Talkin' Shit About A Pretty Sunset

Occasionally I get a glimpse of what really goes on in Washington, DC. It's something that few people actually see who live in this area.

Today I spent hours and hours in a meeting of about 35 people. At the head of the table was a State Department official slouching in his chair, never looking in people's eyes when answering questions and twisting his head around while he acted like town sherrif with his Kentucky drawl. The rest of the 34 people hung on his every word, frantically taking notes.

I remember hearing from an acquaintance about how LBJ used to burp loudly when listening to questions from his opponents just to show he didn't give a damn and he was powerful enough to behave like that. This guy never burped but his demeanor was basically one big burp to all those who are impacted by his rules.

The decisions this guy makes literally impact thousands of people's lives and careers. And there he is, cackling at his own jokes while everyone is frozen, straight-faced, scared.