Last month it was the DNC, in the form of the inspirational Howard Dean. This month, Congress decided to make a DAJ pit-stop that turned into an extended, 2.5 hour-long cocktail meet-and-greet with Representatives Mazie Hirono (HI), Jim McDermott (WA), and Hank Johnson (GA). Each Rep did their best at fighting off jet lag – some better than others ;) – to give a short speech explaining their backgrounds and positions.
As the first naturalized American member of Congress and a native of Fukushima, Japan, Representative Hirono has special insight into the positions of many DAJ members, many of whom are naturalized Americans themselves, long-time residents of Japan with close cultural ties to the country, or bicultural in background and upbringing. Representative McDermott is thought of as “an elder” among his colleagues for his wisdom and experience, having spent the last 19 years in Congress and the last 15 years making visits to Japan as part of a legislative exchange. Representative Johnson is a former judge whose words at the event were touching and precise.
Though this event was certainly more low-key than Dean’s visit – as it was meant to be, especially given the last-minute notice (four days!) – it definitely got interesting during the question and answer period when attendees got to ask burning questions or simply have at it with three real live members of Congress right there in the Mehta’s living room with us. They answered the questions in a fairly straightforward manner and took the heat with grace and experience.
For me, the standout moment came during Representative Johnson’s speech, when he spoke of House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) as a “fearless warrior for the people” in facing the daunting task before her, that being not only to bring about a greater level of bipartisanship to the Legislature – I know I’m only one among many Americans who is sick of the cross-aisle food fight that has been playing out for the last eon that the recent years have seemed – but of running with that momentum and spirit and getting the things that need to get done done.
Overall, the visit was a positive sign from the people back home that not only are those of us out here holding down the Far Eastern front not forgotten, but actually sought out (it was Representative Hirono who contacted us!). Especially with Dean’s visit, but further supported by stops like these, the Democratic party is demonstrating that it recognizes that we – all Democrats abroad – are out here and that we’re a force to be reckoned with. So reckon with us already! We’re ready to take back not just the White House, but the common sense controls.
Don’t forget to vote either in your state’s primary or in the Democrat’s Global Primary on February 5th!
