From the World Bank to the White House

Ha um tempo nao posto meus journals aqui. Por isso, segue meu 12th journal – o que me lembra que so me restam mais tres semanas em DC. Nem vou pensar nisso… hehe

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By Yohana de Andrade

On Monday, I had one my favorite experiences here in Washington, D.C. We went to the World Bank, and there, had a simulation of how to help a country to solve its problems. Inflation, corruption, HIV/AIDS epidemic… I was the principal adviser of the Minister of Finance, and could have a little taste of how the things in politics work. I just loved.
Also, in the same day, I had to explain to my classmates and Prof. Stephen about the text that I had to read. I have to talk about it – it was so special for me. Written by Amartya Sen, who received the Nobel Prize, the text was about the “new capitalism”.  In summary, it said that we have to read more and ignore less the Adam Smith’s theories about capitalism, and let the state do what they have to do: take care of people, take care of public services.

The Fifth Summit of the Americas began on Friday, so I had a busy week because of that. My research is going to be about my expectations and what they really talked about during the meeting. So, to do that, I spent my nights reading reports and texts about what 34 leaders can do when they are together. Now, I just have to wait the Declaration and Plan of Action. But I already know that some countries – like Venezuela – didn’t sign the Declaration in solidarity with Cuba. This country, since 1964, has been ignored by the Organization of the American States, and didn’t go to any Summit.

The Arlington Cemetery was crowded on Saturday. Probably because the weather was so nice… I was deeply touched with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And more important, for me, than see J. Kennedy’s tomb was to see how many people died during the last century… How many wars… I am sure all of us can avoid these situations.

Today, I just went to the White House. I mean, not the White House, but at least its garden. It was so beautiful… The White House Gardens and Grounds Tours happen every year, so the people can see a bit of the place. I kept thinking about Malia, Sasha and Bo playing in all that space… If every child in the world could have this, it will be just a perfect world.