Since No One Else Has...

Ok, since no one else is posting, and Rochelle and Hannah did one, I am going to get this ball rolling. Day One we all met at Orlando Airport and without any snafu managed to get all of us rednecks through security. I don't think they had the new x-ray technology at the airport and no one got singled out for a full cavity search, so we made it to DC on time. Thanks to Elizabeth Pines for setting us up with shuttle buses to get us all over to the hotel. Ours was driven by an idiot who frequently felt it necessary to drive all over the Capital with no apparent regard for what the gps said to do. But in the end we made it. We had a personal tourguide in Congressman Putnam and saw parts of the Capitol that probably few would see. What a great tourguide he was with just so much history to share. The next day we continued our dive into our nation's inner workings with a plethora of fantastic speakers at various sites (check out the agenda for that day). It was a busy day for sure, and started us off running hard. Wednesday we had more programming and the opportunity to meet with our loca congressional staff on the hill. Everyone came away with something and many made new connections to help us along the way with our issues. On Thursday we got to hear about our upcoming China trip with the travel agent and everyone got to ask their burning questions about what that trip would entail. In the evening we went to the famous Kennedy Center and had the chance to walk around and look at this famous place, followed by a show called Shear Madness. Some liked it, some did not. It was an experience nonetheless. We left Friday morning early and flew out on a puddle jumper to Des Moines where we met up with our tour bus and the best driver there ever was. This guy is great. At least now we can minimize all those damn expensive taxi rides all over the place. Once in Iowa we went over to the Iowa Pork Producers for dinner where they grilled up some great pork chops for us and gave us a view of life in the hog industry here. Saturday we met agan and heard about the corn industy and followed the corn and soybeans from the field to the grain silos/elevators for distribution. What an operation. So much is done with so few people thanks to automation. Saturday was on our own and the group watched the Gators kick some butt at the hotel, then we all went off to celebrate. Some more than others. Some of us definitely showed the midwest how much Florida likes to celebrate a victory! Sunday morning came quick, but thanks to Hannah's planning we had time to gather our heads before heading off to the Preserve where we got to see an effort at restoring the Prairie. That brings us to where we are now...

Crackberry Maddness-Who knows how to work these things??

On Friday we had a flight attendent comment (over the PA) that she had "never seen so many Blackberries" in her entire life. At that moment in time at least half the class were collectively trying to figure out how to use Blackberry Messenger (and at least some of us have it down).

So now the next step in our collective technological advancement is the ability to post to the blog from our "crackberries". And thanks to Rochelle, we now have no excuses for not diligently posting.

One quick note for our families or alumni that may be following along. Last night (Saturday), all the Gators in the group, along with some "jorts" wearing classmates with other collegiate affiliations (they seriously wore cutoff jorts in public) turned the Hotel bar into Gator Country. And I think we ALL had a great time watching the good guys dominate.

But I just want to point out the bond that class VII has formed. EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of the class chose to come together on a free night after spending almost a week in very close quarters. It is amazing to me that we are all still on speaking terms, much less having 100 percent of the class choosing to come together when we didn't have too.

Pretty cool...
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It's hard to believe we will be headed to Illinois tomorrow. Here are a few of the photos from Des Moines. Today was Charlie Wilson's birthday, so we had the nice people at The Machine Shed Restaurant sing happy birthday. Joe Collins was the chairperson for the day and took full use of his power by using the bus driver's microphone. The other photos are from the Pork Producers Dinner and while visiting a few farms in the Des Moines area. Today we had a pretty light day while visiting the wildlife refuge. We saw some buffalo, pheasants, a deer, and a chipmunk. Des Moines has been great! Tomorrow will be packed with visiting ethanol plants and a farm before we end up in Princeton, IL. Hard to believe we only have four more days!

Photos from the first few days in DC

Here are a few photos from the past few days...We took a group photo with Congressman Putnam before he toured us through the Capitol. Today we were able to visit with Captain Watts on Homeland Security. It has been a busy three days, yet we have only begun. Hope all is well back in Florida!

Class VII Goes to Washington!

What a time to be in the nation's capitol--from the bailout to the election, it's an exciting time to be here in DC. Our trip started in phenomenal fashion, with a private tour of the U.S. Capitol by Congressman Adam Putnam. Sitting in the House floor listening to Congressman Putnam talk about the history of the building, of the House of Representatives and what his experiences are serving as a Congressman, was incredible. Several of the group commented that the trip couldn't get any better and that we should just go home. The evening didn't end there though, after our tour, the whole group and Congressman Putnam went to dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill, a Washington landmark.

On Tuesday we began the day with Dr. James Thurber, a professor from American University. Dr. Thurber has launched the national seminar for many classes and did a great job putting "politics in perspective", especially in relation to the upcoming election. We then learned about China from Mr. Robert Suettinger, a former National Intelligence Officer and had a briefing with Deputy Secretary Conner at the USDA.

After lunch in the USDA cafeteria, we listened to Mr. Michael Whatley who represents the Consumer Energy Alliance, speak about renewable and alternative energy. Since we are headed to Iowa and Illinois after our DC experience, the topic of energy and enthanol are of great interest and it's also being discussed and debated here in DC.

We then took the metro back to Capitol Hill and met with the staffers of the House Ag Committee. The work of these staffers is admirable--from consensus-building, to drafting legislation, to making sure Bills meet the exacting standards of the rules committee, these staffers are individuals who are truly involved in the policy process.

We ended the evening with a lobbying discussion at Bullfeathers Restaurant. Joe and Melanie Parsons (Class VI) joined the group as they now reside in Virginia. The key points of the discussion were to get involved and know your politicians and staff--not new information, but good to reiterate the importance none the less.

After dinner, most of the group disbanded to watch the Presidential debate or to continue their own debates on what they have heard these last two days. Much lively discussion has taken place among group members and I only believe it will continue throughout the next 8 days.

We are now preparing to travel to the National War College to learn about issues surrounding homeland security. We have never been to the War College and I think it will be a real experience for the group.

I hope all is well in sunny Florida!

Hannah

7 Days and Counting....

Greetings Class VII!

I hope you all got my email detailing our trip and also the agenda. Please note, the agenda is not complete and even today has changed a good deal. I will send an updated agenda towards the end of the week, but even then, it will be subject to change with all that is going on in DC.

Also, when you arrive at the airport on Monday, you should be able to walk up to the United check-in counter, give your name and flight number and be able to check in. Rochelle and I plan to be there by 11:00 a.m. if you have any trouble. Please check-in, go through security and we'll see everyone at the departure gate.

Remember to pack lightly as there are luggage restrictions which you are responsbile for (I'm sorry--United didn't have this policy when we booked the tickets this spring) and to pack warmly as I noticed a low in Des Moines this week will be 39F.

I look forward to seeing you all next Monday!

Hannah

You never know...

...where your thank you cards might wind up...http://www.keepdavidmillersupt.com/testimony.php

Good luck Superintendent Miller!!