Day 2, DC

Hello,

Another successful day in DC.


After a light breakfast spent discussing with one of the other scholars the historic shift from geometry-based math proofs to algebra-based proofs, we began a series of briefings (what do civilians call them - presentations, guest lectures?) from former Marshall Scholars from a variety of backgrounds.

Our first lecture was from Mr. Bruce Babbitt, former Secretary of the Interior, on climate change and the inherent difficulties that democracies have in reacting to slow, gradual problems, as opposed to crises. I've decided that the whole global warming debate is something that I should probably bone up on, especially considering that environmental policy is a rather over-represented (I think) group within the scholars, and since Babbitt informed us that it was our "civic obligation to engage and understand this issue." It seems that most folks here consider it a closed case, but I'm still a little wary - particularly because John Coleman, the founder of the weather channel, has called it "the biggest scam of the century." I guess I just need to dig into the facts a bit. Is good environmental policy important? Sure, but I don't think that it should trump poverty, human rights, etc. on the international agenda.

Next we had Ambassador Quainton talk about terrorism and diplomacy. He had some interesting insights on the shift from the predominately Marxist-Leninist terrorist ideology to Jihadist Islam, the effect that fortifying our embassies has had on public perception of the US (he believes that we are too risk averse - I agree), and about the importance of shifting from proconsular diplomacy to a more discussion/dialectic approach. Overall he seemed like a pretty cool, straight-shooting guy.

After that, Sewell Chan, a New York Times reporter who published over 400 by lines last year, gave us an overview of the political landscape of the British press. Now I know...

At that point, we left for lunch at the Rayburn House Office Building with Congressman John Spratt (D, SC), chairman of the budget committee, who discussed the current financial crisis. It seems that almost everyone we talk to considers us at a "pivotal point in history," - the environment, terrorism, the economy. I wonder if every generation is told that, or if things really are as bleak as they portray. Isn't every point in history technically a pivotal point?

Anyway, we then went the British Ambassador's residence for afternoon tea. Sir Nigel Sheinwald gave a short speech, but we mostly just mingled with the staff. The house is truly unbelievable and was actually the location of the worst case of espionage in British history. One of the soviet-recruited "Cambridge five" was stationed at the residence and was responsible for the death of hundreds of British agents.

Here are some pictures from the ambassador's house.



The final event of the day was a reception hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, again at the Rayburn Building, but that fortunately didn't last long because we were all pretty tired at that point.

That's all for now!

Goodnight,
Will

P.S. The times on the blog are already set for England, so it's actually only 9:00.

Current favorite song: Canaan Bound, by Andrew Peterson
Current Bible reading: Genesis