My Trip to DC

I still can't believe it. I actually went to DC to exercise my right to assemble and talk to my representative. As I walked towards the Capitol building, I had chills of excitement and anticipation. It was thrilling to see the crowd gathering. If at this point you're wondering why I'm in DC, click here.

The people I met were so nice and respectful. People greeted each other warmly, thanked the police officers on duty, and cleaned up after themselves. We waved flags, prayed, and proudly sang our National Anthem.

The Lord smiled on us so that the weather was gorgeous and warm during the rally. I actually had to take my undershirt off and carry my vest!

Good thing- this way I could show off my t-shirt! "Don't you make me come up there! -Mom" I'm a member of a group called "As A Mom- the Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots". We discuss ideas on-line and encourage each other. When this idea came about, many women expressed interest in going. One woman created a t-shirt design and posted it as a PDF file so we could create iron-on transfers and make matching t-shirts. This way we'd recognize each other at the rally and have people to hang out with!

DC was gorgeous with the leaves changing colors- something I'm not seeing where I live!

Some people got quite creative with their signs, but this little boy took the cake!

I LOVED her ears. They read "Obama b*llsh*t reflectors".

Here Rep Michele Bachmann and all the Republican representatives filed out of the Capitol after a vote. I was very disappointed to not see any Democrats. We began with a prayer, the pledge, and the National Anthem, then Rep Bachmann spoke. We also heard from Mark Levin, Jon Voight and "Cliff" from Cheers. Then most every Republican said a quick something.

The rally lasted from noon to two and I was so hungry by the time it ended. My meeting with Rep Mac Thornberry was at four, so I assumed I'd have time to get something to eat. WRONG. Not only did I not know where to go, but my feet were KILLING me AND the line for the Rayburn building (one of three offices for the House of Representatives) was around the building in no time. So instead of eating, I stood in line for an hour and a half.

The part of the line I can see....

It was 3:30 by the time I got to Thornberry's office. The staff treated me like a queen. They jumped up to greet me and offered me coffee, water and brownies. When I mentioned I hadn't had lunch and asked if there was a snack bar, one girl (an Aggie!) walked me down to the deli. They were SO nice. While I ate my sandwich, four more people from our district joined me.

Now began the frustrating part of my trip. First off- I had been terrified of sounding like a babbling idiot when approached with this moment. What would I say? Would I get emotional and sound flighty? Would I remember all the things I've learned and studied? Would words escape me and I loose my train of thought? I prayed for the Holy Spirit to talk through me and give me the courage and confidence needed and HE DID! By the time I stepped in Thornberry's office, I had JC's words ringing in my ears, "This is YOUR house. You are his BOSS. THIS is your deployment- your mission- and I know you'll do fantastic. I have faith in you." (Am I blessed or what to have such a supportive, encouraging husband!)

I was calm, cool and collected as I sat in Thornberry's office. I was articulate, logical and knew my facts- and I don't mind saying so! :) Now Thornberry's a Republican, and to be honest, he's voted in a manner I approve of for the last year. But I had a bone to pick with him. Here's about how it went: (and of course, I'm paraphrasing)

Thornberry: Welcome and such...

Me: Mr. Thornberry, I would like to know why you voted for the Bush bailout.

Thornberry: It would have been so much worse if we hadn't- not only financially for our country but Pelosi had plans for more and Bush would have signed anything at that point. And we had no idea the money would be distorted in so many ways.

Me: But you had the chance to take a stand. You could have stood up and said, "This is not right."

Me: I learned recently that if we did not spend another dime, but used every solitary tax dollar to pay back the principal of our debt- not including any interest- for TEN YEARS- we would not be done. In the last year we have doubled our money supply and taken over thirty percent of private wealth. This borrowing, spending, and printing money is treason. There's no way out. What can we do? What would YOU do?

Thornberry: Well, we'd have to convince Congress....

Me: If I could snap my fingers and YOU were the speaker and Republicans had control of all

three houses, what would be your plan? How would you get us out of this mess?

Thornberry: well... (nothing worth remembering)

Me: Would you take us back to the gold standard?

Thornberry: a direct quote, "Well, I don't know about the gold standard..."

Now at this point, I sensed doom for our country. I sensed Mr. Thornberry had no true understanding of the magnitude of this problem, nor the vision or leadership to see us out of this mess. So I sat back and listened to the other four constituents and Mr. Thornberry bash the Democrats and complain about how they trample the Constitution. After several minutes of this, I interrupted.

Me: I'm hearing a lot of pointing fingers at Democrats for trampling the Constitution, but it seems to me that Republicans are just as guilty and have our own way of ignoring the document when it is convenient for us. Thus we have the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind, and wars that are unfunded and have never been declare. Republicans seem to support big government just as much as the left does, simply in different ways. They take money and give it to farmers and banks instead of cities...

Another guy interrupted to say he was all for subsidies for farmers...

Me: (interrupting again and addressing Thornberry) OK, but what is your response to what I've said?

Thornberry: "Well, I disagree with most of what you've said." The government's first job is to protect our country.

Me: "Fine, then DECLARE the war."

I don't remember his response. But I know he took no responsibility for the big government, freedom taking, deficit fueling legislation that has passed under Republicans. He showed no signs of life with fresh ideas or bold leadership. When I asked him if he would sponsor the Enumerated Powers Act which would require Congress to site where the Constitution gives the authority for the bill. He said, 'They'd just use the commerce clause for everything; it wouldn't work.' Maybe...but it's a step in the right direction. As would bills requiring Congress to read the bill, write the laws themselves (not special interest groups), limit bills to one subject at a time and cutting Congress' pay if they increase the deficit.

When I thanked him for co-sponsoring Ron Paul's Audit the Federal Reserve Bill, he warned me to not think there was any one answer that would solve everything. Well DUH...but again it's a step in the right direction! He almost seemed to be distancing himself from the bill, which I don't understand.

We talked for about an hour. The only man and I talked the most. I was proud of myself. But I was so disappointed in my congressman. I took the picture below to prove I was there...but I'm not impressed with him. I look forward to seeing a true Conservative take his place. Mr. Thornberry will not help America to move forward.

God bless America. We need you, Lord.

But perhaps the best part of my trip was getting to spend time with my dear friends Colleen and Elizabeth- and getting to finally MEET Colleen's sweet husband! It broke my heart to miss their wedding this year, and I was so pleased to be able to visit them in their home. I got to see Elizabeth's school and spend one-on-one time with her as she sweetly drove me to my brother and sister-in-laws' home. It was so fun to see how Justin and Bernadette's house has become a HOME and to get to spend time with them as a married couple. We are SO happy that Bernadette has joined our family.
WHOOP for good friends and wonderful family!