PVCC Puma Press: March 2005

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	(Photos courtesy of Bonnie Wentzel)
	Left to right: Bonnie Wentzel, Dr. Linda Knoblock, Professor Sherry Adams, and Abigail Downer visit the Arizona wreath of rememberance.
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Abigail Downer, PVCC student, along with Bonnie Wentzel, PVCC student and staff writer, attended a two week seminar “Inside Washington, 2005.” Dr. Linda Knoblock, PVCC honors advisor and Professor Sherry Adams, honors mentor, served as faculty leaders for 17 of the 325 students attending from all over the nation. The first week covered “Media and Politics,” while the second week explored the president’s agenda for the next four years. The trip culminated with the presidential inauguration on January 20.

From the desert of Arizona it’s difficult for this native Phoenician to contemplate the origin of our country. We have modern buildings, there are few monuments and, with the exception of Election Day, people are generally removed from the democratic system.

Washington, D.C. quickly reminded me that the nation’s capital is where the past links to the future. In a town where so many residents change with the political winds, the core ideals of our country—freedom, sacrifice and service live. In my opinion that is what makes the United States great.

Reporters In some countries are punished for presenting the news, which is obviously not the case in the U.S. The first week of our adventure focused on the media and their role in our political system. The press covers the news as they see fit. The viewers have the option to reject or accept these interpretations through their viewer or readership.

No one loses their lives; however, some may lose their jobs as was recently demonstrated at CBS. The members of the media speaking to the group included Sam Donaldson (ABC News), Kim Humme (FOX News), Bob Schieffer (CBS News), Ted Koppel (ABC Nightline), Susan Page (USA Today) and Anne Compton (ABC News).

They all reflected some way or another that they felt pride in serving the country in their roles as journalists. By being in the media they felt an obligation to dig deep, be credible, take risks and bring the stories, good or bad, to the people. The media may be viewed as biased by some, but as Sam Donaldson pointed out, “When I covered Reagan, the Democrats loved me. When I covered Clinton, the Republicans loved me. That’s how I knew I was doing a good job.”

The monument visits highlighted for me past struggles and history’s lessons. Standing in the Lincoln Memorial, reading the Gettysburg address, I realized that those words still ring true today just as they did in 1863.

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	(Photo courtesy of Bonnie Wentzel)
	A park ranger assists a visitor in finding a name amongst the thousands listed on the Vietnam War memorial.
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Other memorials were poignant reminders that freedom is indeed not free of sacrifice and sometimes, as responsible world citizens, U.S. soldiers have died to preserve the rights of those who could not defend themselves.

Our democratic system is a balance between debate and cooperation. Politicians may grill and drill those they deem to be in political opposition. I had the opportunity to personally witness the heated exchanges between Dr. Condoleezia Rice and Senator Barbara Boxer, D-California, during the Senate confirmation process. It was pointed, angry and uncomfortable but it was a uniquely U.S. exchange.

What many did not hear were the challenging questions facing the U.S. around the world. What role does the United States have in countries that need help such as Africa, Haiti, Cuba and tsunami ravaged areas? Who are the next “bad guys”? How and when will they try to hurt us? Those bigger questions are what unite U.S. citizens—not divide us.

Washington, D.C. obviously has a concentrated number of people who are willing to serve this democracy in one capacity or another. With the exception of those serving in the military, the call to service is one that sometimes gets lost in translation as one heads west.

One person we were lucky enough to meet was “Bill,” a secret service agent. Upon our completing the White House tour, this 20-year veteran was good enough to spend some time answering our questions.

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'Talking to this unassuming patriot was a trip highlight for me.'
-Bonnie Wentzel
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Of what he would tell students back in Phoenix, he said that, based on his experience traveling 18 times around the world, spending two weeks in each location prior to the president’s visits, he can say without hesitation that the United States is the best country on earth. He wanted people to know that, despite what is in the news, those who serve in the White House are truly dedicated to their jobs. Bill had his favorite White House occupants, but his duty to protect the first family never wavered.

Talking to this unassuming patriot was a trip highlight for me.

Witnessing the inauguration and parade, in person, was quite moving. It is hard for me to sing the National Anthem on the lawn of the Capitol without getting choked up. It occurred to me that we take for granted our democratic system. The entire two weeks was truly an enlightening experience for all of us.

I walked away with a renewed sense of patriotism and pride. It was an excellent reminder of what makes our country great and how many people it takes to make it that way.