Washminster Reborn

I've not been writing many posts since I retired from lecturing. I enjoyed writing - and appreciated the discipline it imposed upon me to come up with something new - on a regular basis. But I have no students now - and I'm not as engaged at Westminster or in Washington as I once was. My interests have also developed. History has always been a passion for me - an essential when teaching law and politics, particularly in the UK - but of late my interests have focussed on local history - and globally on Roman, Greek and Chinese History.

I had also effectively retired from politics. From 2012 onwards I became increasingly concerned at the ways that politics, and campaigning were developing - particularly in the UK & US.

But 2019 became a key turning point for me. I put my name forward for consideration as a Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate (my previous runs for Westminster had concluded in the first decade of this century) - and was selected as the candidate in Buckingham - a huge (by British standards) constituency, but which I live only a couple of kilometres from.



It was tremendous fun - but also exhausting, and troubling.

Perhaps the time has come to revive Washminster - to comment upon current issues in law and politics, but also to share some of my activities as a retiree.

So tomorrow, the first day of 2020, I intend to start blogging again. Do let me know what you think of the new format and content.

Visit to Washington

I arrived back this week after a superb fortnight in Washington DC. As long time readers of this blog know, I love the city - its history, its buildings, its coffee shops - and its political activity. I was able to indulge myself with all these during my stay.

For me the highlights included

* watching the special Sunday session of the Senate on May 31st -
( To watch the video follow the links: C-Span video - Part 1 ; Part 2)

* sitting in two hearings of the House Rules Committee ( Rules Committee website - which has videos of all meetings 'Committee Hearings Archive')

* many hours watching the House of Representatives from its gallery

* A tour of Congress, led by a good friend of "Washminster", Bob Carr (a former Representative from Michigan, who served as Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee), and from whom I have learnt a lot about the workings and recent history of the House.

* Two events at the Bipartisan Policy Center . One on improving health and healthcare - focussing on avoidable lifestyle chronic disease (a particular interest of mine - and a political priority) - video available here and the other about  the challenges for leadership in the second term of a presidency.
C-SPAN 3 plans to broadcast the meeting on Sunday, Jun 28 at 4:30pm EDT (9-30pm UK)

* A visit to the battlefield of Gettysburg

* some great time spent with friends who live in the Washington area.

But now, I am back home - and will be commenting on events in the British Parliament (I will make my first visit to the 56th Parliament of the UK, later this week) - as well as events and issues in the USA, EU & France.

A Kennedy Library

There is of course a Presidential Library and Museum (http://www.jfklibrary.org/), but my post today is about building one's own JFK Library. With the 50th anniversary of his death just a few days away, we have already seen a deluge of books; magazines and articles.

Some of course are obsessed with the various conspiracy theories - and it is possible to spend a small fortune "investing" in the many books (and films) about those. However this post will deal with books about his life and legacy. I have to admit that, like many people of my age - a child of the 1960s - I've been fascinated by the man that had such an influence on others. My parents had a number of books about him - which appeared before November 1963. While neither of them became politically involved (unlike their son!), clearly JFK had inspired them as young parents at the dawn of the 1960s. When I made my first visit to Washington DC I met many people, then on the verge of retirement, who had entered public service as the direct result of being inspired by Kennedy. What a tremendous legacy.

Over the years I acquired or bought some of the most well known books about him. I still have (though it is beginning to fall apart), a copy of the Warren Commission Report. ($1 it cost when first published); 'Profiles in Courage' and 'Why England Slept' (second hand copies picked up in the days when most towns had lots of second hand bookshops); William Manchester's " The Death of A President" has long resided in my library. Theodore Sorensen's "Kennedy" has recently moved from the bookshelves to the side of my bed as I re-read it. Robert Dallek's "John F Kennedy: An unfinished Life" is on the bookshelf, while his recent "Camelot's Court" has been keeping me awake as an audiobook. Richard Reeves' "President Kennedy" is another "heavy-weight" (though very readable book). I have Rose Kennedy's autobiography and Barbara Leaming's "Jack Kennedy: The Making of a President". The Cuban Missile Crisis has its own literature - starting with Robert Kennedy's "Thirteen Days". The UK's Stationery office (TSO) has also produced a useful collection of documents in "The Cuban Missile Crisis: 1962). Michael Dobbs (the one who wrote for the Washington Post, NOT the author of the excellent "House of Cards" [and a Tory Peer]) has produced "One Minute to Midnight". I have a couple of books on the Kennedy Tapes - a 2012 book "Listening In" edited by Ted Widmer which includes two CDs of over two hours of recordings, plus May & Zelikow's "The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House During the Cuban Missile Crisis".

If only there was time this month to reread (or relisten) to them all!

Newseum

I shot this video on a walk across the city last Thursday

Monuments

A Free University

I do it at home - but while I'm in Washington DC, I've been doing it more - and that is watching C-SPAN programmes. Although primarily known for its live broadcasting of the House of Representatives and the US Senate - C-SPAN has programming which goes out 24 hours a day on 3 TV channels and a radio station. It is available on cable TV in the US, but can be accessed via the internet or through an app (I use the app on my iPhone and iPad). There is also an extensive library of programmes from previous years.

All this adds up to a first rate free university, full of lectures - documentaries and a wealth of primary materials. As I write this I am in a home in Northern Virginia - it is 7.40 on Easter Sunday morning - and I am listening to a C-SPAN programme on my iPad - "Edmund Burke and the origins of modern conservatism". David Norcross is delivering an interesting, informative lecture to the Citadel Military College.

Each day I check the text schedules on the internet (and these have hyperlinks to the programmes themselves). I listen to, or watch programmes which look interesting - which will extend my knowledge and understanding. It may be a history documentary; or a lecture on political philosophy. Perhaps it covers a current controversy or the progress of the US Elections. I wish I had time to watch everything of interest that is on offer. I don't need to worry about time the broadcast is actually made - since I'm actually watching programmes in the video library. (Note for readers outside the US - you need to remember the time difference. Your browser in Britain may think it is noon, so shows you the schedule from 12.00 - wheras you need to look backwasrds at 7.00 (the 'previous' 24 hour schedule) which is the time in the Eastern US)

The complete covereage of Chamber proceedings of both Houses of Congress (plus many committee proceedings); plus broadcasts of political events gives an excellent source of primary materials. They are useful for learning about practice and procedure.

I thoroughly commend C-SPAN - and invite you to explore how it can enhance your understanding (and frankly) enjoyment of politics; history and many other related subjects.

The Duke

The office in which Bob Carr works is undergoing some redevelopment. As a result there is a temporary entrance at the side. As I went in I noticed a wall mural opposite showing Duke Ellington, one of my favourite jazz musicians. (He was brilliant on so many counts - he wrote over a thousand compositions - created an incredible sound - and since you were going to ask, my favourite (but there are so many I love) is Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, as performed at the Newport Jazz Festival on July 7th 1956). There was a plaque nearby indicating that the modern building stands on the site where the Duke was born.

Former Majority Leaders in the Senate

Overnight I listened to an interesting programme on C-SPAN Radio which involved an event at the Bipartisan Policy Center, honouring former Senators Howard Baker and Bob Dole. It gives some useful insights into the working of the US Senate. As I spent a considerable time yesterday writing about the recent history of the Senate and it's leadership - this was a particularly well timed broadcast. A number of key leaders attended and spoke. Although I am in Washington at the moment, I was able to listen to it in exactly the same way as I do when I am at home -3500 miles away - on my iPhone through using the C-SPAN App. The video can be viewed at http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Bakera

From your correspondent in Washington...

I arrived in Washington late on Wednesday night. I had written a post from Amsterdam - but just as I was going to publish the free wifi period ended. Reposting when I next had wifi seemed a little ridiculous. It was great to have on board wifi whilst flying from Detroit to National Airport in Washington. I caught up on my emails and posted on Facebook. Yesterday was spent in the city. I took the metro to Capitol South - got my first close up view of the Capitol Building since my last visit ( away far too long - I need an excuse to come here more often! Any offers will be gratefully received, and seriously considered). Later in the day I met a good friend of Washminster, Bob Carr. I'm writing this in bed (it's before 6am) - before heading back into the city (I'm currently in DC, but close to Rock Creek - so rural, yet so close to the political centre). On the way in we passed a number of deer! I hope to do a bit more posting during the day. If any friends of Washminster are in town & fancy meeting up - I'll be around for a few more days. Drop me an email (jdavidmorgan@googlemail.com) or ring me on my cellphone (202-658-9717).

En Route

This morning I begin my latest visit to Washington DC. However it will be 10.59 EDT (3.59am Thursday) when I finally arrive at Washington National Airport. I will be visiting the airports of Birmingham, Amsterdam and Detroit on the way.


While I’m over there I hope to conduct some further interviews and access some primary material unavailable in the UK, for my doctorate. I also intend to visit some of the places I have yet to spend time at – such as the Newseum. My intention is also to make some videos (as on previous visits) and to comment on and explain how the Federal Government works. I shall also look at State and local government, and report on how the Elections are shaping up in the Northern Virginia and DC areas. (I may even hop into Maryland!). I also look forward to returning to some of my favourite haunts such as St Elmos in Del Ray; Tortilla Coast on Capitol Hill – and of course – the Capitol Building itself.

I'd rather be in....

....well the famous quote by W C Fields was "Philadelphia" - but of course today, with an important Primary taking place there, "Florida" would be the chosen place. [Having said that I love Philadelphia - it has so much history - I could (and have) spent hours exploring the sites associated with the American Revolution and the formation of the republic: I'd also rather be in Washington DC; and after starting my day with a cup of Pike Place Roast coffee - I wouldn't say no to a visit to the Seattle home of Starbucks.]

But, my attention will be on Florida today. Sadly at a distance of 4,338 miles (Great Circle distance) I will have to rely on the computer - useful internet addresses for today are

Miami Herald - http://www.miamiherald.com/
Bay News TV - http://www.baynews9.com/
CNN - http://us.cnn.com/POLITICS/
MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032553/ns/politics/
Fox News - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/index.html

Things to do in Washington

One of my friends is preparing to spend a few months working in Washington DC - and asked if I had any special recommendations for places to see or visit (or eat at). I could fill a year's worth of Washminster posts on the subject - and have already written much -

I wrote a post in October 2009 about my favourite places to eat.

St Elmos Coffee Pub isn't actually in DC - it is in the Del Ray area of Alexandria (nearest Metro stop - Braddock Road). I've posted a few times about this coffee shop that I could while away many hours in. The staff are friendly; it has a vibrant atmosphere - and great coffee and food. My favourite post was made in
Jan 2011

There are many branches of Starbucks which I have enjoyed visiting - the one on Capitol Hill has a very special atmosphere - I posted about this in Jan 2010. I have enjoyed many breakfast coffees at the branch closest to Bob Carr's office (Starbucks - 2109 M Street Northwest, Washington).

Ben' Chili Bowl is a must visit - see my post from October 2009 - and Chef Geoff has a wonderful jazz brunch - at which I have celebrated a couple of birthdays.

The city is full of interesting Monuments - I've often stood at the side of the Washington Monument (see video) but have never been up. Each time I visit I say I will - after the earthquake - I'm not going to put it off again (assuming it has reopened). A dramatic video of the earthquake seen from inside is available here - nothing happens for quite a while - and then!

Both the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial are inspirational. I always visit the graves of the Kennedy's, but Arlington Cemetry itself is a very special place.

As I wrote in February 2009 -

"There is so much history there - if you stand at the base of the Washington Monument you can see - just by moving your eyes, not even your head - the White House; Congress; the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Scenes of some of the most important events in our lifetimes. A visit to see the Senate and the House of Representatives is a must! Thanks to my friends I have become interested in the US Civil War - and as well as researching the role of the Committee on the Conduct of the War during one of my visits - most of the key battlefields are within easy driving distance.

For more information on visiting the area go to

http://www.washington.org/;
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/visitorsguide/whattosee.htm;
http://www.thedistrict.com/index.htm
http://www.wmata.com/

On this day in 1793...

George Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. It was far from complete by the time that Congress moved in 1800. There are some excellent guides to the history and architecture of the Capitol - my favourite (which I keep by my bedside for a little late night or early morning reading) is William C Allen's "History of the United States Capitol: A chronicle of design, construction, and politics"



It is available in the gift shop in the Capitol Visitors Center, Washington DC - but I wouldn't recommend flying with it (unless you want to use up quite a bit of your baggage allowance!).

Online there is some excellent material on the website of the Architect of the Capitol - available here.

The Washington Monument

It has been announced that the Washington Monument will be closed indefinitely as a result of damage sustained during yesterday's earthquake. I have to admit - I have kept putting off a climb to the top, and now I may not get the opportunity.... As a wise man once said "seize the day" (Horace - Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero – "Seize the Day, putting as little trust as possible in the future").

The monument was built in 1the 1880s, being finally completed on December 6, 1884. It is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, stands 555' 5 1/8" tall, and offers views in excess of thirty miles. I particularly like the fact that it is possible to stand on the north side of the monument - and just by moving one's eyes can see the Reflecting Pool on the Mall and the Lincoln Memorial (where the "I have a dream" speech was delivered by Martin Luther King); the White House and the US Capitol.

The video was taken during my 25 mile sponsored walk when I was in Washington earlier this year.

The Washington Metro

Listening to French Radio London yesterday morning, I heard this superb song. It was a bit strange to hear it on a mainly French language station - and it took me a while to realise that it was about the Metro in Washington DC. It's very funny - and the video is even better. I have now seen more of Remy's work - and think he's great. His website can be accessed here.

The Alexandria Waterfront

The Old Town of Alexandria can often by overlooked by visitors to Washington DC. Don't. It's a lovely town - full of some great restaurants - with lots of history, and a welcoming atmosphere. I wish I were back there! (though I'm looking forward to meeting my new OU students later today). These videos (with no commentary) show the waterfront by the Torpedo Factory. If you are visiting the Capital area - don't miss a day and an evening in "Old Town". (Also make time to visit St Elmo's!)

The Building of Washington DC

In one of the videos from my walk whilst in the USA, I show the point at which the surveying to establish the  District of Columbia began (to see the video of Jones Point press here)

The timeline for the establishment of the City and the Capitol Building is -

July 16th 1790 - Congress, meeting in New York, passes the Residence Act - which moves the seat of government to Philadelphia for 10 years, and then to a new site (a square of 10 miles on each side) on the Potomac - the exact area to be established by the President.

Washington selected an area which included the existing settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria - but the new city was on the Maryland side to the south and east of Georgetown. L'Enfant prepared a map showing the outline of the new city and its major streets and buildings in 1791.

1791 First public sale of lots within the Federal District

1792 Competitions were announced for the design of an Executive Mansion (now the White House) and a building for the Congress. The Executive Mansion was sorted out with ease, but none of the plans for the Congress Hall satisfied the Commissioners. William Thornton requested and was given permission to submit a late entry. This design was chosen. However his only professional competitor - Stephen Hallet - was, in compensation for the work he had done on his own entry, given a key role in building - and he abused his position to alter and undermine Thornton's plan. He was eventually discharged.

Sept 18th 1793 - the Cornerstone of the Capitol was laid

late May 1800 - The government left Philadelphia - to set up in Washington

Nov 17th 1800 - The North (Senate) Wing of the Capitol was ready - but the House Building was barely more than foundations. So both Houses met in the Senate Building. A temporary House of representatives building was available by December 1801.

1811 - the House Building was completed - but the middle building remained unbuilt - so the two Houses were joined by a temporary passageway.

Aug 24th 1814 - the British burned the Capitol Building!

Mount Vernon to the Senate

This is the record of a walk from George Washington's estate in Virginia - along the Mount Vernon Trail - through the city of Washington DC - to the steps of the US Senate

A closer look at the Capitol

For further information about the Capitol and the US Capitol Visitors Center follow this link.

Union Station

Union Station is the rail gateway to Washington DC. It is also home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Its website is accessible here.