Another thing we squeezed in was visiting the Harry S Truman Library in Independence, MO. All my years of growing up in that area and I had never visited this site. I was glad I finally took the opportunity. It was a great time of learning. Truman was one of the last presidents to be so accessible to the public, and it still felt that way in this museum.

One of his favorite sayings was this: “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog!”

I bought a refrigerator magnet with that saying on it.

That is more true today than ever before. I have been politically active for all my adult years, but we have entered an era of almost complete political isolation. It has not mattered who was in the White House. It has not mattered what political party held the senate seats or the congressional seat from my state and district. Over the past several years they have been so unresponsive to questions, it has been depressing.

Recently I called both senators and my representative’s offices with a question about the healthcare legislation. First of all, no one had any clue to the answer. Furthermore, one office didn’t take any action whatsoever to forward my question on to someone who COULD answer the question. Then, the other offices at least FAKED interest, taking my name and telling me who in their office could answer the question. But, to date, they have not responded.

Years ago I could call an office and get connected with someone who knew the legislation I had in question and I would have a conversation! Now… you can hear the crickets chirping.

They are circling the wagons in Washington, folks. They are not listening to people who vote. They are listening to people who write big fat checks to them.

I say this regardless of political party because I get the same response across the board.

There are no friends in Washington. We need to contact the Washington, D.C. Humane Society for that!