The last meeting of the quarter, and what a quarter it has been. As cheesy as it sounds, I’ve really learned a lot this quarter about senate, people, and all of America. A lot of it has been depressing, but there are promising bits as well. I realize that open and civil discourse is all but dead in America. If you aren’t with us you’re against us and there is no common ground. I mistakenly believed that the Senate was just a useless legislative body with no real power; I think people feel that it ought to have power and give me that impression. What it really is, and what it is most valuable as, is a place where ideas can be discussed openly and respectfully and a common ground can be reached. It is a place where individuals have their ideas challenged and hopefully have a better idea of what they believe. That’s cool, regardless of my cynicism, and rare in this country, as I am discovering.

The meeting itself was fairly uneventful. We passed a bill supporting equal veteran’s benefits to Filipinos who fought in WWII. Ashley Miller needs help with We also had first readings on another bill to honor all MoH recipients who graduated from University of Washington.

I am glad this quarter is done with. Look for more senate reports next quarter.

Quote of the Week: “Democracy forever teases us with the contrast between its ideals and its realities, between its heroic possibilities and its sorry achievements.” —Agnes Repplier

Jill