A few quick things:
1) It's been a rough few weeks for music -- Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys a few weeks ago, Chuck Brown ('godfather of go-go,' DC's own music genre -- check it out, it's awesome!) and Diana Summer last week, and Robin Gibb of the BeeGees this weekend. A lot of lights in a dark world to lose at one time, but their music at least lives on...in my CD collection anyhow. ha.
2) As we approach full-swing election season, here's a tidbit for you to keep in mind when candidates start railing on about the amount of money spent on 'furren' countries: In 1962, 'international affairs' spending accounted for 5% of federal funding. How does that compare with 2011? Last year, only 1.2% of federal funding went toward international affairs. For those of you who may be thinking this is as it should be, remember that foreign affairs spending is not just foreign assistance, it also includes things like forwarding US trade interests abroad and thereby strengthening our own economy, as well as anti-terrorism activities abroad. And foreign assistance money, incidentally, goes toward programs to help increase education and health outcomes of foreign countries, which contributes to more peaceful, productive societies that are less likely to experience problems that affect the US. Consider that when listening to the political rhetoric this summer and fall.
3) My first Foreign Service assignment? Not so foreign -- I will be in the DC area until at least May of next year! Holy poo!
