By Aaron Wasser
We woke up to our first Washington DC morning. After a quick breakfast and sleep-filled bus ride, we found ourselves knocking on the door of the non-profit organization, Jubilee USA. Named after the Torah concept of the Jubilee year, this organization is focused on relieving the debt of poor developing countries.
Next we walked by the Supreme Court and Library of Congress on our way to the Cannon Building, where many Congressional leaders have their offices, and went to meet with Congressman John Lewis of Atlanta. Congressman Lewis recalled with vivid detail his role in both the Civil Rights movement and politics today. We had followed in his footsteps during the first few days of our trip in the South. He talked about the march in Selma that he helped organize. Perhaps what was most impressive was his calm disposition as he reflected upon the beatings he took on that day which is known as Bloody Sunday. He answered all of our questions about current issues and the lessons we had learned from the Civil Rights era.
outside the Capitol building
meeting with Congressman John Lewis in his office
Billy then took us out for the quality Chinese food that Washington DC is known for.
Our next stop after lunch was my favorite of the day which was with the environmental group, Greenpeace. As I walked in I found myself overwhelmed by solar panels, daylight sensors, compressed straw furniture and other progressive eco-friendly appliances. We met with Deputy Executive Director, Bill Richardson, who told us about Greenpeace’s inspiring origin of a single ship that gained global support as it set sail to stop nuclear testing. Greenpeace gave us a refreshing and progressive view that promoted action over advocacy. Their devotion and dedication is inspiring.
We ended our meetings that day by coming full circle on a debate that had opened nearly a month ago. The issue of this debate is abortion. We met with NARAL Pro Choice America. As I walked into their offices I recalled my fierce Pro Choice view I had when meeting with the Pro Life group in Dallas. I listened to the facts and points that Adam and Kim, the NARAL Pro Choice staff members who met with us, made, and I realized that I would have followed it blindly before coming on Etgar 36 but now I found myself a skeptic. I realized that if I have learned but one thing on Etgar 36 it is to question everything including one’s strongest convictions.
speaking with the NARAL staff
the NARAL Executive Director stopped by to chat with us
outside the White House
talking with protesters in Lafayette Park by the White House
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