By Sarah Fox

Today, as we were driving into DC for our first meeting, Billy got all of us ready for the concert tonight by playing many Paul McCartney and Beatles songs on the bus.

We began the day by meeting with the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). NCH has people who are currently experiencing homelessness meet with groups like us to share their stories. We had 3 speakers – Maurice, Mary and Allan. Each had their own story to tell. Maurice was a victim of bad luck, Mary had her identity stolen, and Allan suffered from severe depression. Many people form their opinions on how the homeless look. I think we all need to get beyond the first impressions and give of our time to go and give them sandwiches, socks, and most importantly, a smile and a simple hello. They are humans and every human, in my opinion, should be treated with respect no matter who they are.

listening to homeless speakers at NCH

After lunch, we went to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It was so cool to see the original documents written by our founding fathers. They helped make the history that is still impacting us today.

Magna Carta

Declaration of Independence

After this we went to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. I saw the original flag from 1812 and it took my breath away to see one major part of history staring me right in the face.

Later that day we went to Lafayette Park which is in front of the White House. We met with David Smith of Moblize.org. He told us the story of how when he was a student at University of California Berkeley, he organized 150 students to go to the State Capitol building and lobby against the rising costs of tuition and housing. Because of their efforts a bill of over $130 million was passed to curb rising tuition and build more dorms. He started this organization to empower and help other students get involved.

speaking with David Smith

After our meeting with David Smith, we had free time in the park and exercised our right to free speech and protest. There was a woman who has spent over 20 years of her life living in a tent in front of the White House protesting nuclear bombs and Israel. Once she found out that we were Jewish she waved an Israeli flag at us that had a swastika in the middle of it. She feels that Israel is the aggressor and oppressor in the Middle East. When she was tired of debating with us she blew a very loud airhorn in our faces. She also called us all “parasites that drink the blood of Palestinians.”

After a quick dinner at Potbelly’s (which is much better than Subway), we went to the most amazing concert. We saw Sir Paul McCartney. I was in awe and the crowd was going wild from the first song, which was “Drive My Car.” During “Live and Let Die,” there was one thing I did not expect – every time he got to the chorus there were fireworks. What I loved the most from the concert were the songs “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” It was so great to be able to see and hear the songs performed by the living legend who wrote them. Our whole row was arm in arm, swaying and singing along and just having fun together. I just felt so much more connected to my friends and we shared a special bond. Today was ultimately my favorite day of the trip.

	look for the rainbow...

Paul McCartney setlist:

Drive My Car
Jet
Only Mama Knows
Flaming Pie
Got To Get You Into My Life
Let Me Roll It / Foxy Lady
Highway
The Long and Winding Road
My Love
Blackbird
Here Today
Dance Tonight
Calico Skies
Michelle
Mrs Vanderbilt
Eleanor Rigby
Sing the Changes
Band on the Run
Back in the U.S.S.R.
I’m Down
Something
I’ve Got a Feeling
Paperback Writer
A Day in the Life / Give Peace A Chance
Let It Be
Live and Let Die
Hey Jude

Encore:
Day Tripper
Lady Madonna
I Saw Her Standing There

Encore 2:
Yesterday
Helter Skelter
Get Back
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
The End