Checks and Balances

Today was an average day in London. It was really windy and still a bit chilly. But I am used to this type of weather so in the end its not so bad. Last night, Ahmed, Kenan and I went to get some Chinese food that just so happened to be all types of delicious! Then I showed them around Loring Hall. It was their first time actually being in a residence hall since they commute. We sat around and talked for a while nothing exciting. Then after they left I did some snooping upstairs in another flat where we talked about the purpose of a fraternity, the slave trade and US vs British Government.


Its amazing what a year does to a person. It was just one year ago at the end of December when I decided to officially align myself with the democratic party and take some stands on important issues. I have become more confident in my points of views in abortion, health care, civil rights, reparations, the 'n'-word, et al. I have opinions on these situations and I am steadfast in my opinion- this doesn't mean they won't change in the years to come.

However, during our debate last night I found myself, in control of the situation around me. This has been happening more and more while in the UK as I has asserted myself as an American who does have a practical idea of policy and government and can deliver a decent response to many questions. Through my assertion, I have gained more confidence in my own tongue (if you will). I let the other person scream and shout and let them make complete asses of themselves, while I sit back and smile (sometimes condescendingly); then I deliver my point of view and its cool, calm and ACCURATE.

I scared myself yesterday as I was discussing the goods and bads of Congress and the goods and bads of the House of Commons, I found myself delivering a point and then someone got frustrated at my critique of the house of commons, jumped out of their seat, and left the room... Not my goal... but my facts were true. The last sentence I said was, "Its amazing things get done in the House of Commons, when all you see are the MPs (members of parliment) screaming over each other during debates." The other person gets up and leaves saying they have suddenly become really patriotic and thinks that their government is awesome... Did I say that their government was not awesome?... the other 'party' lost control and left to have a cigarette. For the first time in my life I somewhat understood, Tony Franco.


There is a man back at home and his name is Tony Franco. He is an extremely sly talker, always one step ahead of an argument whenever he debates with someone. In fact he gets you so flustered that you stop debating with him. It no longer becomes a debate it becomes a barrage t Tony-fact. I don't necessarily agree with his tactic because sometimes nothing is learned in the debate. Sometimes he belittles the person he is debating anf thats not the point. But at the end of the debate, it always seems to be tony that is still standing. I got a glimpse into tony's world last night... it was good.

All in all twas a good night. Not to many plans for the day... maybe some studying, maybe.