Looks inevitable that the United States government will be closed for business beginning tomorrow. A self-inflicted wound and a shocking development that will have untold implications for this country's standing in the world, not to mention devastating consequences for the world economy and jobs here at home.
It's not just the current manufactured "crisis" over health care reform . . . the main job of the Congress is to deliberate about, and pass, an annual budget. Despite this constitutional mandate, the national legislature has not passed a budget in many years.
Where are our leaders? Why won't they lead? Do they know anything about history?
Times like this call for us to remember the wise leaders of the past, like President George Washington. Washington's Farewell Address to the young country warned that political factions who seek to obstruct the execution of the laws created by the government, or prevent the constitutional branches from enacting the powers provided them by the constitution may claim to be working in the interest of popular demands or solving pressing problems, but their true intentions are to take the power from the people and place it in the hands of unjust men.
In his Farewell Address, Washington also warned of the dangers of political parties to the government and the country as a whole.
Washington's wisdom from 217 years ago bears re-reading, and heeding, in our day. But tonight, in the town bearing his name, the U.S. Congress has strayed far, far, from the ideals of the father of our nation.
 |
George Washington
National Portrait Gallery |
Heather works at Peace Corps headquarters here in DC, and was asked if she wanted to carry a flag for Peace Corps Night at the Washington Nationals baseball game. Her former Peace Corps Volunteer dad also volunteered to carry one, so there we were, carrying Tonga and Turkmenistan onto the outfield before the ball game! Flags from all countries in which PCVs have served. Great fun, and a very colorful and stirring pre-game ceremony. Play ball!!
Hearing that it was "Blue Crab Season" on the Maryland shore, we just had to give them a try. They really are blue, and they really are good! Cantler's Riverside Inn near Annapolis is our favorite site to get the taste and feel of this unique dining experience. Prepare to get your hands into hammering, cracking, picking and sucking your food! Bibs recommended. 
We've been in Washington nearly a week, and spent most of that getting moved in, shopping, filling out forms, and getting started in school. Friday's arrival at Dulles Airport was made special by Heather's surprise greeting. We've already reveled in being able to invite her over for dinner, and dining at her house! She's a great cook and Spanish tutor too! We will see Damon in a few weeks. We miss our Mauritius paradise, but it is heavenly to be home. 