or your family have recently immigrated (aka don't speak English very well), or a number of other factors. And these factors are more prevalent in minority groups. But just because you are a minority does not mean that you are poor and underprivileged or need "affirmative action" to get into the school of your choice.

I think the time has come and gone where affirmative action based on race was a necessary part of our education system. Race does not help determine aptitude, or how well you will perform in a given school. If we want to live in a truly equal society, then we should make our decisions blind to race. That being said, I do believe that it is more difficult for people coming from lower income brackets to thrive in school and gain access to premier universities. A better system would be one based on these causal factors, such as income level. That way everyone who faces these challenges, no matter their race, will be able to benefit.

I'm also really sorry that I had to go on my political mini-rant. I just can't stand the logical fallacies where people insist that they have a right to something because of their race. If I, as a white person, insisted that I should have more of a right to something than a minority, that would be considered racist. But somehow when it is a minority, it's not. If people honestly want to move past the racial divisions that plague our society, you should neither demand nor be denied something based on your race.

The World Belongs to Me

Sometimes I feel like I'm two completely different people, and I'm constantly struggling for which part of me gets to win out any given day. Preppy meets Punk Rock. Polished meets London Glam. I'd love to go shopping with you, but I'd also love to talk sports all day. I can play it cool, but I'd rather fangirl at a punk concert. I can't even fully explain it, but I feel like the way my day is going right now is a perfect example.
So this morning, my roommate and I finally made a trip to SunLife Organics. Its definitely the new California fad, super healthy and everything is made fresh right in front of you. I had a Brazilian style acai bowl. If you've never had an acai bowl, you're missing out on life. And, you don't even have to feel bad that you're eating such delicious food, because its good for you! It's a win-win. And if you're in SoCal and you find a SunLife, you're likely to see a celeb. Or if you're super unlucky like me, you'll just see a bunch of kids from Malibu High. (Not that I'm always unlucky, I definitely gawked at a shirtless Alex Pettyfer at Zuma the other day).
What have I been doing with the rest of my afternoon? Listening to My Darkest Days. I know they've been around for awhile, so it's not exactly anything new per say. But they're new to me, and I'm absolutely obsessed. You can find a song of theirs to dance to (Porn Star Dancing, anyone?) but you can also find something that says everything that you can't, everything you don't know how. I don't know about you, but music is how I find my voice, how I express my feelings, and My Darkest Days seems to fit perfectly. If you want me to relate it to some other bands, so you know what you're getting yourself into, think Three Day's Grace meet Evans Blue.

Here's one of their songs, called Sick and Twisted Affair, in case you need more convincing.

Pretty boss, right? I mean, it's a pretty good day when you get to indulge both the prep and the punk sides of yourself. Kisses!

Ladies Choice

Fun fact: I'm mildly obsessed with Zac Efron. And by mildy, I mean insanely. As a huge fan-girl to ridiculous, he ranks somewhere in my top three celebrity crushes (along with Christian Bale and Tom Delonge). Basically, I would sell my soul to be with him, cocaine addiction and all. And, I usually have to point out, I am not one of those bandwagon fans that has joined his fan base somewhere between 17 Again and The Lucky One. I'm not ashamed to admit that I scoured the internet to find Summerland on DVD. Or that the only time I was ever in trouble in school was when my friend and I insisted on printing out dozens of coloured pictures of Zac for our lockers and agendas in the seventh grade. If that's not hardcore, I don't know what is. 

So, provided that I've proven myself to you, I thought I would provide some links to my favorite pictures/videos of Zac on the internet. There are truly some gems out there, but in case you need more, here's my list. 

If you are as obsessed with the Bet On It musical number as I am, you will be well aware of all the life lessons it will teach you: 

1. Zac teaches you how to walk sassy - http://vinescope.com/how-to-walk-sassy-with-zac-efron-1170.html
2. Its the most epic musical number in movie history, according to this Buzzfeed article anyway - http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/why-bet-on-it-is-the-most-epic-musical-number-in-movie-histo
3. Embracing some Frozen lessons and epic dance moves, Zac teaches you how to be yourself

And, Zac is pretty hot to boot. Buzzfeed compiled this link, in case you need proof. Or just want to see tons of hot pics of him in one place: http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/the-25-absolute-best-pictures-of-zac-efron-on-the

Basically, I have learned that finding amazing links about Zac Efron is a great way to pass time procrastinating doing homework. It is also incredibly likely to make you upset about your dating prospects (jokes), because neither are going to be the triple threat that Zac is. Or maybe he's more than a triple threat. He probably has many more talents, but at the very least he can sing to you, dance masterfully with you, take you to fancy acting premiers, and look amazing while doing it to boot. Let's be real, he puts every other man to shame.