I fully admit that I would not be writing this blog if I was not satisfied results of last night's caucus. However, I was pleased with the results (mainly Romney and Edwards not winning), and after watching coverage all night, I even found a little more appreciation for the process. Here are some reasons why I am ok with not having a national primary:
1. Money cannot fully buy the nomination, just ask Mitt Romney. Romney spent $7 million, much of it from his own pocket. Yet Huckabee, who spent a quarter as much, prevailed. Having been a political fundraiser back in the day, I of course know that money matters. But it matters much more on a national scale where all you can do is buy ads. Which brings me to...
2. Townhalls and Tough Questions. At least when candidates are focusing on smaller constituencies, they actually have to address the people directly. Last night the pundits noted how impressed they were with the sophisticated questions thrown at candidates on the trail by Iowans and how they pressed the candidates to explain their answers. I like the concept of a dialog, which is often lacking in news coverage, debates, and one-way advertisements.
3. Not everyone has to be subjected to horrible tv ads. This is a little selfish, but I am glad that I am not the one who is bombarded by campaign mailers and ads like this:
Although my appreciation for a more direct democracy does not lead me to support a national primary, I think a good compromise would be to have a rotating primary, where different states would be first each cycle. This would certainly not jive well with Iowa and New Hampshire, but I think it is silly that they always get to be first because they (and their constitution) say so.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy Caucus Day
I cannot believe that today is finally the Iowa Caucus. Everyone has been waiting months, even (four) years, for this. People have asked me all day, and frequently in the past few months, what I think will happen tonight. With the races being so close in both parties, I have no idea but I am doubly excited to see how the caucuses turn out and how they will influence the next few weeks of the primary.
I do have to say that being a political spectator this time around, I have gained perspective on why people are so cynical about politics. Tonight, a very small percentage of people will have a large influence on how this election plays out. I think I read that only about 5% of Iowans trudge out on the snow to caucus. The percentage may grow this year, but it is still a small number.
The reality is that a Democratic nominee will most likely be chosen even before I, and most of the country, goes to the ballot box. This is why I did not become emotionally invested in a candidate; it would not have made a difference. Without having my vote matter, nor the time or money to help a campaign, everything was out of my hands. And this is how people probably feel all the time about elections and government in general. Helpless.
I am not as jaded as I sound about politics; I still follow it passionately and will probably jump on a campaign this summer. I just wait for the day until someone devises a better plan and people actually have the guts to implement it.
Until that day, in Iowa I trust. Please do not screw up tonight.
I do have to say that being a political spectator this time around, I have gained perspective on why people are so cynical about politics. Tonight, a very small percentage of people will have a large influence on how this election plays out. I think I read that only about 5% of Iowans trudge out on the snow to caucus. The percentage may grow this year, but it is still a small number.
The reality is that a Democratic nominee will most likely be chosen even before I, and most of the country, goes to the ballot box. This is why I did not become emotionally invested in a candidate; it would not have made a difference. Without having my vote matter, nor the time or money to help a campaign, everything was out of my hands. And this is how people probably feel all the time about elections and government in general. Helpless.
I am not as jaded as I sound about politics; I still follow it passionately and will probably jump on a campaign this summer. I just wait for the day until someone devises a better plan and people actually have the guts to implement it.
Until that day, in Iowa I trust. Please do not screw up tonight.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Location, Location, Location
Last night I was talking to one of my UCLA friends who said he regretted going to undergrad so close to home and living there during college because he did not feel like he got the entire college experience and it stunted his growth as a person. Conversely this fall, I started to question, for the first time, whether I made the right decision to move out to DC for law school. Oh how the grass is always greener on the other side of the country.
After some reflection, I would say there is no right answer about where you should go to law school. Naturally, if you know 100% where you want to work after graduation, it is probably best to be there. But I did not know if California was it for me.
All in all, I am sure I would have been fine being in DC, California, or even Minnesota (yes, I actually considered applying there). As our professors tell us, it does not matter what the answer is, it is how you back up that answer. Analogously, I guess it does not matter where you move but how you live your life once you are there.
I think actually going through a minor crisis of confidence during the emotionally vulnerable state known as "Fall Recruitment" helped me realize that I am actually happy with where I chose to go to school. It might have made the job process a lot harder, but there have definitely been positives that have balanced out the hardships: becoming more independent, meeting great people, exploring an amazing city, unique opportunities like American's prestigious clinical program and touring the Justice Department.
Moral of the story (aka- advice that I would give to future law school applicants): Make an informed decision about where you want to be. You should factor in the advice from others, but ultimately it is a very personal decision that only you can make. And once you make your decision, make the most out of it and do not doubt yourself when times get tough.
I guess this advice is applicable to all types of decisions. And I will probably need to remember my own advice many times in the future as there will only be more decisions to make.
After some reflection, I would say there is no right answer about where you should go to law school. Naturally, if you know 100% where you want to work after graduation, it is probably best to be there. But I did not know if California was it for me.
All in all, I am sure I would have been fine being in DC, California, or even Minnesota (yes, I actually considered applying there). As our professors tell us, it does not matter what the answer is, it is how you back up that answer. Analogously, I guess it does not matter where you move but how you live your life once you are there.
I think actually going through a minor crisis of confidence during the emotionally vulnerable state known as "Fall Recruitment" helped me realize that I am actually happy with where I chose to go to school. It might have made the job process a lot harder, but there have definitely been positives that have balanced out the hardships: becoming more independent, meeting great people, exploring an amazing city, unique opportunities like American's prestigious clinical program and touring the Justice Department.
Moral of the story (aka- advice that I would give to future law school applicants): Make an informed decision about where you want to be. You should factor in the advice from others, but ultimately it is a very personal decision that only you can make. And once you make your decision, make the most out of it and do not doubt yourself when times get tough.
I guess this advice is applicable to all types of decisions. And I will probably need to remember my own advice many times in the future as there will only be more decisions to make.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
I thought I would usher in the new year with remembering the old. Here is my annual recap of the year:
And I crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Where ever you go” –Bubbly
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Some ‘firsts’ in chronological order: did not have to go to school because of a snow day, ate raw fish, went to Niagara Falls, made it onto a law journal and wrote a Comment, met a man exonerated from death row, toured the West Wing of the White House, and went to Disney’s California Adventure.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not have a new year’s resolution, but I made a “Lenten resolution” to cook and eat fish, which was successful. I will try to think of something for this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of my law school classmates’ wives gave birth. I still am in awe of people who are able to manage law school and a family, especially with newborns. I also learned that some people I know from high school had kids this year; thank you facebook.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not that I can recall.
5. What countries did you visit?
I went to Vietnam during winter break and stopped in Hong Kong on the way back.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A competent President, preferably from the Democratic Party. Also, a national championship in basketball.
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 11- The day I finished my first year of law school.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Academically: Making it onto the Administrative Law Review and receiving an offer of publication for my comment.
Personally: Finding a way to happily balance law school with a social life and boyfriend in the city. Also, taking more risks.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Failure is such a harsh term. However, I think the worst thing I did was doubt myself and my decisions after a string of job rejections.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a weird cough during much of the Fall Semester; I attributed this to the 1L students I mentor because they were always sick.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A $30 suit from the Delaware outlets and a new laptop.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
People who make the most with what they have and also serve others. I think I know and met several people this year who fit this description.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
.The surprisingly number of irresponsible and selfish law students who jeopardized their partners’ grades by not pulling their weight on a joint appellate brief. I was especially disappointed because I go to the ‘nice’ law school where people help each other out.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Groceries, transportation (metro and airfare), and trying out new restaurants in the city.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Alex’s new job at George Washington University and his move down to DC.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
The Umbrella song that was always stuck in my head.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Same I think.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer since I get paid as a Dean’s Fellow.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercised, and kept in contact with old friends.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Thought negative thoughts about people.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family in San Clemente. It was a complete California Christmas with 70 degree weather and a view of the ocean.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Over and over again
23. How many one-night stands?
Not applicable
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Top Chef, Project Runway, Top Model, and the Office. I also have a not-so-secret addiction to the Real Housewives of OC.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I have a strong disdain for Mitt Romney
26. What was the best book you read?
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseni, the author of The Kite Runner.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Classical Music station on iTunes for when I study.
28. What did you want and get?
A KitchenAid Stand Mixer for Christmas. The fact that I did not explicitly ask for it made it even more exciting. Additionally, I wanted and received classes that I thoroughly enjoyed this fall.
29. What did you want and not get?
A summer associate position at one particular LA law firm, but it all worked out in the end because I will be in the much lovelier Santa Barbara.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Ratatouille and Juno.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
For my 23rd birthday, I went to two hearings on the Hill and went to happy hour with some friends. The following weekend, my roommate and I hosted a really fun appetizer party at our apartment.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Once again, I will say cheaper airfare. I realized that I have flown at least once a month since August.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
My usual classic look but with my color.
34. What kept you sane?
Support from family, friends, the boyfriend, and the roommate. Making to-do lists and checking things off. Also the realization that stressing out does not help anything.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As a new fan of the show the Office, I’ve grown fond of the character of Jim.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
It is so hard to pick just one issue during primary election season! Probably immigration.
37. Who did you miss?
Friends from UCLA
38. Who was the best new person you met?
In addition to all the new people I met this year at school, probably Anil, my officemate at the Constitution Project.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Having goals is good, but so is having flexibility.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Although nothing monumental happened it 2007, I could best characterize it as a ‘fun’ year with a lot of travelling and seeing the people I love. Accordingly, here’s a song lyric that sums up that feeling…
And I crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Where ever you go” –Bubbly
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