So week one of my semester long journey is winding down. I feel like I have been here much longer though---perhaps its all the learning I am doing.
This week consisted of getting adjusted to the time change (successfully done), meeting my professor, settling in at my home for the next four months, starting my tenure as a research assistant for Malcolm Wicks in the British Parliament, learning about the British government system, developing a budget for my time here, going to my class, and oh yah sight seeing!!!
My impressions?
Regarding my professor and temporary home I am very happy. As previously noted in a blogpost we are very close to everything that I need. From a grocery store to a drug store to a blockbuster, Clifton Gardens is a great place to call home. An added bonus occurred yesterday when surprisingly, from down the street, I heard my name called. Turns out there are several CUA students living just 3 floors above us politics folks that no one told us about. Looking forward to getting to know the folks from the music school who are studying in London as well.
The City?
Amazing. Nothing in America compares. I think that the best description would be if somehow Washington DC and New York City suddenly became one city. From the arts to politics to the nightlife, I certainly won’t be bored here in London.
What’s different?
Transportation. The Underground Tube system is amazing, So much more efficient than Washington’s. Each underground station has its own unique character (imagine union station being located at several different stops) and I never have to wait for a train. The drawback? It’s expensive! Much more than any other public transport system I have ever encountered. It is an urgent priority of everyone here in my flat to get the 70 pounds per month pass to use the transportation system. If we don’t get that soon we will be in trouble, after all I have spent half of that in nearly one week just topping off my card each time. Why are we waiting? We need a letter from our University saying that we need the pass.
My internship?
Amazing so far! My immediate supervisor Louise is very compassionate and a great teacher as I attempt to understand the system. The member? Terrific! Mr. Wicks (or Malcolm as he told me to call him) took me for a spot of tea in the Members only Pugin room (very posh room overlooking the Thames named after the man who designed the interior of the Parliament of Westminster). It was great to interact with a member on such a personal level such early on in my internship. It reminded me of my early days in Congressman Tim Ryan’s office. Next week I will be going to a fundraiser in the town of Croyden and possibly playing golf in a political tournament later in the year!
Westminster and the British system
Westminster is amazing. From Westminster Hall to St. Stephen’s Hall to the House of Commons and Lords Chambers the Capitol Building does not come close to the architectural “awe-ness” that I got when I walked into the hallowed Westminster Palace (after all it is a palace and originally was one). Imagine the feeling you get when you walk into the Capitol Rotunda (come on even the most experienced of hill rats know that feeling) all over Westminster and it doesn’t hurt that St. George, the Patron saint of England is prominently featured around the estate.
In regards to the system you’ll see me write about that topic for months on this medium and it still won’t be enough for proper explanation. Instead, I will list the 5 things of what I think is coolest.
1) The role of the speaker in the House of Commons. This person must be someone respected from both sides to be elected. Once he or she is elected they forfeit their party membership and remain neutral in all debates (unless there is a tie). As a reward they get to live in Westminster, ride in a gold stage coach for official events, and essentially control the debate that goes on the floor.
2) How debate is conducted in the House of Commons. Only ministers (people appointed by the Prime Minister to run certain departments) can sit in the first two rows. Usually the minister and the shadow minister (the person of the minority party representing his party interests) are the ones who lead the debate on the floor. They can yield at any time to someone who wants to interrupt them with a point or who wants to ask a question. The Prime Minster actually has to face the house of commons every week. (Imagine Obama walking into a room every week with half the room being Joe Wilson lier screamers and taking questions from them and having to respond. Pretty intense!)
3) Role of the Prime Minster and the Queen—The prime minister is elected from the House of Commons (imagine Obama being elected from the Congress) to run the government. The Queen is still a big deal here! She has to sign every law (royal assent), although she doesn’t have to (a constitutional crisis would occur if she ever did not sign something passed by Parliament), every royal leader has signed the Parliament’s legislation since Queen Ann. In short the Queen has power but she does whatever the Prime Minster wants her to do (sounds potentially dangerous right?)
4) Elections—Elections happen when the Prime Minster goes to the queen and asks to hold them. He or she can do that anytime they want however an election must be held every 5 years. Prime Minster Gordon Brown will soon go to the Queen (most likely at the end of March) dissolving Parliament and ordering a new election. An election must subsequently be held within a certain time frame after (less than two months) and it is widely expected that the date will be May 6th. What I find interesting is that Parliament literally dissolves. Current MP’s and Staff (including me!) are locked out a few days after the queen dissolves Parliament. Amazing!
5) Democracy and public access. I find this system in some respects to be more democratic. After all every single person can walk into Westminster, go to the central lobby (right near the chamber) and demand to see their MP if they are in the chamber. If they are not in the chamber they can leave a message for them. Imagine anyone going to the rotunda of the capitol building demanding to see their representative anytime they are in the chamber. Again, Amazing!!! But then again the public are not allowed to go to the MP’s offices without escort and an appointment while the American people can.
Bonus Point! 6) House of Lords. The upper chamber of Parliament consists of non- elected people! These people are the elitists in society, aristocrats if you will. 92 of them inherit their title from their parents while 600 more of them are appointed by the Prime Minster if they are at the top of their field. Since the Church of England is the Anglican church, all archbishops are Lords as well. This Branch of Parliament can write legislation however they can’t veto anything the House of Commons writes.
Well if you’ve read this whole thing. Thanks! I know I have written a lot but sometimes I can’t stop. Look for more posts and photos in the future about where I have been. This thing is just getting started. Well I am off to a pub.
Till next time.
Joe
No comments:
Post a Comment