By Jilly Roberts
Today was a much more laid back day than yesterday. We began our morning by going to the National Archives and seeing the 3 main documents that shaped our country into what it is today. We saw the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Seeing these old faded parchments was really fascinating and it is really amazing how our whole country operates based on these three documents.
Next on our agenda was going to a Smithsonian Museum. We had our choice between the Art or Natural History Museum. I went to the Natural History Museum and loved it. There were many exciting exhibits such as mammals and dinosaurs as well as rocks and minerals. There was a beautiful diamond called the Hope Diamond that was flawless and so pretty. I really enjoyed this museum and I am sure that the Art Museum was just as interesting.
Next we went to the National Coalition for the Homeless. We were shown a piece from “60 Minutes” on how homeless people are treated and about a phenomena called Bumfights which is a movie where homeless people are paid to do stupid things or fight each other. This documentary was absolutely disturbing. We also heard stories from homeless people and were able to understand what they go through. Listening to their stories opened my eyes and changed my views on the way I see the homeless. Most homeless people are harmless and good people who are just less fortunate. Francine, a lady who spoke to us, told us that when she was homeless all she wanted was someone to talk to.
Now, whenever I see someone on the streets, I will acknowledge that they are there and give them spare food or socks. The stereotypes of the homeless are not always true and people need to see them as humans and they should be treated as such. This meeting was very touching and moved me towards doing the right thing and helping the homeless.
After this meeting we went to the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. It was a nice memorial filled with his famous quotes. FDR was one of our greatest Presidents and it was a great memorial to him.
On the Tidal Basin with the Washington Monument behind us
Our last stop of the day was Lafayette Park, which is located in front of the White House. It is home to many protestors.
One of the main protestors was a woman who has been camped in front of the White House for over 25 years protesting nuclear weapons. She is also anti-Israel and feels that America’s aid to Israel is wrong. Being Jewish, we wanted to hear her views and discuss our views with her. We kept asking her questions but she would not answer us so we decided to protest her by sitting in front of her booth. We followed the non-violent teachings of Dr. King by having a peaceful protest. This lady would not listen to us and made nasty remarks to us. It was exciting to protest because for 30 days we have been talking about acting on what we believe in. By sitting on the ground in front of her in the heat and not moving when she yelled at us to do so, we actually stuck up for our beliefs and put into action what Etgar 36 has been teaching us. The experience at Lafayette Park was unforgettable.
An impromptu “sit-in” in front of a protestor who refused to talk to us
Etgar 36 in front of the White House
After dinner, we saw the show “Capitol Steps”. It was a funny show that made fun of a lot of political issues and politicians.
With the Capitol Steps cast after the show
After the show we had wrap up outside on the National Mall in front of the Washington Monument. It is so beautiful at night with all of the lights. Today was a great day filled with really exciting things. The days are winding down but as each one goes by they get better and better.
