The Hope

Yes, I did go back to Lincoln the next night and I brought a friend. More hope, Mr. Lincoln! More hope!

The Cobwebs of Lincoln’s Right Boot

I had initially intended to name this post, “Which to ponder when you wander, nature’s serenity or man’s monuments?” Which would have had a different beginning, but the same end.

You see, this is my first post (on this blog, anyhow) since I’ve decided to make the leap from California technology marketing boy to delusionary, masturbatory, vomit-inducing, power-hungry, money-grubbing, foul lobbying, no-debate-skill-havin’ newcomer to “The District.” What with the vulgarities and lack of civility? Exactly. I ask myself the same question, for those are the things that I get called daily by those who believe that my political goals are insincere. That’s definitely a story for another time.

The first thing I learned about politics, you can say “politics are” or “politics is.” Great.

The second thing I learned about politics, it doesn’t sleep. Which isn’t that big of a deal for me since I am used to hitting the 70 hours per week mark by racking up the 14 work days and having a cot in the office to eke out a few Z’s.

In order to remain productive at that pace, I must eat right and exercise regularly. Otherwise, my decision-making skills spiral downward quickly. So, I’ve been forcing myself back into the exercise routine, which started with a run through the country last weekend as I was home for a family reunion. It was an early morning jog to beat the midday Midwestern heat, just me and the animals stepping out of our slumber. It has been awhile since I hit those roads, so I felt that they had missed me. It was a welcome feeling.

I’ve been averaging a plane flight of at least 1000 miles every 5 days. This does make it hard to keep the routine that I previously mentioned, especially when every other weekend is a party, wedding, reunion, and the like.

I hit the road in my trainers again last night, but in the late evening of D.C. The idea to exercise came to me a bit after 9pm, after an early flight that was delayed and several hours in front of the laptop once I got here. And so, I wrapped up a draft of an campaign that I was working on and clicked over to Yahoo! Maps to see how far I was from the Washington Monument. To my happiness, not far at all!

As I walked out of the hotel, I felt the night temperature and found it to be perfect for a run. After walking a block, I took to an increased peace and headed toward the mall. It was neither quiet nor busy. There were small packs of twosomes and groupsomes that were going in both directions; some students and some tourists.

When I got to the Lincoln Memorial, I was shocked. It was a midsummer hive of activity. There were groups sitting on the stairs, on the lawn, and standing around the building. There were individuals taking pictures. There were conversations everywhere. There was an electricity and took some of it on as I decided to continue my run once around the perimeter of Abraham before partaking in my first visit to see him in many years.

The electricity is powerful. It makes you feel alive, proud, and yet, humbled to be in the presence of a memorial to a great man in our history. I made my way to the stairs, for I wanted to approach fully in the gaze of his watchful eyes. By that route though, one must make way through the people sitting and standing to look back across the reflecting pool toward the Washington Monument. I was undeterred and did not want to look back until I had basked in the glory of history.

People stand quite a ways back from President Lincoln. I am not sure if it is the authority of his statue or if, simply, that is the only way to capture his entirety in their cameras. I was not there for pictures. I was there to recharge my drive and my soul.

I mentioned earlier the terrible names that I get called regularly. That’s no big deal. That’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that our so-called leadership, the elected representatives of the people no longer represent the people, most of them only represent themselves. The economy, environment, terrorism, education, health care, social security, and immigration are all collapsing on us simultaneously and they are talking about same-sex marriage, gun control, and Darfur? Don’t get me wrong, those are important issues that need a resolution, but none of them are vital to the immediate health of this country.

As I approached President Lincoln, I focused his pose. Arms resting on two large volumes. Right leg and boot pushed out toward us. Hands reaching out, left one in a fist. Gaze watchful and stern. I made my way from his left side to his right, ambivalent toward those trying to capture his essence digitally. And then, I saw it. It was pitiful.

In this town, where the one business is politics and our politicians have decided to represent themselves, we have deteriorated to such an extent that even our tributes to greatness are unkempt. The power of this monument comes partly from the suspense of disbelief. At any moment, Lincoln just might get up from his chair and give us a few words about our ways; commending us or chastising us harshly.

And if he could, I am sure that he would. But, Lincoln was a victim of our lethargy.

I first noticed the cobwebs latching his right boot to his pedestal. I next noticed those entwined in his fingers handcuffing him to his armrests. And finally, I noticed those that had reached up to his head, pulling it down toward his left shoulder and the back of his chair.

Lincoln was not the proud, stern figure of our past any longer. His face had changed. He had given up, because everyone else around him had given up. I’m quite sure that he defended himself as long as he possibly could. But, with so many attackers coming from every direction, it was an impossible task to accomplish alone.

I am an optimist. It once took a great man to save our country. This time it will take great people to save our country. But, we have to believe that we can do it. And, we have to start right here, right now.

If I can’t reach up to free Lincoln on my own, then I will, at least, go back tonight to give him hope.