COLUMN: Washington adjusts to new normal
In the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln drew criticism for continuing work on the Rotunda of the Capitol Building. There were many who felt the money would be better spent on the war effort. When Lincoln was asked why he was continuing the building project his reply was it was his duty to keep the Union together and continue the work of government. This included finishing the building Congress met in.
Lincoln’s comments are just as relevant today as when they were spoken more than 100 years ago. President George W. Bush said the most important thing the country could do was to get back to its business. So now Washington, D.C. gets back to the “New Normal.”
I started my job working as an intern for Senator Larry Craig of Idaho with the plan I would get an in-depth look at the legislative process. I have been getting an education here, but not the one I expected. The attack of Sept. 11 changed the lives of everyone in the nation. With the exception of New York, nowhere is that fact more true than in our nation’s capital. The morning of the attack now is just a blur as rumors flew and speculation ran wild. Thousands of government employees took to the streets terrified there would be another plane headed for Washington. A tense afternoon was spent watching the news in disbelief of what really happened.
Tuesday night was silent with the exception of military helicopters flying patrol over the city. The smell of smoke billowing out of the gaping hole in the Pentagon filled the night. I went to sleep that night with the hope I would wake up and the nightmare would be over.
The reality of the situation hit home as I rode a lightly-filled metro into town. As we came to the bridge into the district, everyone on the train was silent as we looked over to see smoke continue to pour out of the Pentagon. The sight around the Capitol building ended all doubts about things returning back to normal. Entire streets were closed off. Everywhere I looked police and military officers with very tense looks on their faces were standing guard. Even now, two weeks after the attack, security is very tight. Cars are checked and staff ID’s need to be in view around the Senate office buildings.
There is an old saying that in order to have a rainbow you must have rain. While the attacks were horrible and the loss will never be totaled, there has been some good come of this.
News reports have been filled with stories of bipartisanship in Congress. One example of this new approach to politics was demonstrated a few days ago. Interns from all over the Senate were invited to meet with Senators Tom Daschle, Trent Lott, Byron Dorgan and Larry Craig (my boss), all key leaders of the Senate. They just wanted to thank us and allay any concerns we might have. Senator Craig offered a little counsel and mentioned having a similar reaction to the attack: At first he was angry, then concerned for the safety of his staff and others on Capitol Hill. He told us this was fine and these were feelings everyone shared.
Senator Lott told us about his first thought immediately after the disaster was for his son, who also works on the Hill.
One of the most noticeable changes in Washington is the display of patriotism. Flags fly from nearly every office window in the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings. Flag orders from constituents number in the thousands every day. The national anthem has new meaning to everyone around. On the way to work, right outside of Union Station, a trumpet player commonly known as the “Music Man” normally greets commuters on their way to the Hill with various jazz renditions to give us a smile on the way to work. During the last two weeks, more often than not we were greeted with the Star-Spangled Banner. This helped bring a smile to staffers from all over Washington.
Now, there are talks of war. There are many different reactions to the president’s fight against terrorism. Some have called saying we should just “nuke em” and be done with it. Others on the other extreme have suggested the United States just do nothing, that fighting will not accomplish anything. The President has called for another option.
While this fight will not be over in a single round, there will be great care taken to make sure no innocent individuals are injured. This is not an act of revenge or a reactionary move of retribution, but a call for justice. To do nothing would only encourage more attacks.
President Bush is the right man to hold office. He has the support of Congress, by and large the support of the American people and is gaining the support of the world community. I add my support and prayers to the many others in this great country and wish him the luck and wisdom to make it through these troubled times.