Leadership in an Age of Political Conflict Program at the Library of Congress - Compton, Axelrod, Rove

We don’t usually drive to DC during rush hour for obvious reasons. But we wanted to attend the program about “Leadership in an Age of Political Conflict” at the Library of Congress that started at 6:30 PM. So we headed out at 4:45 because having a ticket didn’t guarantee a seat. It took an hour to go ten miles. We have attended many programs at the Library and feel comfortable navigating around it since I worked there for ten years. I knew it would be packed, and it was. The “new” Librarian Carla Hayden stood a few steps from our seats, and was the first to introduce the panel of Ann Compton, David Axelrod, and Karl Rove. Since both my husband and I are political junkies we were already familiar with all of the participants and their general approach and tone on their take of events today. The program was sponsored by the Kluge Center and the Daniel Inouye Dustinguished Lecture Series and was being broadcast in Hawaii. I’m always looking for programs to attend at the Library. It was an annoying ride in, but the program was worth going to. I was hoping to see the Apollo spacecraft on the Washington Monument on the way home, but it wasn’t going to be illuminated until 9:30 PM. I guess that means another trip to DC tonight. 

Daniel K Inouye Lecture at the Library of Congress With Alan Simpson and Norman Mineta

I've been in the Coolidge Auditorium many times over the almost ten years I worked at the Library of Congress. But last evening was the first time I was in the Jefferson Bulding as a retiree. During the lest week of work I made sure I was on the mailing list for library programs. It's always interesting to visit the place, see some folks, hear a lecture of some sort - and all within two blocks of our house. The Daniel Inouye lecture was scheduled with Alan Simpson and Norman Mineta - moderated by Ann Compton. Not knowing how busy it would be, we arrived quite early and waited in line next to the Marvin Hamlisch Grammys that were showcased in the hallway of this beautiful building. My husband enjoys the opportunity to see and hear the goings on around town. I like the idea to go there, get bored when I'm there, and then write about it the next day. Regardless, it was a beautiful day for the short walk, and mildly entertaining given the subject matter of protecting national security and civil liberties. The event was being live streamed to Hawaii, and recorded for posterity - because that is what the library does. This afternoon is the confirmation hearing for the new Librarian. We probably would have gone just for the fun of it, but unfortunately we have an appointment. There is usually something to see and do around here, which is the reason we like the neighborhood.