An entry from my college journal. The more I change, the more I stay the same. I moved to D.C. a few years ago in an attempt to force myself to become more political, but I just can’t do it. I’m as cynical about it all now as I was 20 years ago. So, this just might have been the zenith of my political engagement … telling old ladies where the best places are to go pee …

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Having felt the need to do something besides Homework, I got a “job” volunteering at the office of Senator Don Riegle in Lansing. Since there is no pay, I reap only educational benefits.

I am learning the true meaning of the word Bureaucracy – even though this is a bureaucracy which helps people. You see, the main function of this office is “casework.” People call in and either comment on the Senator’s activities, or ask help [sic] with a problem they are having.

Now, as for the comments, they are gathered and sent to the Senator’s Washington office. There they are probably read and summarized by some of his staff, and only then given to him. But at least they are considered (I wasn’t sure till I saw it with my own eyes.)

The cases are really interesting – most of the time in the worst sense of the word. An example: the elderly woman who has to go to the bathroom every ½ hour and complains that too many stores lie to her and say they don’t have bathrooms. She names them all: Kmart, Best, Farmer Jack. But the Senator has no real control of private businesses, so it’s my job to tell this woman who can help her.

I deal with these people on the phone and through correspondence. Practically, I’m helping them. But theoretically, by working for the government which victimized them in the first place I’m only perpetuating evil.

You can imagine how it feels to read Thoreau in writing class and work for the government. Not good

So I try to justify and rationalize it. this employment of my valuable time. I value the nice moments.

Tags: Donald W. Riegle, Farmer Jack, Henry David Thoreau, Kmart, Lansing