George W at Mount Vernon

On Presidents Day, President George W. Bush visited Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. In a short speech there, President Bush said that he was happy to be visiting the home of the first George W., to which the crowd laughed. He then went on to compare himself to Washington and compare the war in Iraq to the Revolutionary War. This has made some people laugh for another reason. Its has also made some grimace. Some people seem to have a problem with Bush, a president with a 60 percent disapproval rating, compare himself to America's most beloved president, George Washington.

As for me, I was just happy to be there. Above is a picture that I took of President Bush. It was great to see the President and to get a picture of, what some have pointed out is, the most powerful man in the world. I was also excited to see my old friend George Washington (or the actor who plays him) who greeted President Bush for the occasion.

To see what people have said, here are some links. From The Onion, a satirical newspaper: http://www.theonion.com/content/amvo/bush_likens_terror_war_to_u_s. The full story also from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/19/AR2007021900446.html

Visiting the Libby Trial: The Defense Rests

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the jury in Scooter Libby’s perjury trial walked into the courtroom wearing matching red t-shirts with a white heart on the front. A juror gave a short speech directed at the judge about their apparel, and concluded by saying, “Valentine wishes to you all as well,” motioning to both counsels and the audience.

The jury’s cheerful attitude was in contrast to the arguments that had taken place prior to their entrance and to what they heard after they took their seats. When the courtroom came to order, a defense attorney read a long list of weighty matters that Libby had been briefed on, along with information about former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, on June 14, 2003. This, and a few newspaper articles, was all that was left of the defenses case after the Judge’s rulings early that day.

The defense had planned on calling Craig Schmall, Libby’s CIA briefer along with another CIA briefer as witnesses. Schmall was to give a detailed account of the classified list of information that he shared with Libby the morning of June 14. This was meant to establish the fact that Libby had many more important things on his mind than Wilson and Valerie Plame. Judge Walton decided not to allow the witnesses to testify because Libby was no longer testifying. Summary lists of the information were read to the jury.

After the defense had argued to allow the witness, and on a question about Plame’s employment, and on a question of admission, Judge Walton said in frustration, “This whole thing is turning into too much of a game. We are supposed to be trying to find the truth.” Instead, Judge Walton inferred that the defense was just clouding the truth. The Judge said that the defense was wrongfully trying to give the jury Libby’s state of mind without him having to testify.
The Judge said his rulings up to this point had been based on the assumption that Libby would testify. He continued by stating the whole “landscape” of the trial had changed and that he was risking giving the defense an unfair advantage. “I think both sides are in titled to a far trial,” Judge Walton said, “and if the Supreme Court wants to reverse me on that—well then, maybe I should hang up my spurs.”

Napping

This goes out to all of those that really like to dose off while at work. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/13/AR2007021301154.html

In Philly

Lindsay and me in front of the First National Bank.

Hey Bronze Men, Stay Away From My Wife!

George Washington in the Flesh

While visiting Valley Forge, my peers and I were visited by George Washington in the flesh--or at least an actor who played George Washington in the flesh. This man stood six feet-two inches, as did Washington. He had hand-stitched period clothing, natural gray hair with appropriate curls, and most impressively the demeanor and presents that we all might imagine General Washington carried. He spoke with dignity, an unfamiliar trait in politicians of our day.

For almost two hours we sat, captivated by every word that came from his mouth. This actor had the room believing that he was George Washington. His vast knowledge of history was so extensive, it include Washington's very thoughts and feeling. We asked him about his religious belief and comparative politics, and we believed his answers as if they had come from Washington himself. Lindsay Taylor, my wife, said that she had to keep reminding herself, “He’s not the real thing; he’s not the real thing.” Kyle Jarrett, an intern, said that the experience is better than any other during his time in Washington.

During the next day, while touring in Philadelphia and in response to something a tour guild would say, we frequently respond amongst ourselves, "That's not what George Washington told me."