Herb Kohl

The Washington Center disappointed me on Wednesday.  I was notified at the end of the week last week that I, along with three other Wisconsinites interning this summer, would have a half hour to an hour to speak with Senator Kohl.  We were to have researched his committees, his voting record, his personal bio, etc., in order to have an informed and engaging discussion.  The interns showed up on time, our organizer for the event was late.  Upon entering his office, we realized that it wasn't an event that was set aside just for us, as it was made out to be, but a social event for constituents that regularly occurs at the office.  Which I think is really cool, but I was under the impression this was to be a very unique experience.  After moving past the initial frustration I engaged in some conversations with members of Kohl's staff.  For instance, I discussed with the member of his staff designated to defense research why Senator Kohl voted against the invasion of Iraq in 1990, but voted for it in our most recent escapade into the country.  Seeing as though the individual had only been on the staff for two years, he didn't quite know.  So, I went on to ask the staffer involved with legal affairs what the reasons were that Senator Kohl initially voted for the Patriot Act, but has subsequently voiced criticisms of the bill.  She suggested that at the time of its passing it was necessary to award the powers to the government, but the issues with civil liberties for Americans since than has been problematic for the Senator.  After indulging on a blueberry muffin, glazed doughnut, and orange juice I was able to meet the Senator, along with the others in attendance.  There was a group of six people that seemed to all be related, along with a few other individuals that came to meet good ol' Herb.  His presence did shift the attention in the room, obviously, but he doesn't do much to command the attention of an audience.  He came around to shake all of our hands, and then we moved into his office to take a photo.  I felt a bit imposing standing next to him, so I did my best to not stand entirely erect.  We stuck around for a while after the photo, and I made small talk with some more of his staff.  One individual was from Random Lake, and the other from Freedom, WI.  I never did get to ask my farm subsidy question...oh well.  The experience was nice, and had I been told to expect what indeed had occurred I would have been very enthused by the entire event.  Instead, however, I was left with a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth despite the bagel with cream cheese that I scored on the way out.  I was determined not to be dismayed for the remainder of the day, so I set about finding a worthwhile engagement.