“Democracy ends at the door, majority rules here”

I felt it was appropriate to combine my take aways from Seminar VII and IX, not only because I am behind on these blog posts, but because I was constantly comparing the two in my head.

Seminar VII took us through upstate New York into Canada. My first trip to Canada and we got an up-close an personal look at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Senator Rob Black was down to earth and allowed to not only walk on the Senate floor but sit in their seats a really feel how discussion is held. Similar to the US bills pass back and forth between the Senate and the House of Commons. However, in Canada they have four major political parties. Independents, CSG, Conservatives, and Progressives. All of which hold seats. Another fun comparison, is they have no term limits but legislators are required to retire at 75.

We also got a phenomenal tour in DC. Congressmen Ben Cline gave us an eye-opening tour, taking us past all the “do not pass” signs and walking the same halls and walkways many of our presidents have walked. One of the things I found most fascinating is that the chambers of the Republicans and Democrats are kept complete completely separate, they were built that way when the building was constructed. It is literally designed to keep the parties apart. Congressman Cline made the comment that as Virginia legislator you may be arguing against someone on the house floor one minuet but the next you are standing behind them in the lunch line asking how their family is doing. Virginia politics does not do everything right but I would say this is something they do. How can you respect someone’s point on a piece of legislator if you have not taken the time to get to know them and people they represent? Sounds to me like the US government could use some team building exercises, personality tests, and happy hours.

These seminars feel like a lifetime ago as I can’t believe two years of VALOR is almost over. We ended our DC trip at the Agribusiness Banquet which is always an honor to attend and reunite with all those connections in the industry.