Good Reads

The Party's Over -- I agree that the UN process on climate change should be replaced; the G20 model seems about right.

High School's Last Test -- It is flabbergasting that high schools do not track these trends already!

The States Can Check Washington's Power --  This is an interesting proposal. I wonder how it could be implemented...

The Peoples' Revolt in Iran -- Obama needs to pick a side and stick with it. I pray it is the right one.

Consider Lincoln  -- The foreign policy mess worries me most.

"Realistic Idealism" and the Obama Administration's Emerging Foreign Policy Worldview

I am of the belief that the Obama administration is (only now) rolling out its foreign policy. If Obama's West Point and Oslo speeches and Clinton's human rights speech at Georgetown are an indication of this nascent worldview, then I will be quite happy with the "realistic idealist" approach.

The Quiet American

This week's Economist has a fair overview of Barack Obama's foreign policy nearly a year into his term and its implications. The same analysis of his decision-making applies to the forthcoming policy speech on the war in Afghanistan.

With our East European allies concerned about a waking Russian bear, Iranian meddling in Latin America and Syria's re-emergence as a regional player, Obama will increasingly have to balance his domestic and international agendas. This is the reality of occupying the Oval Office.

Georgetown Forges Path for Archdiocese to Follow

It seems that the New York Times and The Washington Post are catching on to my recent editorial, as a member of the editorial board, in The Hoya.

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.


###

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.

###

New Direction

I plan to revive my blog in early August after my trip to Europe. If you have any ideas on what I should do with it, please let me know.

On United Government

“I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role — a more important role — to play there. I think the United States desperately needs a two party system. It is the basis of politics in America.” (Then GOP Sen. Arlen Specter)

As a pragmatic conservative, I applaud Sen. Specter for standing up for his constituents and the issues that matter to them.

As a Republican, I am worried about his decision. In a time when the GOP needs moderate voices and the need for reform is great, the loss of Sen. Specter is a heavy blow to the already psychologically battered party.

Sen. Specter's move is cowardly. He abandons the party at a crucial moment; his move could be politically motivated since he is up for re-election in 2010. Perhaps Sen. Specter should have consulted with two other famous free-spirit Senators: Sen. McCain and Sen. Lieberman.

Putting personal popularity and gain before principle is reprehensible. The Democrats are nearing a super-majority in the Senate. The country cannot afford more partisanship. We need healthy, productive dialogue about the serious challenges before us.

I wish Sen. Specter well. The GOP will come back -- without him.

Recalled to Life

This summer I plan to revitalize my blog. Stay tuned.

Best,
Carlos

To Friendship

I am quite the sentimentalist. It does not take much for something I experience (see, read, watch, smell, touch, hear, taste, etc.) or someone I meet to alter my view of my life and the world around me. Some may view this as a weakness, but I find it to be my greatest strength. I am able to empathize and internalize almost everything. I am not sure if I have ever been in love, but I am certain that I have come very close to it.

In the past few months, I have gone through a personal catharsis. Nothing can really describe it. I have collected a few quotes that - when read as a whole - give spirit to this feeling of individual renaissance. My accomplishments and goals directly correlate with the firm backing and encouragement I have received from my family and friends. Without them, I would not be where I am today. They have made me who I am and who I will become.

This is dedicated to you, family and friends.

(Please do not judge the source of the quotes, but rather, look at their overarching themes and relate them to your relationship with me.)

“A guy needs somebody — to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you. I tell ya, I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an' he gets sick.”
Candy in Of Mice and Men

“You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

“Before we met, I was as lost as a person could be and yet you saw something in me that somehow gave me direction again.”
Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

“Silence is holy. It draws people closer together. Because those who are only comfortable with each other, can sit without speaking.”
Nicholas Sparks

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.”
Nicholas parks, The Notebook

“There is a different kind of love; one that gives you courage to be better than you are and that makes you think that anything is possible.”
Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

"It is this, that ever since I have seen you, I know not why, you have taken a place in my life; that, if I drive the thought of you out of my mind, it always comes back; that when I met you to-day, after not having seen you for two years, you made a deeper impression on my heart and mind than ever; that, now that you have let me come to see you, now that I know you, now that I know all that is strange in you, you have become a necessity of my life, and you will drive me mad, not only if you will not love me, but if you will not let me love you."
Translated from Alexandre Dumas' (fils), La Dame aux camelias.

"We were friends and have become estranged. But this was right, and we do not want to conceal and obscure it from ourselves as if we had reason to feel ashamed. We are two ships each of which has its goal and course; our paths may cross and we may celebrate a feast together, as we did—and then the good ships rested so quietly in one harbor and one sunshine that it may have looked as if they had reached their goal and as if they had one goal. But then the almighty force of our tasks drove us apart again into different seas and sunny zones, and perhaps we shall never see one another again,—perhaps we shall meet again but fail to recognize each other: our exposure to different seas and suns has changed us! That we have to become estranged is the law above us: by the same token we should also become more venerable for each other! And thus the memory of our former friendship should become more sacred! There is probably a tremendous but invisible stellar orbit in which our very different ways and goals may be included as small parts of this path,—let us rise up to this thought! But our life is too short and our power of vision too small for us to be more than friends in the sense of this sublime possibility. Let us then believe in our star friendship even if we should be compelled to be earth enemies."
Translated from Friedrich Nietzsche's The Gay Science.

Georgetown University: Sen. Chuck Hagel Joins Faculty

Georgetown University: Sen. Chuck Hagel Joins Faculty

Posted using ShareThis

US to send badminton team to Iran

Ping Pong Diplomacy?

Inauguration 2009

The past week has been a whirlwind of patriotism, pomp and circumstance and survival. I cannot remember it ever being so cold in Washington, D.C. since I moved here in August 2007. Regardless, inauguration week/weekend epitomizes why I decided to come to Georgetown.

Even though it was not my candidate taking the oath, it was still moving to see the events unfold. I am going to provide a brief overview of the past few days. I have yet to process how much truly happened because it all happened so fast, but its significance is nonetheless valuable and historic.

It is my goal to make this e-mail as interactive as possible. There will be links throughout the e-mail that will take you to photographs from my Picasa web albums page and to videos from my YouTube page. I think they will be able to give you a better sense of my experiences.

Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - "We Are One" concert

As I mentioned, Washington, D.C. was particularly cold the days leading up to and the day of the inauguration. The Potomac River froze over for the first time in years. This photo is of the Washington Waterfront, the Kennedy Center and the Watergate complex overlooking the icy river. For some reason, no one turned off the fountains at the Waterfront.

I left campus shortly before 9am to head down to the Lincoln Memorial for the "We Are One" concert. It was not even fifteen minutes after I had left, that I encountered a motorcade. Presumably, it was Hillary Clinton. My friends and I (unfazed and unimpressed by the motorcade) continued our walk to the concert. After passing the Swedish Embassy, we were stopped by a police officer. We were incredibly annoyed by this since we were trying to arrive at the concert at a decent time.

Of course, we had to wait so that then President-elect Obama and then Vice President-elect Biden could drive to Arlington National Cemetery in their massive motorcade. I have seen President Bush's and Vice President Cheney's motorcades numerous times, but this motorcade was quite impressive - and far too long. My friends and I received a cordial wave from the President-elect; at that moment, we also decided that going to the inaugural parade was superflous since we were definitely not going to get as close.

I was interviewed by TG2, an Italian television station. I think I was probably breaking news in Italy under the headline: "Young McCain Supporter Attends Obama Concert." I am being facetious, but the reporter was very surprised that I went to the concert. He questioned me for a few minutes (in English, though I tried my broken Italian) about my thoughts on Obamania, the campaign, and on what lies ahead for the country. I have yet to find the video anywhere...

We arrived at the concert around 10am. After going through security we finally reached the concert grounds, we finally secured a spot near the reflection pool, next to the Code Pink activists, under the watchful eyes of snipers and across from the sea of porta-potties. I have never seen so many porta-potties in my life!

Since the concert was not starting until 2:30pm, I spent my time reading a revolutionary newspaper and keeping warm. I was actually very happy with our location. We were not too far back from the stage and certainly ahead of far more people than were in front of us. This was most definitely the biggest crowd I had ever been in since the Papal Mass, where 46,000 were present. Some people were more creative and decided to climb trees to get a better view. I am not as adventurous.

After waiting for four hours, the concert started. As you can imagine, I had no idea who was performing. I tend to be quite oblivious to the present-day music scene. I consulted my cultural guru to help me fill in the gaps of who was singing and what he/she/they were singing. Below are highlights from the program in chronological order. I am saving you from the more...boring and disappointing...aspects of the concert - Tom Hanks, for example. I tried my best to maintain my camera stable...

• "Shower the People" performed by James Taylor, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles
• Then Vice President-elect Biden screams..er...speaks
  
• "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" performed by Josh Groban and Heather Headley 
• Bob Marley's "One Love (Let's Get Together)"  performed by Will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and Sheryl Crow
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone" performed by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and opera singer Renee Fleming
• Don McLean's "American Pie" performed by Garth Brooks. This was a quintessentially American moment.
  
• Isley Brothers' "Shout!" performed by Garth Brooks. CAUTION: May cause dizziness. 
• U2 performs their tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Pride (In the Name of Love)."
• Then President-elect Obama speaks

After the concert, my friends and I began our walk back to campus. It was a bit eerie walking on closed highways. As we passed the Kennedy Center, again we were stopped by a police officer. This time it was then Vice President-elect Biden's motorcade leaving the concert. We stopped at a Starbucks for warmth and sustenance afterward. We were all incredibly exhausted and had to rest for the big day...

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 - The Inauguration of the 44th President

I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets to the inauguration from Congressman Ed Pastor's office. Therefore, I did not have to leave campus ridiculously early; some friends left at midnight!

I woke up at 5am to layer-up for the day. I left my dorm at 6am and walked for 45 minutes to McPherson Square to meet a friend. From there we walked another hour to our security check point. When we arrived, it was already overflowing with people. Thankfully, we avoided the non-ticketed people and proceeded to our designated area. We managed to make it through the now-infamous I-395 tunnel. At about 8am, we arrived at our gate. Again, there were people everywhere. We waited for another hour before finally arriving at the ticketed area. There were 240,000 ticketed attendees. This is only a fraction of the nearly 1.8 million people that attended the inauguration. Almost the entire National Mall was full.

I waited for two hours before the actual program began. Seeing the crowd, the security and the US Capitol was impressive. I was not too far from the Canadian Embassy and the CNN studios, which made covering the inauguration relatively easy for me. (I Twittered the entire day.) I enjoyed listening to the San Francisco Boys and Girls Chorus perform Oscar Peterson's "Hymn to Freedom." I remembered the lyrics and music from my days in the Phoenix Boys Choir nearly six years ago. It was a moving moment, and it actually made me tear up.

Around 11am, the formal program started. I was quite disappointed at the booing during the arrival of then President Bush and then Vice President Cheney. Regardless of politics, respect should be expected of the audience especially at a state ceremony. It was a sad moment.

With all of the guests seated, the official program began at 11:30am. After the invocation, Sen Dianne Feinstein introduced Justice John Paul Stevens to administer the oath of office to then Vice President-elect Joe Biden. After a musical interlude, Sen Dianne Feinstein introduced Chief Justice John Roberts to administer the oath of office to then President-elect Barack Obama. Immediately after the swearing-in, the crowd broke out in euphoria. President Obama then delivered his inaugural address.

Once he had finished, President Obama escorted former President Bush to the east front of the US Capitol. Former President Bush and the former First Lady made one final flyover through Washington, D.C. Again, listening to the invective was disappointing. The crowd dispersed and began to make their way out of the National Mall. Mayhem ensued, fences were broken and tempers flared. It is amazing how uncivilized and rude the crowd was. They also left behind tons and tons of trash. That is somewhat ironic given that most of the people there were self-identified "environmentalists."

I made my way back to campus, via the I-395 tunnel and up Massachusetts Avenue, which was lined with vendors and Obamaphernalia. I bypassed the vendors and decided to go to Brooks Brothers instead. I arrived on campus and went to sleep. I was exhausted.

The inauguration of President Obama was the highlight of my time so far in Washington, D.C. It will probably not be my last inauguration, though. I plan to be in this city for a while. Ideally, I will get closer to the US Capitol every time. For now, I am enjoying my time as the loyal opposition. I wish President Obama and his administration well. There are many challenges ahead and I hope he delivers his campaign promises to the millions of people he inspired across the country and around the world. The expectations are great, but to quote former President Bush, we must have "...confidence in freedom's power, and trust in the people...[in order] to do their business."

Hear, Hear!

"But before our old soldier fades away, it is worth acknowledging that McCain ran a valiant race against impossible odds. He will be--he should be--remembered as the most worthy presidential nominee ever to be denied the prize." -Charles Krauthammer

The Way Forward

Hello,

I am currently recovering from a hectic election season, but I do plan to bring my blog back. I appreciate your readership and support. Be patient and stay tuned.

Best,
Carlos

Suspending Blog

Hello friends,

I have decided to suspend my blog. It would be too difficult to maintain it, especially with the upcoming, hectic fall.

It may make a comeback, however, in a different incarnation.

Best,
Carlos

New and Not Improved

Obama is already balking on promises from the primary season. He will probably do everything possible to appear as a centrist and disown his liberal roots and tendencies just to win votes. There is nothing inspiring about this candidate.

A Man of Seasonal Principles

Obama is quickly becoming the standard Washington politician he has been speaking out against. His policy shifts are blatant rejections of his own "change" and a testament to his narcissism, megalomania and flawed character of so-called humility and convictions.