Christine Williams --on the Hill

Tuesday, July 24, was the first time that my journalism class arrived at Capitol Hill. After taking some quick pictures for our scrapbooks, we entered the House Press Gallery. We were welcomed by a congenial man who introduced himself as Jerry L. Gallegos the Superintendent of the Gallery. He shared with us the history of journalism in the House, the uses of the House press gallery, and allowed us to ask questions. The gallery had been filled with bustling journalists before CSPAN allowed them to watch the proceedings in the comfort of their own office. He reminded us, though, that in light of the cameras filming only certain spots, no television could replace reality. As we scanned the room we saw journalists still using the room as a workspace and staff members answering e-mails and phone calls about the House’s activities and keeping a log concerning the days proceedings.

We were able to hear the House discuss giving $50,000 to Bishop, California to build a mule museum, because, as the representative for California passionately proclaimed, George Washington received mules from the King of Spain, they were indispensable to the development of the west, and they are even in Afghanistan right now alongside our troops. I enjoyed listening to the men debate rapidly and some even became less than civil in their protests. After, we saw the Senate for a brief time and toured the rest of the Capitol building. I found the two statues of Texans, Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, and marveled at the murals and chandeliers. One room had such perfect acoustics that you could hear a conversation from across the room.

After taking more pictures we ended the day and left for Union Station. I would love to be able to spend my time as a journalist learning and listening to debates, but I might not be able to handle lengthy discussions if they are all as minor as a mule museum.