Politics and Mike

We are surrounded with politics. He said, she said... It's the best and the worst of this country.

That captivating "Hi Daddy" last night... the chilling stories of the small cell in Viet Nam... and the courage, beyond anything I could summon up...

The words, the pictures, the questions and answers. Wondering what do the Clintons have up their (collective) sleeves? Is McCain too old? What exactly is that change I am supposed to believe in?

What a statesman Kennedy is (in spite of the fact that there is very little I agree with). The solemn, almost tearful look on Maria Shriver's face while her uncle spoke, which said volumes.

All of these things are what makes our country great. That sounds like a canned statement, but today I am really reflecting on that fact.

My intern Mike is twenty something and a great asset to my group. He has the day off tomorrow. He is going to Baltimore and he is going to answer somewhere around 10 random questions. If (when) he is successful, he will undergo a computer search for any suspicious passport behavior. And then, all hurdles passed, he will say the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And he will repeat words that will result in his becoming a citizen.

I watch the events of the political season with some cynicism, but then the joy on Mike's face as he says 'awesome' when he is talking about the prospect of becoming a citizen of the US reminds me...

We are a blessed nation.
We are blessed people, individually and collectively.
And the agreement, disagreement, cynicism and lofty ideals -- they are all ingrained in the foundation that results in Mike's smile.

At its best and at its worst... I'm proud to be an American.

And so is Mike. An early congratulations to the newest citizen, Mike.