Time to get back into this.

It is already February 2010. Obviously, you already know this unless you have somehow time-traveled. January absolutely flew by. I still have not started classes yet, but they start soon so don't be too jealous! Anyways, in this posting I figured that I would reflect on the past month and talk about what I have done in 2010 so far. Are you ready? Good.

As most of you know, I was lucky enough to intern at Congressman Christopher Lee’s (NY-26) office in Greece. It was a great opportunity for me and a real eye opener too. Though I did not get to meet the Congressman I will hopefully get a chance next fall when I try to intern in his D.C office. Congressman Lee and I have a lot in common (due to the fact that I interned in his office I will not put him in a bad position by saying too much). One thing that we have in common is that he is fiscally conservative. Though I have never owned my own business I have the same beliefs as the supply-siders which really gained ground during President Reagan’s administrations. Before taking office, Congressman Lee ran his own business which most Representatives cannot say. Because Mr. Lee has done this, he is on the House Committee of Finance. Another thing that I have in common with the Congressman is that we both love running. Congressman Lee has run in numerous 5k’s and 10k’s and he has completed one marathon. He is ok in my book and he definitely has my vote this coming year.

Overall, the internship was fantastic. At times there was not much to do (though I did read a few books which I will talk about shortly) but I did learn a lot. I have a few laughs and I met two great guys who work for the Congressman who really know the ins and outs of the House of Representatives. I strongly urge everyone to get more involved in politics and or call their representatives and ask a few questions.

Like I said before, I got a chance to read a few books while was interning (of course it was on the down time). Two books that I read were Glenn Beck’s Common Sense. I know a lot of you disagree with his politics, and my politics for that matter. However, what I will say about Beck’s book is that it is a really easy read and easy to understand. Personally, I do not think the book was “radical” in any way rather, it questioned the way our country is going and where the values have gone. It does remind me a lot of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense which is included in Beck’s book at the back. On a scale of 1 to 10 and 1 being do not read and 10 a recommended read I give this book a 7. The second book I read was Ann Coulter’s If Democrats had any Brains, they’d be Republicans. Now this book was more a fun read for me personally and something where I could laugh and agree with. I do not recommend this book for anyone that sees themselves as a left-leaning Democrat. However, I have read several of her other books and those ones I would recommend to anyone. And currently, I am reading another conservative book: In Defense of the Religious Right by Patrick Hynes. So far I am enjoying it and I think Hynes makes a pretty strong argument. The real reason I am reading this book is because I slightly disagree with one of his main arguing points: I do not believe that the religious right helps the Republican Party (but to a degree it sort of does). This is a debate that I will write about at a later time.

January was another big month for Republicans and another set-back for Obama and Pelosi. It was also a slap in the face to the Kennedy legacy. Senator-elect Scott Brown, a Republican, won in one of the most liberal states in the country: Massachusetts. One might wonder why this is such a big deal and why Obama has failed pretty hardcore. Well, Obama went to Massachusetts in a final push to campaign for Maratha Coakley who was supposed to win by a landslide. When the President went there, it was a complete and utter disaster for him because he lost his super majority in the Senate. The Democrats no longer hold the 60 vote-filibuster proof majority to pass anything they want. My advice to any Democrat, November is right around the corner, be careful of what you wish for. And my note to President Obama and Speaker Pelosi: you had a full year with a super majority and you couldn’t get anything passed except a $1.4 trillion deficit. Good job. The people have spoken, mainly the people that call themselves Independents.

Just a few days ago I received some more good news. I get to attend this year’s CPAC, also known as the Conservative Political Action Conference. This is biggest conference of all year for the nation’s biggest conservatives. This is a once in a life time opportunity to get to go to and I am. Crazy story of how this opportunity presented itself too! I was actually looking online for something to help my Republicans club at school and I stumbled upon the CPAC’s website. While there I saw a section where it said I could volunteer there. So I emailed the guy and asked for an application and he sent me one and I filled it out. He called me a few days later to interview me and I got the spot. Apparently only 55(ish) people get this spot because they provide room and board. Not a bad deal. So I get to rub elbows with some pretty important people in the conservative movement. Oh yeah, did I mention I might get to meet Glenn Beck since he will be there!? Totally pumped.

Before this is finished I would like to write a little eulogy for my grandfather who passed away exactly four years ago today. To spend the day today, I went out to eat with my grandma who really misses him and she was a mess. I just want to say that I miss you to grandpa and I wish you could be here. But, I know you are in a better place and I will get to see you someday. Love and miss you.