Well we’re back after a whirlwind visit to Washington DC. That is a busy place. There are people there everywhere, standing on corners, sitting in black suburban’s with tinted windows, running through crowds to catch the Metro, carrying attaché cases, talking into cell phones, frowning a lot, people in uniforms with large automatic weapons and the occasional mean looking dog, befuddled tourists with maps and they all look busy. Our mission there was several fold. One, was to help out our friends in government, which didn’t go all that well. We thought we might have had a hand in balancing the budget and planning strategy for finding peace in the middle east but as it turned out that was a mistake on our part. When we approached some of our policy makers they told us that they had people working on that all ready and didn’t need any help. In fact they had so many people on it they thought they might have to lay some folks off. Not wanting to be the cause of some bureaucrat losing their job we said “Put our name on the list and as soon as somebody quits or gets fired, call us.” So far we haven’t heard back yet. We stand ready to do our part at a moments notice however.

The second reason for our visit was to locate and identify some of my children who have taken up residence there in Washington to do good work in the private sector. We found them despite their repeated efforts to move to different houses and assume other identities. Once they knew that resistance was futile they welcomed us with open arms and we had a wonderful visit. Different children from other parts of the country flew in and soon we had a full house. Everyone was in good health and reasonably aware of their surroundings. Nobody fought, we didn’t get sick of each other, and there was even a damp eye or two when the visit was over. Some cynics have remarked that was probably due to relief that it was over more than anything else but that was totally inaccurate. We had extraordinary adventures some of which I can relate and others I can’t but as a visit it couldn’t have been better. Let’s just say that we know where most of the lighthouses on the Potomac river are and let it go at that.

The Third reason we went, uhm, I can’t remember the third reason we went. So, nevermind. Our mission was twofold then.

But like all trips it’s always good to get home. The disappointment of not being able to revise the tax code while there in Washington began to dissipate as I checked The Institute grounds to see how we fared while I was gone, everything was perfect, and after a good night’s sleep in my own bed I’m ready to face the world again, refreshed, happy, and glad to be back where things make sense. The image above is one where things are clean, simple and full of colors designed to calm the most agitated souls. Washington DC was an experience every American should have, it shows that we have the best government in the world even if they don’t want the excellent ideas some people bring to the table. It’s good to be back at the helm of The Institute again and I can’t wait to begin all the important work I said to hell with when I left.

Make the pilgrimage to Washington DC. It’ll open your eyes, make your feet hurt, deplete your wallet, show you what bad traffic can really be like, and cause you to swell with pride from all the good seafood, I mean see how America truly works. You’ll find it’s great to be an American.