How I Spent My Summer Vacation, and What Democracy Means to Me

Okay, I am easily moved by Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and The American President--not just because they're swell movies, but because somewhere under my callused exterior I have a deep fondness for the aims of my country. I am not so silly as to imagine we're there yet, nor that The Founders knew what they were doing. I am more moved, I think, by the idea that this country is an experiment, one that sometimes goes off the rails and sometimes does good. So going to D.C. with Avocado and the Spouse was wonderful.
( Cut for long trip report... )