The New Establishment

I started out this post with an idea that I should really write a series on being young and employed in politics. I stopped shortly after because I knew I only wanted to tell a negative story about my experiences dealing with terrible clients or coworkers. See even right there I wanted to say shitty coworkers. I couldn't not say that, because I'm so totally blown away by how preposterous business is done in DC sometimes.

It comes down to backbone and integrity. Do you have it?

When I meet someone in DC that is genuine I hold onto them with both hands. They simply cannot escape me. I will make you my friend and we will never leave each other's side. I half joke, but it is really hard to find people that are genuine insofar as I have my own criteria: Will this person tell me how they really feel? Does this person have a morale compass? Does this person seek out justice? Does this person strive for greatness? Is this person unapologetic about everything mentioned above? If the answer is yes, then congratulations: you are my new best friend!

I don't mean to say that DC is full of bad people. Not at all. It's just there are very few people I've had the pleasure of meeting or working with that are both blunt and charming and actually do their own work.

I've come to realize that you can't put a price tag on work ethic. One of my favorite things about working in politics in DC is that I'm surrounded by people who have a stake in the game and a desire to see their cause advanced. The thrill isn't monetary it's historic. We all have a chance to redirect the course of history. We have the privilege to shape generations to come.

I've just seen too many good people move up only to move right back down (in my mind only). Call it drunk with power or overwhelmed with excessive budgets. It's like the culling of operatives happens at the mid to senior managerial level–that's where good workers lose their freakin' minds and take their eyes off the prize. I know it's normal to try to position yourself for success and promotion, but it's a haunting experience to watch as decisions are made that hurt the overall objectives of an organization or movement and benefit the individual(s) making the decision.

Is this why people leave politics? I've wondered more than I'd like to tally.

I feel like such a jerk for all those times when I was 20 and so skeptical of the "losers" who couldn't stand the heat of politics. I believe at one time I referred to someone who left DC by quoting Queen lyrics, "Another one bites the dust." GOOD GOD if I could go back I would punch myself in the face. You're welcome America.

Ignoring my past shortcomings and focusing on my learned life lessons, let's move forward.

Take it from me, being blunt has only ever helped me getting new jobs. Politicos love jackasses. It just so happens when I'm looking for another job I have plenty of fire power fueling my flames. Why? Because employers love hiring passionate people. In theory they want to push their brand, mission, theories and experimentation... yea, so in actuality you would be shocked to find that doesn't necessary equate to success in the workplace. Internal politics and the soft cooing of agreement breeds promotion in this town.

Let me make it abundantly clear the problem is not the people, it is the process. Haters gonna hate. And I am a total hater but I play the long game.

Frustration with the system has stuck with me for years now. I've never worked for the government, so when I say 'system' I'm talking DC's auxiliary establishment. I have been plagued with thoughts of how I could change it to build a new way of doing business, a new way of rewarding truly innovative operatives, and christening the new establishment.

Feel me? Want to collaborate? Let's talk!

Quarter Life Crisis Part 1

I am obsessed with winning. Unfortunately, my political record doesn't reflect this. Like my fantasy leagues this year, I am mediocre at best. 1-2.

2008 (primary) L
2010 (primary) W
2012 (general) L
2014 (general) ?

The good news (if you want to look at it that way)... is that I'm not on the record this year. This midterm I'm like a cheerleader - Ra ra sis boom ba gooooooooooo individual liberties and the free market! This year I focus on turning out strong support among my peers on issue based voting.

This year I can't lose. I also can't win and it's driving me crazy.

The funny thing about growing older and wiser is that I prefer to place the emphasis on being wiser.

A college junior in New Hampshire recently told me he thought I looked 30. I'm 25 for the record, and had that punk not been volunteering at my call bank I would have publicly shamed him on Yik Yak. Because I'm an adult, I just told him I thought he looked 17.

I still get the fabulous luxury of field work this cycle, as you can tell from above mentioned supporter.

Carpetbagger, establishment hag, and ginger bitch - come to mind as favorite nicknames adorned from the campaign trail. And that was friendly fire. Can you imagine why no normal women want to run for office?

Campaigns are the worst thing and the best thing. People that chose to work on campaigns are self-inflicting, self-important, self-deprecating, selfish-- lucky bastards and I'm so jealous so they can all just shut up already.

It's war. And your coworkers go to battle with you every day. I'd say it's a noble job, but it's not. It's keeping volunteers on script and keeping the crazy county party from annexing themselves from the state party because they feel they haven't received the appropriate amount of campaign bumper stickers.

"Bush '04 gave us bumper stickers AND yard signs!"

Entitled comes to mind... This is why we can't have nice things.

I suddenly remember why it's so nice having a steady desk job. Quarter life crisis, you'll just have to wait while I'm paving the way to electoral victory in 2016. Sometimes breaks are good.

I'll take the next few weeks on the road to suck in all that campaign field work has to offer - without any of the worrying over hypotheticals where I end up with another "L" on my record and jobless. And, of course, have a few laughs at the newbies expense.

Oh my god, we have to shift resources? The sky is falling.

Hey 2013, Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out!

Christmas time and New Years really does bring out the best and worst in me.  I am very optimistic for the future, excited to spend time with my family and friends, proud of the achievements I made over the past year, and hypercritical of all of my mistakes. 

I have barely blogged this year.  My #1 regret.  I can only describe this year as full of highs and lows (and I have a blog archive full of unpublished posts to prove it.)  I didn't share anything because was scared of coming off too proud/angry.  I held a lot in and lost perspective on what was going on around me.  I was a pressure cooker.  For example, I wrote:

I think it's really easy to drop the line "Man this city really makes you cynical" or "Damn, this work really does drive you to drinking."  It's easy because it's the obvious thing to say -- it's right there in front of you every day.  How grown up am I?  I have other grown up cynical friends that are also boring, have drinking problems and prescriptions to performance enhancing drugs.  What am I doing with my life?  Working at a dead-end job and feeling handcuffed to it until then next election cycle for fear of looking too "Millennial" on my resume. 

If there is one thing I hate more than generalizations it is stereotypes. And, unfortunately, I couldn't escape either this year.  I decided that I needed an intervention after self diagnosing myself as a stick-in-the-mud.  Somewhere in the last year I forgot to breathe and just look around -- not critically, but as an observer (I'm really good at the former, I've discovered).

I have spent the good part of the last year complaining and finding faults in everyone around me.  It certainly didn't help that it all started with a crushing defeat in the '12 cycle.  I think I went into 2013 thinking, "Everything is going to shit, but hey at least I'm one of the lucky ones that got a job."  Screaming endorsement for a successful year.  As we all know, the rush to bag a job post-Election Day usually never pans out for the long term.  But, by holding it in I never got the chance to hear how everyone else felt about their job.  Clarification: I never took the time to listen.  Turns out, I wasn't the only one - not by a long shot.

The day after my 24th birthday everything changed and I realized that I was living with a bag over my head.  That was when I started changing things up.  I ruffled a lot of feathers because I fell out of line.  I had my very first DC power scuffle!  I was so upset that I had to cut ties with someone I had once held in high regard.  What would people think of me?  What would people say about me?  Turns out no one was talking at all - funny how that happens.

Now I find myself 11 days out from the start of 2014 and I couldn't be more excited for the year ahead.  Through the ups and downs, I'm walking away from 2013 with several new battle scars and a lot to be thankful for.  I have a new job on a great tech team full of talented individuals and our plans for next year make me do a little happy dance.  So many friends got married this year and welcomed new babies into the world and even more are prepping for the same this coming year!  You are the ones that helped me put everything into perspective the most, so let me close by saying thank you.

My top four life lesson learned from 2013: 

1.  Surrounding yourself with the wrong sorts of people is more harmful than knowing good people is helpful. The negativity, drama, and tumult they bring to your life wastes time and distracts you from focusing on yourself and the things and people that actually matter. 

2.  Not all friends are created equal, and not all of them stand the test of time.  And that is ok.  As I get older, my perspective on life changes, the things I value and appreciate morph.  And, I'm not the only one!  This happens to everyone.  And sometimes where I change, so does a friend, but in a different direction.  You don't need to chase everyone down their own path. 

3.  Don't compare your life with the lives of your friends as depicted on social media.  Some of the saddest people I know in real life look to have the most exciting lives on Facebook and Instagram.  Filters and selective sharing will do that - it's called building a personal brand, people.  Enjoy your life for everything it is that can't be captured in 140 characters.  (But, still be happy for all of your friends' successes)

4.  Don't be fearful of threats.  Those who threaten you are the ones who stand to lose the most.  Stick to your principles and trust your gut.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  Thank you for being a wonderful part of my life!

-Sarah

Pretty In Politics: A Blog About Our Special Interests

I spent the weekend searching the interwebs for any sign of a local DC blogger that wrote with a yopro female audience in mind... I found none. I did find plenty of juicy sites left abandon in the graveyards of the Blogosphere - what a shame! I guess it's to be expected, the savvy single girl in this city is bound to get snatched up sooner or later. Since there seems to be a void I will do my best to continue the dialog into 2012.

With my roommates and gal pals as wing-women the material I can turn out in a week should be enough to write a short novel. I'm not kidding myself, none of this is possible without their inspiration... and of course the occasional gaffes that fall into my lap from a handful of Washington's best and brightest.

The week ahead should yield plenty of witty bar banter, men trouble and campaign rhetoric. See you on the other side of the New Hampshire primary!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Honey Badger

Politics is personal. Sure it's business, but it's an extension of yourself. Little Miss Optimist over here has had a 'coming of age' experience in the past *err* week. Now it's not as if I wasn't aware of my surroundings, I was more ignorant by choice. Cue Honey Badger:  That's me y'all...

Well ladies and gentlemen, we are not in Kansas anymore. I'm actually not sure how to write what's to follow without this coming off wrong. So I'm going to let the drinks do all the talking from here. I have always played fair, always waited my turn in line, respected my elders, and been an honest voice in a dishonest world. I have absolutely no regrets, I have made the safe choices my entire life. Some of you may read that and laugh, but trust me I have always been conservative and I am not a risk adverse person. I love a good challenge and finally I have an opportunity to run with it. 

I am twenty two years young with no obligations other than rent and student loans. I am unattached, have no commitments, and it's really hard not to smile after typing that - Actually, it's impossible. I'm quite ridiculous actually because every week I come up with a new brilliant plan of attack for what I'm going to do the rest of my life. It's hard to choose, don't judge - just go with it. If I had my way, I'd live forever so I could do everything I ever wanted to do ('cause that's how long I'm going to need). By a miracle chance if I'm a lucky SOB that makes it to 100 I'd still want more. I was telling my friend Joe today, "I'm an instant gratification kind of girl," I hate waiting and I want it all. What can I say I'm a Republican? JK... not really. 

People are too apologetic these days. Why they act like their actions surprise them is beyond me. I don't believe them and I can't take them seriously. Every move is absolutely intentional - anyone who tells you differently is lying to you. When's the last time you did something without thinking it through? Touching fire will burn you and saying yes to every 'I love you' you get will leave you a cynic. Be smart people.  

Lately I've been accused of being heartless - which only makes me more smug - Thank you for giving me the satisfaction of that lovies. I talk a lot of smack, sure, but I'm the honey badger - I don't care. If being the rational one fills my veins with ice cold blood shhhietttt. Haters gonna hate. The way I see it, people need you in your life a) To love or b) To hate. Either way they need me around and I can't disappoint my public! 

I don't play games, my time is money. I fight for what I want until I get it. I don't shy away. I don't mislead. And I absolutely don't tolerate bull shit. I am the honey badger. 

Speak Loud If You Want A Target On Your Back

I've been thinking about this a lot recently. Loving this city, but wishing there was an easier way to tiptoe around the whole politics conversation. Those who know me might read that and be confused - Yes, I love me some politics, but not after 5:30pm. The main reason for this development as I have so unfortunately found out - I end up with a target on my back. I'm as independent as you can get. I fall 50/50 on the spectrum of issues out there, and it's hard to find people of the same persuasion or cool people that understand politics is subjective to the individual and that there are no real right or wrong sides to an issue.

My bookshelf reads that I am utterly confused on my politics, religion, and philosophy - and maybe I am, maybe I'm just afraid of being wrong, but I'd rather be a skeptic than a self ordained know-it-all (like most of the people I meet on a daily basis). It astounds me this disconnect between confidence and genuine wisdom. When I meet someone who is open to new ideas I want to just give them a hug right there in the middle of the restaurant or bar that I met them at. As I've only been a resident in the District for the past 5 months I know there's a whole new world out in this city I've yet to discover. Until then, I'm going to direct my attention to the specimen I have had the pleasure of observing over the Summer.

As of present I've been exposed to a bread of liberty lovers. The hipster libertarians, the right of center LGBT community, some old gen tea-partiers, social conservative cheerleaders that like to get loose on the weekends, the war crazed neocons, the 'traditionalists', Wall Street republicans, and the guys with a lot of guns that you don't want on their bad side. A lot of good people, a lot bad people too. The thing that gets me the most is how utterly, chaotically disorganized the entire bunch is - I mean ideologically speaking the sum of all the parts do not equal one. The problem with this picture is not that there is fighting within the party - the elephant in the room (pardon the pun) is the disregard for new ideas verses the old.

Instead of a strengthening from within I see the over production of regurgitated ideas passed down like chow for the hungry ankle biters waiting for their chance to move up the ranks. I see this as a supply and demand problem for my generational counterparts. Why do they work 60+ hours a week for shitty pay? Because there happens to be a line around the block of people waiting to do that same job. Why are they dissatisfied with their job? Maybe it's because deep down they know they are cogs, and cogs are a dime a dozen.

It's not that they don't read or develop arguments - they just don't read anything they don't already agree with. No information sharing, no investigative research on the studies their bosses base their policies off of - literally it's a battle ground and unless you want to be typecast as a Benedict Arnold you better fall in line. There is no place for the individual in Washington, D.C. The irony of all ironies. Especially since the Republican party markets itself as the party for individual rights. I know so many smart people that seem perturbed at the slightest mention of me disagreeing with conservative propaganda. Oh shit, there's a G.D.I. in the room! Any time I mention women's rights, pro-peace measures, or free trade agreements I can see the bewilderment in their eyes as they frantically try to determine if I crashed their party by accident or if I'm apart of some elaborate candid camera production.

The typical response I get when asked who my favorite Republican Presidential nominee is, is met with laughter. Why? Because I tell them the ones I like won't make it through the primaries and the ones that will won't beat Obama. "Muwaha ha ha," goes the middle-aged balding man too cool to back up his degrading laughter with an actual rebuttal. And yet, stupid enough to think our lackluster exchanging of words was some sort of a connection. This isn't an episode of Mad Men folks - typically a lady will not swoon over your natural disposition to discount her opinion by offering to buy her a drink. "No thanks on the Miller Lite". (I drink liquor you pussy - try your moves on the Hill interns who think just because you're older you must be important.)

Be it as it may the number one lesson I have learned this Summer is that people are freakin scared out there. They don't take kindly to new ways of doing things, new markets, new technology that phases out familiar technology, and new people. It's kind of scary how divided this city is - because anyone with half a brain realizes that big changes have to be made in order to carry on into a prosperous future. And if you have the nerve to challenge the existing code you end up with a target on your back.

Not to say I hate it - it kind of amuses me now. I can't even get mad at it anymore since I am trying to slowly win the hearts and minds of people out there - just not particularly on a Saturday night when I'm trying to get sloshed. So to all you bright scholars and hard working Millennials out there - keep an open mind to the changing times, don't be so quick to judge new ideas, and for crying out loud don't talk work or politics at clubs on the weekends.

Peace, love, and revolution! 

Double Standard Much?

I was taken aback by yesterday's blunderous display as President Obama and Justice Roberts administered the oath of office. My initial reaction was "Aww poor guy, biggest moment of his career, botched!" Then of course as I had more time to ponder this mishap and giggled at the sentiment that he could memorize a 20 minute speech yet over look the 20 second Presidential Oath (that he only needed to repeat). As the day progressed and more political pundants and analysts offered their take on the days activities, I was surprised to notice the silence surrounding the swearing in of our new President. Destitute of the juicy political retribution from the last 8 years watching clips of President Bush misspeak I waited patiently for the late night TV hosts to deliver my much anticipated dose of comic relief. Still, nothing. I mean given the media's intense obsession with making former President W. Bush look as stupid as possible for kicks and giggles I figure the same fair and equal treatment would be levied upon Obama... oh wait did I just say I assumed the media would be equal opportunists? Haha silly me, us Republicans never learn.

Is this seriously not worthy of 'The Daily Show'? Give me a break. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKsL-j7-9No

E Pluribus Unum: The Great Debate

So I have been getting questions regarding my political orientation since all of the Presidential campaigning began in 2007. Consequentially it seems, I've been defending my stance on Republican policies and its platform since then. Seeing as how the political hype has settled and post-election anxieties have dwindled some may wonder, “Why continue these pointless debates”? As a political junkie myself, I’ve come to appreciate the intellectual stimulation of a good battle of ideologies and the importance of these discussions to perfect the process of democracy. I encourage all feedback (from both sides of the aisle) because I realize in politics nothing will be accomplished if you aren’t open minded to change. To follow is a list of reasons why I support the Republican cause, keeping in mind that my opinion in this matter is greatly occupied with matters pertaining to Domestic Economic issues (I am much more moderate/left leaning on social issues):

1. I favor Limited Government as opposed to Large Government. Too much Government involvement without question makes things messy, very inefficient and expensive. I believe in the simple role of a Government -- to provide security for its citizens (police, firemen, military...) and basic public works and services i.e. public water, traffic lights, roads, electricity, mass transit ...etc.
2. I am a firm LOW TAXES prick. That goes across the board, yes even corporate taxes. I have no connection with anyone in "corporate America" or any CEOs so don't accuse me of being bias in this case. I'm poor, I am a poor ass Republican but I aspire to be rich one of these days and I want tax policies in place that won't hinder my ascension to success. Basically I think it’s utter crap to penalize a person for achieving success by taxing him/her at higher tax rates. Ergo, yay Fair Tax!
3. The concept of "transferring wealth" or as I like to call it the "Robin Hood Complex" just seems so out of place in Government... which is my point, it's just there for political gain. Who the hell has the right to tell me someone else deserves my hard earned money more than me? I am all for helping the needy but this system in place is completely skued and inefficient. I believe that's a role of the community, of your religious care groups, family, friends, and non-profit organizations; all groups there at your disposal in case you find yourself in a hard place in life. And for all you skeptics who think that's too harsh keep in mind that the Government's effectiveness in carrying out programs like Welfare are far from being anything to be proud of as far as helpfulness to the actual needy and combating fraudulent users.
4. Social Security Reform. The Republican Party is the only party addressing this problem with valid solutions to the problem. Google ‘partial privatizing social security’. It's not perfect but it's a start.
5. Affirmative Action is incredibly insulting to me as a woman. I am offended by the notion that I need a law giving me an advantage over a man, as if I'm incapable of success on my own. I don't mean to sound like a feminist but I don't need an "advantage" to prosper, I can make it on my own merits. It's not the 50s anymore and while I surely don't belittle the women’s rights movement or the Civil Rights movement for that matter (both necessary to the development of equality and tranquility in our society) the laws in place are moot and out dated for the 21st Century.
6. Domestic Security: No terrorist attacks have occurred on US soil since 9/11 thanks to such immense programs as the Bush Administration's monitoring of communications between al-Qaida operatives overseas and their agents in the US and the monitoring of the international movement of terrorist funds- both measures opposed by Democrats.
7. Need for Conservative Supreme Court Justices that will interpret the Constitution in it's 'original meaning' and by that I mean that the Justices represent a judicial philosophy based on what drafters of the Constitution had in mind in 1787; as opposed to a liberal activist judge's loose interpretation. Good example of this is President Bush's appointment of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Sam Alito.
8. This hot topic issue of 'Universal Health Care" or a Government run Healthcare program terrifies me, especially during a period of economic turmoil and uncertainty in the Markets. A good rule of thumb though is to understand that nothing in life is free. Keep in mind every promise a politician makes you, will also cost you. You'd think it would go without saying but Universal Healthcare is NOT free Healthcare. The added cost of implementing such a program would cost tax payers across the board and add to growing deficits and an unstable and dangerous national debt.

Original Post : Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 9:48pm Modified: Date marked below