A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
I am new to Ricochet, though a long time listener to the podcast. I am also a federal lobbyist and a conservative. In some sense that often leaves me deeply conflicted. But it also puts me in a somewhat unique position to comment on the happenings in Washington, DC. So, here are some light-hearted observations on DC.
If you've visited Congress or federal agencies in DC recently, you'll notice a couple of things. First, in the past five years the government has outgrown its old office space. No longer stuck in their Carter-era concrete bunkers, agencies have expanded into beautifully modern office complexes throughout the city. Just the other day I visited a top ranking official at the Department of Education at an impressive high rise that complimented its prestigious neighbor, the very exclusive Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The elevator shot us to the upper floors where we were greeted by 360 degree views of the Potomac Waterfront. Nice digs if you can afford them.
The other thing you'll notice are the huge lines of folks waiting to pass through security to get into the office buildings of the "People's House." The Senate and federal agencies also feature a tangle of lines that at times can rival any major airport. (As an aside, us Washington Insiders skip these lines because we know of some secret entrances -- "The People" are suckers!) For a conservative like me, these security queues are a depressing reminder that too many people are forced to kneel before the federal Ba'al. And then it hit me. If we're so concerned about security at our federal office buildings, why doesn't the government just do less!? Voila, less people needing to supplicate before the altar and thus less security risk! Quick, get Napolitano and the Capitol Police on the phone. On second thought, it'll never work -- after all, who'd attend all those Congressional fundraisers?
One final note, I once did a spit take while in one of the House cafeterias. The massive influx of special interest groups and associations caused a massive table shortage which left me wandering around for 15 minutes on a futile search for a few seats. Finally, I found a spot next to a table full of representatives from the National Association of Postal Supervisors. That's right, NAPS. They even wore their acronym on their badges. You can't make this stuff up.
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Jun '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Mainfeed on your first post ever!? You are going places, my man. (smiling through gritted teeth)
Edited on Mar 16, 2011 at 1:21pmOct '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Arsenal, your post is depressing, and makes me pine for a muscular Federalism. Unless we can wrest power from Washington and return it to the States, what you describe will only worsen. The Federal behemoth should be tax-starved to skin and bones. It is encouraging that various Governors are starting to throw their weight around (Christie crack here).
On a happier note, great profile photo! Three sliders, at least, on Ricochet; you, me, and Del Mar Dave. [Also extrapolating from his avatar]. I also considered a surf shot, but 'The Thinker' better illustrates where my severe limitations lie.
Mar '11
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Severely Ltd, I am just sorry and a bit embarrassed that the wave is so small. But what surfer wants to waste time with a camera when the waves are nicer?
By the way, I tried to surf this weekend in SoCal. The ocean was so confused from the tsunami and I was completely thrown, mentally and physically. Biggest wipeout of my life, but at least I'm around to talk about it. Off to Hawaii (where my profile pic was taken) in three weeks. Can't wait.
Edited on Mar 15, 2011 at 12:47pmDec '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
"Department of Education at an impressive high rise that complimented its prestigious neighbor, the very exclusive Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The elevator shot us to the upper floors where we were greeted by 360 degree views of the Potomac Waterfront. Nice digs if you can afford them."
Hey c'mon! It's for the children! Remember?
Nov '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
I'm going to say, "Welcome," again. We're glad to have you, and I'm fascinated by your insights into an alien world.
Oct '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Arsenal, sorry to hear you had a rough session, I guess a tsunami would disturb the tides and current patterns for a while. Our oldest son lives on Maui, but in typical fashion he dismissed his mothers fears with a few sentences about minor flooding. He's a surfer, but no mention of its effect on the ocean there.
Enjoy your coming trip.
Oh, and don't apologize for the photo. It has the classic look of those 1930's Waikiki photos, the Duke Kahanamoku era.
Edited on Mar 15, 2011 at 5:48pmOct '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
I think Death Valley would prove to be a vast improvement over DC as the seat of our government. It's already a National Park, has some beautiful vistas and would offer the solitude so necessary when conducting the nation's affairs.
Dec '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
I'm all for naps, but not in the unionized way.
May '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Just as I blame Reagan for many of our non-conservative Republican woes (he should have picked Laxalt or Kemp as his running mate), I blame the inventor of air conditioning (Carrier, I think) as the instigator of our current status of NAPS, TSA, "cowboy poet gravy trainers," etc. Washington, Jefferson, et al. theorized that no one would be willing to work/go to the western tidewater of Virginia during the summer; therefore, the federal government would shut down from June until October. Thus, federal government shutdowns are a good thing.
Arsenal, Good job on your post.
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
That's a pretty good strategy, it seems to me, to keep the Beast alive and growing: spread it out, all over the city.
Question for you, Arsenal: do you ever detect any worry, or awareness even, from some folks about the opulence of their digs, or the sprawling federal behemoth at all? Or is it just, "Hey, this is the way it is"?
Feb '11
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Arsenal: I agree 100% with your troubling commentar, "The Senate and federal agencies also feature a tangle of lines that at times can rival any major airport. (As an aside, us Washington Insiders skip these lines because we know of some secret entrances --"The People" are suckers!) For a conservative like me, these security queues are a depressing reminder that too many people are forced to kneel before the federal Ba'al." I just spent the summer as an intern in the Senate and I found myself conflicted, while I would venture under the capitol in the morning to avoid the humidity anyome without the same i.d. as I had was forced to endure a trench over the capitol in high levels of humidity, I did not want to give up this luxury because of how profusely I would sweat in a suit in the D.C. humidity but I felt bad for all the tourists and visitors who could not enjoy a similarly air conditioned walk. Rob: I think that kind of answers your question indirectly, in D.C. the culture is just accepted as "the way it is." The view, i found, is that the nation needs governing, not D.C.
Edited on Mar 16, 2011 at 1:43pmMay '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Great comment! Unfortunately seems that we don't yet have a crop of Congressional officeholders who share the limited government view of Federalism this country was founded upon. Extremely difficult to extract all of the special interest groups who are enjoying the fruits of the Federal teat.
More work will be require from those of us who wish to see a drastic change in the power of the central government. Believe we can do it, and we mustn't lose our determination.
Aug '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
So Arsenal, have you recovered from the disappointments of the Gunners' disastrous week? What about RVP getting a red card in the Camp Nou? I took my son to the Emirates for the Sunderland game last week, 0-0, perfectly good goal by Arshavin disallowed. I wonder how many of our friends here can follow this?
May '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Not to worry. They've changed the menu back to real food after the horrors of the Pelosi era.
Oct '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Memo to Charles Mark: This is an English language forum and cryptic codes are also prohibited.
Jun '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
You're talking about a ShortPants-RunAround
I gather you're talking about a match of ShortPants-RunAround?
Aug '10
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Beats men in tights, Pilgrim
Mar '11
Re: A Conservative Lobbyist's DC Observations
Charles Mack: I have not recovered. A win this weekend would make me feel better, but I am afraid we're just not good enough.
Rob: Regarding the new office spaces, in my experience there is no shame, and even pride. The high-ranking official at the Dept of Ed gives us a tour of the office whenever we visit and proidly points out the great views. I should add that he's a good man who works hard, though I think he could do his job just as well in the old Dept of Education building. And, of course, as a conservative, I believe he could do his job even BETTER from a State Capitol or County Seat.
Ultra Vires: Excellent point about the subway system.