As you probably know, I was recently in Washington DC on a school trip. The only important people that we saw were Ted Kennedy and Lance Armstrong. Mr. Kennedy was just getting out of his dark blue minivan with an assistant, when we saw him, but we did not say hello because we were farther down the street. In reference to the question I asked in my title, I have no idea. Because the experience we had with Lance Armstrong at the Capitol building made him seem exceedingly rude.
Here is what happened: My group of four boys, four girls and a chaperone had just come through security when a police man told us to wait because Lance Armstrong was about to come through the door as he had an appointment somewhere in the building. And so, all of us being somewhat dazzled by Armstrong’s success as a biker, we waited. Finally Lance Armstrong came through the door and passed through security when the police man told him to wait and say hello to this eighth grade class. Now all of us had our cameras out, ready to snap photos and brag to our friends of who we had met. But then Lance Armstrong turned around, stared at us coldly and barked out a hello. And the best part was, he turned around and left without waiting for a response. If you don’t think that is rude, please say something, because I think that it is rude, especially to a bunch of kids. He probably didn’t care at all, but I hope that all slightly famous people aren’t incredibly rude like that. Hopefully not people who run our country (even though Mr. Armstrong doesn’t).
First of all I would like to apologize for not blogging lately… I was on an amazing trip to Washington DC with my school. We saw many things, but one that I remember the most was the tour we had of the Capitol. It was fabulous in all aspects imaginable. The architecture was lovely and with the unfinished murals upon the walls for the future of America, it was fun to imagine what might actually fill them. I was actually very lucky because a chaperone of mine chose a group of four boys (all of whom were very politically with it) and my room, a group of four girls for a Q and A with the other Illinois senator, Dick Durbin. It was quite interesting and informative, with questions about gas prices, humble thanks for support from this senator and an offering by a UK organization for a visit to England to observe their healthcare system once our president was chosen. I actually couldn’t figure out if that was a snub or an actual offering of kindness. After that my tiny group got a private tour from two of Barack Obama’s aides. We even got to go underground from one building to the next. I think that the most wondrous thing about the Capitol is the atmosphere. It is charged with importance and even the most lowly of assistants have an air of importance as they walk, no march, around in suits as if they always have somewhere to go. You never know who you might see striding from place to place. The Capitol seems quite imposing, but once inside, you can tell it is just a HUGE office building where some of the highest officials happen to work. Everyone is trying to get something done. I would absolutely love to be there when something important is happening, or just on a regular day. It would be a lifetime opportunity to work there. I hope I can return there to see the Inauguration of the 44th president in January.