Update: Summer 2009

As the fall semester approaches, I cannot believe how quickly the summer has gone by this year.  Overall, I had a great summer in the nation's capital with a few trips here and there. 

After classes ended, I took a brief trip to New York City to speak at a Georgetown fundraiser.  This was my first speaking engagement of the summer; it went well.  I always enjoy meeting with Georgetown alumni, donors, faculty and administrators.

The following week was commencement.  It was a bit overwhelming watching friends graduate and thinking that in two years I will be doing the same.  Regardless, it was a great ceremony. 

To keep myself busy, I took up a part-time job with the university summer conference department and continued at the office of undergraduate admissions.  I also kept up with political consulting.  Frankly, it pays better, and I enjoy it.

One of the nicer aspects of being in Washington, D.C. over the summer is being able to take in the city.  I visited many sights (here, Embassy Row and the National Cathedral), museums and cultural events.  Also, I now consider myself a foodie since I tried many of the city's diverse restaurants. One of the highlights was spending Independence Day overlooking the Potomac River and the National Mall.

In terms of high-profile events, I attended a reception honoring the new Israeli ambassador, Michael Oren, a former professor and good friend of mine. I also got to spend a day with His Serene Highness Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, his wife Princess Margaretha and their son, Prince Josef during their visit to Georgetown. 

In late July, I took week off for a working vacation.  I say "working" because I was attending the annual Sister Cities International conference and concurrently running for re-election to the Board of Directors (I won with 89% of the vote!).  Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  I was able to take in the Emerald Isle, her people, culture, cuisine and sights. 

Since my return, I have been quite busy wrapping up some projects and moving into my new townhouse.  I also spoke at the bi-annual convention of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, which was a good experience.

This fall promises to be another great semester.  I am taking five courses: Chinese Politics and Domestic Priorities with Robert Sutter, Turkey in World Politics with David Cuthell (the original professor was recalled to Ankara to serve as a special adviser to the Turkish Prime Minister, go figure), Religion and Modern Politics of Iran with Shireen Hunter, American Responses to the Arab-Israeli Conflict with Aaron David Miller and Problems in Multilateral Diplomacy with former US Ambassador to the UN, Donald McHenry.  I also recently joined the editorial board of our school newspaper, The Hoya. Overall, Georgetown -- two years down, two years to go -- is turning out to be exactly what I wanted and more.  I will remain involved in the Chapel Choir as well.

Thank you for reading my update.

What Does "Having Fun" Mean?

In the past few years as I have met people across the country and around the world through business trips, I often have to deal with being the youngest person there and the inevitable questions that come with the territory of being in those privileged situations. There is usually some surprise once I let them know that I am not 37 but actually not even 21 (I turned 20 in June).

After some talk about my experiences, I am usually asked a series of questions:

• What are your plans after college? -- I have no idea right now. I do not like to worry too much about these things. In due time...
• Do you plan to stay in Washington, D.C.? -- In the short-term, yes. I would like to return to Arizona for the long-term, though.
• What do you do for fun? -- I have always struggled with this question; it stumps me every time.
  

I guess my problem stems from the stereotypes assigned to my age group. Because I do not "party" I clearly do not have fun. Because I do not know where to "get my party on" I am apparently missing out on what is truly fun.

I disagree. My notion of fun is quite different. I prefer going to dinner with friends, catching a movie, attending a cultural event, taking long walks, reading, writing, listening to music, etc. I do not need to go clubbing or go drinking to have fun. "Fun" is synonymous for getting drunk, taking vapid photos and returning home regretting a night of poor decisions. I do not do any of this. When I try to explain this to my interrogators, it is hard for them to comprehend.

I am not a "boring" person. I frankly do not want to put up with the baseless criticism. I am content with my life and life-choices. I am not going to judge anyone because his idea of fun is playing beer pong or playing video games. I hope that I do not have to be told how to have fun. What I do in my free time is up to me.

A Conservative’s Road to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy

This article is perhaps the best recent story of how a conservative thinker and advocate has come to understand gay marriage as a civil rights issue.

I am one of those conservatives that "gravitate[s] toward a particularly Western brand of conservatism that value[s] small government and maximum individual liberty" -- like Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan and McCain.

I also believe that "religious beliefs [are] insufficient legal justification for government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriage."

Here's to hoping.


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Sunday's Reading List

A few articles from this week's Economist I think you will appreciate:

When Home is Prison

This article discusses an issue in the immigration debate that few ever consider: detention and the effects on families. On Friday, I spoke at the bi-annual Republican National Hispanic Assembly. The cynicism was palpable. Hispanics are tired of both parties, but the GOP desperately needs to reach out to the community. The problem is immigration reform. There is no easy way through the policy maze. Obama wants to reward the 67% of Hispanics that supported him; the Sotomayor pick was a stalling gimick. Depending on how cap and trade and health care reform legislation go, Obama may not be able to deliver...

Old Rivals, New Partners

I am fascinated by Turkey's foreign policy. Its geographic location places it at the intersection of (Mediterranean) Europe, the Middle East, the Caucuses, the '-stans' and as a gateway to Russia. I am actually taking a course, "Turkey in World Politics" this fall, so hopefully, by December I will be more versed in this area.

The Dragon in the Backyard

The dynamic in Latin America is changing rapidly. Brazil is pushing to become the regional superpower. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and his cronies in Ecuador (Rafael Correa) and Bolivia (Evo Morales) as well as his tacit supporters in Argentina (the Kirchners) and Paraguay (Fernando Lugo) are challenging the more forward-looking and democratic-leaning leaders of Chile (Michelle Bachelet), Colombia (Alvaro Uribe) and Peru (Alan Garcia). I am intrigued by the assertion, "the end of the Monroe Doctrine." If the US does not re-exert its influence in the region -- beyond Mexico -- we will lose to the Troublesome Three (China, Iran and Russia), India and South Africa. I will be taking a class on the modern politics of China this fall. I hope to have more perspective on this topic soon.

Hillary (not Bill) on Safari

I LOVE the title. It is a subtle reference to Hillary's (justified, methinks) outburst in Congo. What I find interesting, though, is how the article seems to suggest that Hillary commands the details of our foreign policy while Obama simply goes on giving lofty speeches or press conferences in friendly, photogenic settings (here, here, here and here). More importantly, we see a renewed effort in promoting democracy in Africa through American strategic aid (something I discussed back in April 2008) and guidance.

Cutting the Cord

I recently had a debate with my housemates about whether or not to have a landline. I like having a landline; I prefer to not give out my cellphone number except to family and close friends. Also, I like using a landline to make long-distance and conference calls since it is more reliable and the connection is clearer, crisper. It is laden with taxes, though.  The demographics and political preference of those without a landline is interesting. The prospect of new taxes and a cumbersome business outlook prompts caution for the telecom industry -- and us.

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