Adventures of Andrew Lee

You've been waiting patiently for this moment. You've stood in line, checked the web, and I'm finally proud to say (no, it's not Star Wars III)...

The Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 Study Guides are up!

There's even a special DC Study Guide for surviving the semester in D.C.!

Took quite a long time, might I add...

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Because I haven't updated since my finals, this particular update will be an open letter to family and friends:  

Emerson once said, "Keep your friendships in repair." My Uncle Johnny from New York City always said, "This is important. We're family." With that in mind, I hope this letter reaches friends and family in good health and spirits this 2005 summer.

I just finished my sophomore semester at CMC on the D.C. Semester program. I chose to stay in Washington D.C. over the summer because I was offered an internship at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in their Natural Resources and Environment Division. The GAO, formerly the General Accounting Office, is the investigative arm of Congress. The GAO, in my view, is the perfect policy institute, allowing for real, unbiased, and straightforward policy analysis in Washington D.C. I will be able to work on environmental issues and my particular interest of water resource issues, but I can also work on nuclear regulatory issues (Russia's constant loose nukes, etc.). I'm fairly young for the Student Intern position, which pays GS-7 pay grade, because most interns are graduate students (mostly MPPs and MPAs). The great thing is that the internship allows for non-competitive placement in the GAO when I graduate. I'll also be taking a history course at George Washington University (GWU) and a literature course at the University of Maryland. Oh by the way, I've developed an interest for solving the problem of water scarcity in the western United States. The goal occurred to me while I was hearing predictions of drought and doom in Colorado, and while seeing how much water the rest of the West uses. I know I'm still interested in politics and government, especially public service in the state of Colorado. One option would be to go back to Colorado and work to be state attorney general or serve as a judge in Colorado, crafting laws that are equitable for those in the West and for Colorado. Another option would be to try my hand in the State legislature, and work my way up there, because as Tip O'Neill always said, "All politics is local." However, I've been wondering recently where I could make the most impact. I could work my way up to be a managing director at GAO, and the great thing is that I wouldn't have to be partisan. It's easier to speculate naively (as many "leaders" in my generation do) about these goals, than to think about the things that really matter: having a family, making sure my children know the value of a dollar, taking care of my health, and making sure that I'm volunteering to help educate kids. I know that I'm working toward those goals and I would give anything to be a good person with a good family. Speaking of which, my girlfriend, Elizabeth, just finished her internship with the Council of Economics Advisers and she's now working for Spiegel & McDiarmid. She's been a really positive force in my life, and our relationship is mature beyond our ages. She's the perfect balance for me: grounded when I'm emotional, caring when I'm disillusion, and really my "better half." She's German-Norwegian, and I don't think that's a problem. I know this is an important issue that each Chinese-American has to deal with in his/her life, and I think that we've dealt with it. Sometimes we argue about what to buy, usually with me being the stingy one. She wants me to speak Chinese to her so she can learn it. Additionally, she has no problem with rice at every meal and already knows how to cook my mother's recipes. She is a very humble person who doesn't drink or smoke, loves plants & children, and respects her family and mine. In other news, my sister Shiela is staying with me this summer to work an internship at PIPA and take a physiology class at GWU. In conclusion, life is well. I know for some this may be the first correspondence in many years, while for others, it is a regular event. I sincerely want to know how you are doing. If you're in Washington D.C., contact me and we can have lunch. In the meantime, send me an e-mail and picture so I can update my family & friends picture gallery. All the Best, Andrew

As usual, here are some websites for your review:

• Chronicles of Narnia are so cool.
• NPR now lists Driveway Moments. They just get cooler and cooler.
• Have you ever heard This American Life on the radio? This is quality entertainment, no matter what your tastes. Listen to it on the web.

Because I am updating my website the day before my first final, I'm attempting to update with an interesting post relating to my schoolwork.

Although the story of Anakin Skywalker's eventual turn toward the dark side is the main focus of the upcoming Star Wars movie, the Revenge of the Sith, the parallel  story of how the Old Republic becomes the totalitarian Empire may perhaps be the most politically interesting. (Yes, even E.T. had a seat in the galactic Senate.)

The Galactic Senate, after having given Chancellor Palpatine emergency powers, allows the Senator to solidify his power with numerous constitutional amendments. From this constitutional change, an alarmed Senator Amidala (Natalie Portman) begins "collecting the pledges of what would become the Delegation of 2,000, a group of disaffected Senators formally critical of Palpatine's rule." From this pledge, the beginnings of the Rebel Alliance will form, but not until the Separatists have lost all ties to the Sith and Chancellor Palpatine installs himself as Emperor.From this example, the Star Wars government shows the inherent problems with ceding national sovereignty over to a supranational institution, especially in the form of military power. For many who believed in the Galactic Senate, as Robert Kagan might argue, their Kantian leanings to solve the Hobbesian world of galactic politics would point to a supranational government. The Hobbesian world, referred to by Kagan, is the conception that men by nature are enemies, not fellow citizens, constantly seeking power. Kagan says, " But he [Kant] also feared that the 'state of universal peace' made possible by world government would be an even greater threat to human freedom than the Hobbesian international order, inasmuch as such a government, with its monopoly of power, would become 'the most horrible despotism.'" It would seem that Kant, learned in classical philosophy, understands Plato's The Republic and its evolutionary stages of government. Plato notes that a democracy is the most unstable forms of government and the public will want someone to instill order, but which leads to tyranny. If a large supranational government were given to such oscillations of opinion and instability, then the threat of tyranny would have even greater magnitude. Keep in mind that the Republic was not founded upon the concept of a balance of power, it is more like the parliamentary systems of Europe. Much like the fallen democracies of Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy, the Republic gives its power to Chancellor Palpatine who later becomes Emperor Palpatine.

Now, there is a lot to be said for supranational institutions. The Galactic Senate is a place where nations can agree on a charter of rights, trade negotiation, the institution as a forum for foreign policy decisions, and where all nations have a seat in advising and consulting. Indeed, in the scary world of Jabba the Hutts, Boba Fetts, and other galactic smugglers, bounty hunters, and terrorists, it may be best for governments to try to cooperate and stop an intergalactic slave trade/smuggling ring or preserve rights/liberties in the world. These are just a number of good reasons to want to have allies and partners. However, countries will not cede their national sovereignty to a supranational institution because they are afraid of the "Kantian depotism" that might follow. Even worse, however, is that once countries feel that the Galactic Senate cannot suffice in representing their interests, they will lose faith in the institution, e.g. Naboo's war with the Trade Federation. This effect may even lead separating governments to want to destroy the instituion, e.g. the Separatists in this upcoming movie who wage war against the Republic. Case in point, the only way that the Republic was to fight off the Separatists was to have a standing army of its own to fight against the Republic. The Republic needed this power, and this standing army was the beginning of the "despotic regime" and the downfall of the Republic. Even Master Yoda's clear vision did not see when he lead the Clone troops against the droid armies that the standing army of the Republic would follow the old adage of "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." These troops gave the Republic new meaning, not as a forum for galactic politics, but as an entity unto itself. Combined with the centralization of power in one person, a Sith Lord at that, the Republic is a tale of perfect political tragedy. Ultimately, Star Wars III shows that the Kantian paradise could not solve the Hobbesian crisis posed before the Republic. As this movie and the next movie show, the ever-changing world of galactic politics is probably the most realist and Hobbesian of all political experiments. Amazingly, those Separatists would later join forces with others to form the Alliance, and the Republic would evolve to become the dark Empire.

Links found while Web-searching for anything about Star Wars: Star Wars III- All the cool stuff. Star Wars Essays- These may shed some light to those who don't understand why Star Wars is so widely popular. Another commentary from Salon.com on Star Wars: the hidden agenda An Essay on How Star Wars Saved His Life... and Turned Him Into a Geek For Life Whoever this guy is, he's hilarious. Some person's musing on Obi-Wan, quite literary, might I add.

That's it for now. I'm off to study for Gov 125 & Gov 126. Good luck to my fellow DCers, and as always... may the force be with you (I'm such a nerd).

The internet is a wonderful new playground for us to humiliate ourselves. I thought I did a pretty good job without the internet, but according to the NY Times in February 2005, "humiliation -- like everything else -- has now gone public." So, just like Paris Hilton's hacked Sidekick or Laura Bush- the "desperate housewife", heed the tale of...Gary Brolsma, guy from New Jersey, who posted a webcam clip of himself dancing to the Romanian pop song: Dragostea Din Tei by O-zone (translated as "Love From the Linden Trees." If you haven't seen his heartfelt rendition of the song, click on Brolsma. I've heard many say he was better than Cats, others say he was not. No matter where you stand, you can assuredly laugh at this. Mr. Brolsma's story does not end with happily ever after, producing "She-Bang" videos like William Hung. In virtual reality, Brolsma did not gain notoriety and instead was rejected by Lady Luck. After stints on "Good Morning America," CNN and VH1 broadcasts, and huge site hits for his video, Brolsma knew how it felt to be the Star Wars Kid. Much like Ghyslain Raza, the teenage Quebecois, who taped himself in a mock light-saber duel, Brolsma found out that the fame did nothing for him, he was quoted on the NY Times saying, "I want this to end." Perhaps, not all who have fun are made out to be the Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler of the world. Sometimes our internet antics may just get us into trouble, like Jessica Cutler, the infamous Washingtonienne. For her and the guys at Jib Jab (This Land), their careers were made on the web. For others like Brolsma, he now shuttles embarassed between his home and his job at Staples. Others may argue that Brolsma's fame may only be due to the coinciding factors of a rising song in Europe (quite catchy in fact), and the public's need for another American Idol. No matter what the reason, the "numa numa" dance, Star Wars Kid, and others will live in the minds of our generation as the first of many humiliating, yet popular, unwitting celebrities of webdom. With the digital marketplace and the web at our fingertips, many of my peers do not even need a TV (because we watch the rise of 15 second news, as advertised by MSNBC.com), our society can have whatever it desires. The FCC may want to curb TV content or remove Howard Stern, but the consumer has already spoken. It's interesting that those who want an unregulated market and those who want to censor content are allies. Indeed the rise of Paris Hilton shows that the people will continue to watch what they want to watch. Ultimately, some have speculated that the FCC may actually chill television media, making cable or the internet the only alternative. If fame can begin and end on the internet, the consumer is at his/her strongest. As the Economist wrote in its March 31st edition, the consumer has been "crowned at last." Just ask Brolsma. Source: Alan Feuer and Jason George, "Internet Fame is Cruel Mistress for a Dancer of the Numa Numa," NY Times, 26 Feb. 2005, A1. Other News I'm now 20. Boy, I need to accomplish more. Since my birthday was recent, I hope the above post made you laugh and think, I also hope that these websites bring you some food for thought:

1. Sojourners, these wonderful people of faith understand what faith really is.
2. Atrios and his highlights on what marriage means to gays and lesbians
3. Everybody Wins DC- the place I've been volunteering my Power Lunch this semester.

The hero amongst heroes, Rafe Esquith (listen to the NPR story). He makes me even more excited for the day that I can finally teach until I die.

You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in. No one is fanatically shouting that the sun is going to rise tomorrow. They know it is going to rise tomorrow. When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or any other kinds of dogmas or goals, it's always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt. --Robert M. Pirsig Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Above is the infamous shot of Lance Corporal James Miller for the Los Angeles Times. The image is stark and weary; a bit raw for some, inspiring thought for many. I think the picture asks us to contemplate war. When I was an eighth-grader in high school, my father once told me that he had once tried to join the marines upon arriving in New York City at my age. Unfortunately, a couple nights before he had his physical fitness exam, he had a row with my grandfather which caused him to fail his test. You see, my grandfather and grandmother had my father when they were in college. They were young and unsure of what to do with their lives. It's hard for a young couple to live in southern China, let alone have a child. And so, they gave my father to my great-grandmother to take care of before they left for Hong Kong in their escape of China. My grandmother and grandfather both received degrees in architecture, and subsequently moved to the city that never sleeps. In New York, they started anew. My aunt Leenor (born in Hong Kong) and uncle Johnny enjoyed life in the hustle and bustle city, while my grandparents created the large edifices of NYC, and the tunnel that connects Manhattan Island to the coast. Throughout their travels, my grandfather always wrote to my father and also sent money. He was racked by guilt for his "lost son," the boy with nothing who belonged in this land of opportunity. The opportunity came when my father was able to come to America. At my same age, my father arrived in LaGuardia Airport with two bags stuffed with clothing, and a copy of his father and mother's English names and addresses. My uncle and aunt saw my father for the first time, welcoming him as a brother who had just returned home from a long vacation, and my grandparents had a heartfelt embrace. Life, however, is never as picturesque as we want it to be. My father had left a college opportunity to study medicine in Southern China, and had come to America because his father had requested, indeed implored that he come. After a few weeks, my father was angry at his father for taking him to this place, where he was treated like dirt, where he couldn't find a job, and where he had nothing to offer. The fight ended with my father leaving the home and going out into the cold of NYC. He caught tuberculosis, and fortunately was able to recover. The lingering TB disqualified my father from ever serving in the military. It seems unclear why my father wanted to join the military; maybe he wanted to serve and be a hero, and maybe it was the last place in America where he could fit. Perhaps what's important is not the intention of joining, but the circumstances of your life once you join. During a lunch at the American Legion Post 1655 in Colorado when I asked, "During Vietnam, with all of he protests back home and being unsure of what you're fighting for is true, how could you have kept on fighting?" One veteran who served as a paratrooper said, "It doesn't matter really. Once you land in the jungle, the bullets start flying and you can only think about the guy next to you." Perhaps, asking questions of intent when joining the military completely misses the true nature of heroism, patriotism, and valor. I think we all join for our different reasons, but in the end, we all end up soldiers. Even though Lance Corporal Miller said, "Tell Marlboro I'm down to four packs and I'm here in Fallujah 'til who knows when," he still came back to say, "I lost a few of some of my dearest friends." I do think that Pirsig (above quote) is right, that we are unsure of things. To be sure, we must believe, but it is in humanity’s nature to think. Once we stop contemplating, we aren't human. I hope these below quotes give you pause to think:

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."--Dwight Eisenhower 1953 speech

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."--John Stuart Mill

"War is nothing but the continuation of policy with other means."-- Clausewitz

Other News

• Took a tour of the White House. I was most impressed by the size of the portrait saved by Dolley Madison when the White House was torched during the War of 1812.
• Went to the Sunday game last week where the Nationals beat the Diamondbacks, 7-3.
• Went to Annapolis on Saturday to see a posthumous wax figurine of George Washington in the Maryland state capitol. Ate crab cakes, and had a blast with Prof. Spalding's two kids: Joseph and Catherine.
• Congratulated myself for contributing a small part to helping small and seasonal businesses get their H2B workers.
• Had a wonderful time finishing up my paper on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. A big thanks to Steve Black, Energy and Natural Resources LA for Senator Ken Salazar, for taking time out on a friday evening to meet with me (to the irk of his wife Nina).
• Glad to say that I am not of the "only Easter" crowd who attends St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Liz and I have been enjoying the services with Pastor Umholt and Vicar Lovell. The service is wonderful and the music is "divine" (you saw that one coming).

Websites The Llama Song- hearkens back to the songs of old, e.g. Badger, Badger, Badger. Good reading on Positive and Negative Liberties Could the Swiss Finance Academy help your career? Just an interesting thing from the CMC Career Chronicle. I promise I will begin updating more frequently (like weekly), but I may be held up by updates to the Links page and Life @ CMC study guides.

An interesting thing happened on my way toward finishing up a report on the Senate ENR 2005 Water Conference (more on that later)... I was sent to cover a Senate Approps Hearing for the Energy and Water Subcommittee, the interesting thing was that it was my first time seeing Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO). For those who do not know, Senator Allard had a tough race against polls had placed the two neck-and-neck. To much disappointment or jubiliation depending on the aisle seat, Senator Allard won and subsequently brought his Federal Marriage Amendment and the second term of a two-term pledge back to the U.S. Senate. This pledge expires in 2008, and Udall is hoping for the seat. In anticipation, the Republican Senate leadership named Allard to a seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Today, I saw for the first time Senator Allard, while he was on the committee. He seemed tired. Aside from the peculiar set of questions he had for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation, Senator Allard's red-haired foot soldier didn't seem to have any amazing planted questions. Look past the questions about communication between the Corps and Denver, the Arkansas conduit, and it struck me. It was the same feeling when I heard Senator Salazar say, the "Western Policy Review Commission amounted to nothing [in solving water crishttp://www.windsofchange.net/ way, Senator Salazar worked on that commission. Sometimes, it's hard to look at the big picture when you have one eye at your state and another on a future election. You don't have extra eyes toward big-picture solutions for the common good when you don't have seniority and when you're fighting to make a name for yourself. Luckily for Senator Allard, Senator Kit Bond was filling in for Senator Domenici who was attending the Pope's funeral. Senator Bond had to leave toward the end, and there it was... Senator Allard was the only Senator in the room. Who cares if there were enough people in the audience (including witnesses) to count on two hands? His whttp://www.centristcoalition.coms subcommittee, and... for a second... he recognized it too. He paused and asked a question that many wonder in Colorado, "Can Lake Powell be stoppered? (Thinking "so I can tell people in Colorado that the river will be back on track and not to worry about their crops or their water")." He didn't ask a question to grandstand (probably because he had asked enough), but he asked a question that was from the heart. There it was, the small bit of hope for all of the grief he'd be back to the quick walking and grumbling, for that brief instant, Wayne Allard was a Senator. The Republicans can't expect this man to automatically renege on his pledge, but I think he might. He might just want to give it another go.  

 

 

Other News I am going to be working for the GAO this summer in their Natural Resources and Environment Division. I guess I'm fairly young for the Student Intern position because most interns are students in their penultimate years of graduate work. I'll be earning GS-7 ($6K) over the summer, and it allows for non-competitive placement in the GAO when I graduate. I will be able to work on environmental issues and my particular interest of water resource issues, but I can also work on nuclear regulatory issues (Russia's constant loose nukes, etc.). I'm excited. In other Colorado news... the ousting of three people from a Bush rally is hilarious. I love the political fallout for the Republicans, especially combined with the feral idiocy of some Republican legislators. I concur with Rep. Paccione, "Geesh! This is what we're talking about!" Now, enough of my bad post... On sadder note, R.I.P Pope John Paul II, Your wonderful character and resolve inspired us all. We http://www.lcr.orgmessenger of peace. Although many have known you as brother, father, and grandfather, I only knew you as grandfather. Thank you for your guidance and may God embrace you as you have embraced us. (Daily Show- This Week in God Theme- Beep,boop,boop,beep,boop,boop..." Websites! Lying makes your brain work harder Politicians and Actors- Those striking similarities What do Chinese people eat for snacks? song (from the trailer). Click "Cells." Post-Secret: Hilarious, sad, and yet strangely human...

Warning: Imported from old college This post was moved from an older website hosted on a college server. These have been unedited and contain many mistakes. But, whatever.

After Social Security: Red, Blue and Rainbow, I received a couple of interesting e-mails and posts that I would like to share with everyon.

	Atrios replied: "this isn't correct. Privatization won't allow people to dictate who gets survivor/dependent benefits, only presumably the balance of their private account if they die before retirement. These are different things." This is pretty much the typical response I received as a result of using the word "benefit." (no link, sent by e-mail)
	President of the Log Cabin Republicans Patrick Guerriero writes, "great work...pg" (no link, sent by e-mail)
	The wonderful Christiana Dominguez (CMC alum at Hastings Law) writes, "...Statutory language would be required to ensure that contract (probate too?) law allowed for beneficiaries to collect despite almost guaranteed next-of-kin, or other challeneges seeking to terminate agreements as violative of public policy.." (link)
Outside the Beltway	Robert Tagorda (CMC alum at Kennedy Gov) writes, "given how high-profile the issue is, gays and lesbians are bound to face more pressure than they normally do to toe the Democratic line...Nonetheless, Andrew writes in a pretty clever closing line, 'This dialogue should come out of the closet.'" (link)
Right Side of the Rainbow	"...only one thing can explain the failure of gay political groups to embrace the president's call for reform: politics over progress." (link)
Winds of Change.net	Perhaps, my favorite post from an extremely nice person. Robin writes, "I think issue by issue affiliation is a big advance over mindless Bush hatred - and it's smart politics, too. UPDATE: By the way, it's great to see so many young adults across the political spectrum thinking seriously about policy issues and getting involved." (link)
	Rick Heller writes, "the sort of out-of-the-box perspective that is bound to make Republican proponents and Democratic opponents uncomfortable." (link)
Bob Polizeros- Musings on politics: Antiwar movement, California, and otherwise.	Replying to the line-(Gay activists have little to lose from such support of Social Security privatization), Polizeros writes, "Sure they do. We all do. Privatization is almost guaranteed to provide us all substantially less benefits. Do you want your retirement money managed by Wall Street? Do you trust Wall Street to do the right thing? Well of course you don't. Nor should gays trust Bush to do the right thing for them. It's a given that he won't. Moreover, this is triangulation."(link)
Opinion/Letters to the Editor	A good response titled, "'Crumbs' for gays in Social Security plan." Marcus Pun of Oakland writes, "This offering of crumbs from the right is like being offered a jar of Tang in the middle of the desert as you're dying of thirst... If you're gay and 50, it's too late under the Bush plan to make any real financial gain with privatization. The Bush plan also would reduce your existing benefits... By the time my theoretical 50-year-old old gay is collecting Social Security, a whole new generation of lawmakers will think the ban on same-sex marriage is stupid." (link)
	Thanks to Don't Amend.com for a link to the News cycle. (link)
	Thanks to AGR for the link.
	Thanks to Beautiful Atrocities for the sidebar. (I can't find the link now...)
	Thanks to the wonderful people at CMC Public Affairs and Communications for their press release. It explains how I came up with the idea. NOTE: if you have something cool happen to you, contact Public Affairs. (link)

These bloggers and websites provided some interesting analysis to the debate, and I am more informed on the topic of social security than most of my college peers. Indeed, I discussed this issue in-depth and have come to the conclusion that social security is a worldview choice between social insurance and personal insurance. Although I strongly support creating a solvent social security system, I do think that there are parts, like same-sex benefits, that should be fixed. Many thanks go to Professor Pitney, Professor Weinstein, and Professor Spalding for all of their help in getting this piece published. Aside from giving me an opportunity to be published, CMC has taught me lifelong thinking and writing skills. CO Politics (Things have gotten HOT)... Amazing things are happening for Colorado politics, but the Republicans know that this is their time to take back the state or see the gradual loss of Colorado to the Democrats. So the upcoming fights (and possible places I will be working)... CD3 - John Salazar's race: Big things will be happening to try and destroy the Salazar political machine. If John loses, then it opens up vulnerabilities in Mark Udall's 2008 Senate race, and eventually Ken's re-election. CD7- Ed Perlmutter is in! The State senator who gave me advice on my college essay in a Jeffco gymnasium is going to run against Bob Beauprez. If there is any race that I would love to work for, it would be his. If Bob Beauprez runs for governor, then Perlmutter would be the leading candidate for this spot. Governor's Race- Colorado Pols discusses that it will likely be a race between Holtzman/Beauprez/McInnis (R) v. Bridges/Romanoff/Hickenlooper. Repubs- My bet is on either Bob Beauprez or Scott McInnis. Beauprez will not want to keep his House seat, it is too volatile for him to move up in leadership, and he will always face tough elections every two years (especially with a Dem advantage). McInnis on the other hand has a even choice. He had a great career as a legislator and is now being paid "very well" at Hogan and Hartson, so he's got nothing to lose. McInnis has the best chances state wide, but Beauprez will have the most to gain. Dems- Bridges has money, Romanoff has legislative experience, and Hickenlooper has serious natural appeal. The Dems will have a good mix of folks to choose from. All three have great potential- all three are strong dems and know how to fundraise. My thoughts are that Romanoff will not run because he hasn't developed enough experience in the legislature yet, and because he doesn't know how to run state wide. In addition, I think he's waiting for Diana Degette's spot, but she won't leave soon, now that she is Deputy Whip for the Dems. It will most likely be Bridges because Hickenlooper likes being mayor. Unfortunately, the Dems will not have a strong politically experience candidate for Governor any time soon, but having Bridges on board will make the race strong because of the money advantage. Go go website links! The Death Clock- Find out when you will die? I've updated the website's Links and News page with more Colorado resources and movies I'm excited about, for example, Sin City. Mommy Madness (Newsweek)- An interesting article to the plight of the American mother. The solution is simply that men have to start taking the load and acting like mothers as well. Parenting is now a shared load. The American Patriot Network?- I love how these words are thrown about pejoratively. If you hate taxes, and believe in weird flags, then you should check this site out. The Best of Craig's List- This is hilarious, A compendium of hilarity. That's all for now. Tune in next week when I actually put up the DC gallery, fix my About page, and start working on my class assignments.

Warning: Imported from old college This post was moved from an older website hosted on a college server. These have been unedited and contain many mistakes. But, whatever.

The SF Chronicle picked up my op-ed –Social Security Reform- Red, blue and rainbow:

Social Security Reform- Red, blue and rainbow- Andrew Lee

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Gay men and lesbians took a serious hit in the 2004 election. Republicans drew strong support from conservatives and like-minded independents opposed to same-sex marriage. Voters in 11 states passed ballot initiatives to reject such unions. Yet aspects of the Republican agenda could be advantageous for the gay community. Gay activists can make gains for same- sex partner benefits through Social Security privatization.

As it is now, same-sex couples cannot receive Social Security survivor benefits or dependent benefits because they are not married under federal law. If Social Security were privatized, however, the federal government could not regulate the beneficiaries of private accounts. Same-sex partners, like any other beneficiary, could receive survivor benefits or dependent benefits.

Nevertheless, the gay community is not quite ready to embrace President Bush’s plan. Social Security privatization places the gay community at a crossroads of its traditional Democratic affiliation and increased benefits for same-sex couples. In December, for instance, discussion of Social Security benefits in the gay community was pushed to the background. Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay activist organization, announced its need to “moderate its message and its goals.” One HRC official suggested to the New York Times in December that “supporting President Bush’s efforts to privatize Social Security partly in exchange for the right of gay partners to receive benefits under the program.” In response, more than 30 gay rights officials sent letters to every member of Congress denouncing HRC for trading gay rights for senior citizens’ rights.

But this response does not necessarily represent the interests of the gay community. Organizations such as the Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative group for gays and lesbians, show that the gay community is just as divided on Social Security reform as the rest of the country.

If allowed to go forth, Social Security privatization will limit the ability of the government to act as arbiter of Social Security survivor benefits, and therefore recognition of beneficiaries. Up to this point, gay activists have focused on working through the judiciary and state or local governments to recognize same-sex partnerships. Although the gay community might dream of government recognition, at present this is impractical. Without sweeping federal redefinition, gays and lesbians will continue to receive unequal benefits. If they are to make the best of the situation, they should support private accounts, forming alliances with Republicans who support limited government.

Gay activists have little to lose from such support of Social Security privatization. Some worry that if activists highlight same-sex survivor benefits, President Bush may put legislation banning same-sex marriage on the calendar in order to guarantee support for Social Security privatization from party conservatives. But Republicans were planning another attempt at that legislation anyway. It is also possible that conservative Republicans might side with market (rather than moral) principles and support private accounts, leaving beneficiaries up to the discretion of the private account’s owner.

For the gay community, then, there are no significant disadvantages from Republicans supporting Social Security privatization. Republicans, however, risk losing support for privatization because of the possibility of the same- sex survivor benefits outlined above. If Republicans lose their attempt at privatizing Social Security, gay activists will be no worse off.

Democrats, traditionally advocates for gay rights, have opposed Social Security privatization. While the Log Cabin Republicans have no conflict with their party on this issue, liberal gay activists may face a tough choice. Privatization may inadvertently promote equal rights for gays and lesbians, but it clashes with the traditional liberal belief in providing a strong safety net for the elderly. Democratic gay activists may have to choose between their economic and social agendas. In addition, these activists may risk losing Democratic support on other favourable same-sex legislation.

Regardless of where gay activists stand on the political spectrum, benefits for same-sex couples should be part of the debate on Social Security privatization. Because the issue of such benefits in Social Security privatization places Democrats and Republicans at odds with their typical constituencies, only gay activists can begin the honest discussion. This dialogue should come out of the closet.

Andrew Lee (Alee07@mckenna.edu) is an undergraduate student in government at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California.

In other news, I’ve updated the Life @ CMC page. Have a great Spring break everyone.

Warning: Imported from old college This post was moved from an older website hosted on a college server. These have been unedited and contain many mistakes. But, whatever.

Greetings from the Great White City, the Grand Metropolis, the Nation’s Capitol… Washington D.C. Between my last post and now, I flew from the beautiful state of Colorado to Washington, D.C. so I that I could learn about the legislative process and also learn more about water policy. I haven’t updated since early January, so I will complete this update in a style fitting for CMC students- bullet points:

• Started work at DC Legislative Services, Inc.. I like my work because I have my own office, computer, printer, camera printer, and camera. I receive theCongress Daily for free, and I used to have my own intern (tear, little Joe Enten is now back at the Field School). So far, it has been a conglomerate of interesting activities. Such as:

1. Attending a National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) conference on payout possibilities for social security privatization
2. Attending a Senate Judiciary hearing on asbestos (I though Feinstein was taller, and to the chagrine of friends, Specter does not snarl)
3. Met USDA secretary Mike Johanns (Hi, my name is Andrew, thank you for your testimony.)
4. Getting birthday gifts for the VPs (30-minute massage/spa packages)
5. Meeting USDA secretary Mike Johanns, again (Hi, we met before, my name is Andrew, and I really enjoyed your testimony)
6. Writing client reports and monitoring state legislation
7. Writing up a report on the National Drought Monitor Center and their impact on USDA conservation programs (EQIP & CSP)
8. Exercising my mad research skills to provide consulting advice (really proud of my work with the Irrigation Association, so far)
9. Meeting with clients to discuss the current focus of my research to help their business.

• Saw the McLaughlin Group with the Washington DC crew. John McLaughlin, Pat Buchanan, Eleanor Clift, and Liz Marlantes in one room! I was in heaven. You don’t know Liz Marlantes [insert picture], well she’s a very pretty CSM writer. Unfortunately, she is a print journalist and is therefore not on Reportervote.com- a site which rates the relative hotness, credibility, and understanding of broadcast.
• Saw Crossfire with the partial DC crew. James Carville and Bay Buchananduking it out about Bush’s efforts or lack thereof with faith-based initiatives.
• My cooking achievements have thus far been:

1. 1. Breakfast has been: Quaker Oatmeal, Honey Bunches of Oats cereal; Maybe some scrambled/over-easy/poached eggs w/ toast
   2. Lunch: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Nature Valley bar, juice, fruit (apple/orange), pretzels
   3. Dinner follows: Lemon-Pepper Chicken
   4. Potstickers (costco bought)
   5. Sauteed Beef in Oyster Sauce and Garlic
   6. Fried Rice
   7. Chinese Tomato & Eggs
   8. Fish Sticks
   9. Montreal Steak
   10. All manner of eggs
   11. Soy Sauce Chicken
   12. Four Season Chicken
   13. Mac & Cheese (the quick packet kind)
   14. Breaded Chicken with Sweet & Sour Sauce
   15. Spaghetti
   16. Cooked lettuce w/ oyster (which I guess not everybody know that you can cook)
   17. Bowtie pasta
   18. Liz, has had the achievements of chicken parmesan and everything previously mentioned. Most of this is served with a side of steamed vegetables and of course, rice (the 50 lb. bag from Costco).

In cooler news, I recently submitted my op-ed from Professor Weinstein’s class to a number of print publications. Hopefully, these print publications will accept it. This would be sweet if I am published. As of yet, I will not post my op-ed because I am hoping to get it published.

Interesting thing, I love getting lost in this city because no matter where you are, you will always see people you know. I was at Office Depot and saw a college parliamentary debater from USC in Washington DC. As well, I recently was lost along the mall and was came up on the Lincoln memorial during one of the

Congratulations to Professor Roth for his lecture: “In the Shadow of Birkeneau: Morality During and After the Holocaust” at the Holocaust Museum. An earlier post detailed the sad events waged against Professor Roth, and yet people stillseem to hold grudges.

I must thank all CMC alumni who have been not only hospitable while in DC, but have also helped out with feeding some starving interns in DC. In particular TJ, Emily, Jordan, Lisa Hillman, and Gina … The greatest thing is that all of the political operatives in DC from CMC are Democrats. What is the deal? Where are the repubs? They must be in higher positions (shadowy figures in Washington, D.C.)…

I am currently looking into internships for the upcoming summer and have come to the conclusion that the coolest summer internships were taken during the previous Fall semester. There you go! I have to warn everyone, if you are looking for a government internship, then apply early, and apply often. I am sending out applications for journalism internships (because media dictates our lives), internships with the finance community, more water policy institutes, government jobs, and possible internships in public service.

I’ve retired my boys from the Pad and replaced it with the DC Intern Roll Call:

My Roommates (Bachelors in the Pad)

Eric Chow (Sunnyvale, CA)- Eric is definitely the most athletic in the Pad. He is active on the CMS Stags Tennis team and ROTC. Eric plans to double major in Neuroscience and Psychology, and minor in Chinese. In the Pad, Eric avidly monitors his fantasy football, studies day and night, and sings to 80’s music. Eric just finished an internship at the Veteran’s Hospital at Palo Alto. As of right now, Eric is considering being a surgeon. Eric’s Xanga.

John Wilson (Hebron, CT)- From the East Coast to the West, John Wilson bridges all borders with his love of Ultimate Frisbee. John is News Editor of the Claremont Independent, and active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. John’s major is Government, but he can be seen gushing Russian on the street corner. John’s plans are Undecided, a popular plan with many college students.

Paul Van Deventer (La Canada, CA)- The correct pronunciation is La Canada. Paul graduated from La Canada High School where he obtained top honours in his school. He has been active in his church and in his community. Here at CMC, Paul is involved with the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship and plans to major in Economics. Paul can be seen avidly checking the news every morning, noon, and night at the Drudge Report. Paul recently finished an internship with Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, CA where he worked as a financial analyst on the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer Project (WISE).

Aside from being a world-famous author of historical novels (to the chagrin of the Literature department), Prof. Judith Merkle is one of the only professors at CMC who teaches administrative theory (organization, management, etc.- [MBA stuff]) at the undergraduate level.

Peculiarly, they were unsure of where to put her, so they put her as a Government prof, and there she stays to this very day. Even if Peter Drucker weren’t across the street, Prof. Merkle’s wonderful lectures and classes would not lose their hilarity. If you are an aspiring writer, gossip, or just would like to have a great person to talk to, visit Prof. Merkle.

Now, the truth is that most students taking her classes take them because they hear that her classes are relatively easy classes and require little to no effort. This perception may be because she has a take-home final, and allows open-book midterms. Whether the ease of her class is true or not, one should never enrol in a class solely on its easiness.

There is nothing wrong with balancing out your course load with different classes (e.g. not taking four econ classes in one semester), but it is always important to take classes that genuinely interest you. Contrary to popular belief, students have received Cs, Ds, and even Fs on their midterms, papers, and finals. If you’re interested in management or organization of companies, then you can learn a lot and receive a good grade in this class.

With that said, let’s get down to business. Professor Merkle’s class is one of those classes where you begin with an A, and it will be up to your performance to make that grade go down or stay the same. Her class consists of class attendance, one midterm, one final, a research paper and presentation on management/organization. If you do bomb a test, chances are that you won’t be able to get an A, but you might be able to pull off the B+ or the A-, if you work hard on the final and the research essay/presentation. The tests are mainly short essay, and she wants authors (from lecture and readings) referenced within the short essay.

Here are some study materials that may help you:

Lecture/Class Notes- These have all the class notes up till the presentations.

Midterm Study Guide

Final Study Guide

Don’t forget to ask Prof. Merkle about her “centerfold,” the “evil” management student who used Hawthorne effects and other stories about CMC in its early days.

As Ian (Prof. Macmillian) will tell, this class will teach you about the earth and… how it will kill you. Supposedly, since the course has been taught by Ian, it has become more difficult. Many students wishing to cover their science GEs have gone on to other courses, such as the Living Sea, Astronomy, Phrenology, and the Science of Weapons of Mass Destruction. However, for those looking for a science course, which is not as tough as biochemphys, but will teach you valuable knowledge about Mother Earth, then you, should take a geology course.

The course consists of a lab every Wednesday, MWF lectures, homework from each lab, one midterm and one final (both consisting of short answer and things from the lab). Some labs may range from rock identification to a field trip to identify the San Andreas Fault (brown bag lunch provided). Ian makes the course fun and challenging, but sometimes the course requires additional effort outside of class to understand a particular lab. This class used the book Natural Disastersby Patrick Leon Abbott, and the following study guides should be of help in Ian’s class:

Class Notes- These notes are essential for the midterm and test.

Midterm Study Guide- This guide has all of the readings up to the Midterm (i.e. Ch.1- Energy Sources of Disaster; Ch. 2- Plate Tectonics & Earthquaks; Ch. 3- Basic Principles of Earthquakes Geology and Seismology; Ch. 4- Some Earthquakes in Western North America; Ch. 6- Volcanoes; Ch. 7- Volcanism and Plate Tectonics)

Ch. 5- More United States and Canadian Earthquakes

Ch. 8- Mass Movements

Ch. 9- Climate Change

Ch. 10, 11; 13- Severe Weather; Hurricanes & the Coastline; Fire

With Ian’s courses, make sure to take copious notes. On the test, cover all of your bases from the reading and from the lectures. Ian also has guest lecturers, e.g. Eric, Bob, and Linda (all Professors that go by their first names). If you’re considering becoming a Geology major or would like an interesting course to cover your Science GE or would like a science course, you should consider Geologic Hazards. Who knows? With the way that the world is changing, you might really need the information someday.