Alphabet Soup

I've learned a lot by being in Sacramento these past weeks. Allow me to share the inside knowledge:

There is always a way to find free food. In fact, I think Buchanan's office should be added to the official list of local watering holes. Its certainly on the list of go-to spots for a daily dose of vitamin c for in-the-know staffers. Disclaimer: An apple a day keeps the doctor away, not the lobbyists. 

Sometimes when making calls, it is best not to mention which office you are from. Staffers are much nicer when they think they are speaking with a constituent

There is a puppy in Fiona Ma's office.

Things I have yet to fully grasp:

Why they vote "aye" but not "nay"

How the Senate can sit in session surrounded by red and pink walls and carpet without getting a head ache.

How the legislature can continue to start floor sessions with a prayer led by a priest.

How to navigate between the main building and the annex. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79945083@N03/7167423153/in/photostream

Above is a link depicting the perks of working in a political office. Lobbying done right. At least for this heel hating, I'll-go-get-you-a-coffee-so-I-can-get-out-from-this-desk intern. Its also a symbolic representation of my internship thus far. Like a Boy Scout, always prepared. [More so, apparently, than the Boy Scouts themselves (and a significant part of the legislature)].

Here's another photo. This is Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. It used to be that the televised Assembly sessions were so boring, Californians were unable to watch for more than five minutes before falling asleep. To address this barrier to the public's access to a transparent government (the only obstacle in the way of a truly open, accountable government, of course), the Assembly passed a bill instating Tom Ammiano as Chief Entertainer of the Assembly Floor. None of this, our course, is true except that Tom Ammiano IS the most interesting thing to happen dry diatribe on endless bills in California's history, excluding the occasional, uncivil, civil discourse. I can't say much about his politics, but I can say that he's a politician that I'd actually be interested in having coffee with.

Besides appreciating the more personable members of the legislature, I have also been consuming inordinate amounts of caffeine, spazzing out in few less-than-composed moments, spitting out a stream memos, and just generally settling in to life in a political office. Another day, another (92.1 billion) dollar(s) California!

Laur

Welcome, wayward readers, to my random-thoughts dumping ground. Or, not so random, since I'm required to follow certain prompts. But, hopefully, at least thoughtful. One out of two--I could almost pass a bill in the legislator.

First, the basics. I am currently interning for Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, who represents the 15th assembly district of California. The position was set up as part of USF's McCarthy Fellows Summer in Sacramento. This summer is my first time spending significant time in Sacramento. Originally, I hail from Richland, WA-- one of those, middle of the nowhere towns surrounded by agriculture. Tumbleweeds et al. I've no family background in politics, and am an International Studies major with a minor in African Studies, so, all in all, obviously the ideal candidate for a position in state government. However, I am greatly interested in various social issues and see the politics of local government as a mico-view of international relations, hence my motivation to insert myself for three months into the whirlwind that is the Californian capitol's summer session. No Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.

Orientation kicked off May 21st and I swiftly felt that I had stepped onto an airport-style moving walkway. Various speakers, arranged by our orientation guides, lined up outside the rails, and I had just enough time to reach out for a handshake before the treading ground moved me along to the next important individual. Hopefully, Air Force One is at the end of the terminal, and I don't lose their business cards through the window. Certainly, the best part of the week was all the free meals, Capitol Airlines wasn't skimpy with the peanuts. But, in all seriousness, it was wonderful getting to listen to one speaker passionately present an argument on an issue, and wholeheartedly agree, before finding myself do a 180 when listening to the next, equally articulated, and utterly opposite, speaker present another.

Now that I am two weeks in, I've begun to form a better picture of what this summer might hold. As the Senate and Assembly are currently debating and voting on various bills, I am excited to see the end result of the process, and learn which make it into law. The sheer volume of bills, however, astounds me. No wonder the capitol isn't decorated with minimalist art.

Despite the excitement, I'm nervous about not living up to expectations. I worry that my office may ask me to do something that I am totally unprepared for- although this fear is tempered by how welcoming and helpful the staff has greeted me thus far. Certainly, whatever happens will be an adventure. Sacramento is certainly a hub of activity, now especially. I look forward to seeing what will come next.