Class Trip To Washington, At Last

Today I traveled to Washington DC to participate in the Climate Crisis Action Day, sponsored by a score of environmental organizations. My goal is to get down to DC once a year for a rally, demonstration, or in this case visiting legislators. Our agenda today was advocating in favor of the Waxman bill and the Renewal Standard Portfolio, and against opening the Artic refuge for oil drilling. We passed Henry Waxman as he headed towards the Capitol Lawn to speak to the crowd, and that was really exciting!
I still get goosebumps when I see the Capitol and its surrounds - it felt like I was on a class trip again, being led skillfully around by the experienced members of our group who organized the talking points and advocated eloquently for political action. Republicans seem to be grasping that they can't be Global Warmer Deniers much longer - the world is changing. Business is even asking for cap and trade bills. Like a kid begging for a bedtime.
The cynic in me says this is a feel-good activity, not likely to have an impact. The idealist in me sees democracy in motion and is proud to be a part of it. In the end it comes down to faith. I was part of a faith-based delegation, and part of that faith is that our actions in the world make a difference. It is worth taking a day and going to Washington to stand up for issues you care about.