I first was sent out on my first event. I went to the Center of Public Policy near Union Station to hear PA Governor Ed Rendell speak about this country's ailing infrastructure. He, Governor Schwarzenegger, and Mayor Bloomberg are apart of this coalition which focuses on rebuilding our infrastructure. It was interesting to hear him speak as I had just heard him on CNN the day before talking about his adventure down to Haiti where he personally brought back over 50 Haitian orphans who were then adopted in PA. He also had talked about the MA election result and stated that he thought the Republicans should fillibuster so they can discuss specifically what their plan for health care so when the bill fails, Congress can start over and work on a more bi-partisan bill.
So really I went in to this event with high expectations as I liked what I heard from him on the news. And his points were very valid about our failing infrastructure and how with each year we delay revitalizing it, the more expensive it gets. I'll be honest if airport security isn't beefed up because of the fear of the invasion of privacy I would definitely not mind alternative, revitalized transportation such as bullet trains or a better Amtrak. Any the way, it was nice to hear the governor speak.
When I returned to the Center I went over with Ryan, the NATO project leader, his "Talking Points" with General Petraeus for tomorrow. I did what's called a dictation and wrote/helped brainstorm thoughts for what Dr. Abshire needs to talk about when he meets him tomorrow. I appreciate the type of work I'm getting this early in the game as it seems to be quite important to our work at the Center.
However, what really put the icing on the cake today was another meeting I got to attend in the afternoon with Ryan and one other guy. We met a deputy political officer for NATO's Supreme Allied Command Transformation. SACT is "NATO's leading agent for change, driving, facilitating, and advocating continous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance." Really their job as it applies here is to improve relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. Dr. Abshire and Ryan had met the Commander of SACT General Stéphane Abrial (he's French by the way) on Tuesday. Well Ryan wanted me in for this meeting today with the deputy political officer (who's also French) for General Abrial and we discussed among other things, the improving of relations between NATO and the American people. This appears to be at the top of SACT's to-do list and they seem to be looking to us to assist in getting their foot in the door with new operations here in the country. What is really exciting is that this political officer gave me a business card of his, SO.... I have my first "contact" here in Washington HAHA!!! My first business card... I'll probably frame it. I'm sure I have no need to get in touch with NATO SACT but it is cool none the less since Ryan has like 100 cards consisting of Ambassadors and what not. Perhaps I'll get more tomorrow when Petraeus comes.
Looks like there may be a small meet and greet for the General when he comes, but more importantly I may get to sit in on a meeting between our staff and his staff (general excluded) which still would be awesome!!! Here's to hoping for the best, hopefully I'll have a good story to tell for tomorrow. Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment