First, a little background to establish my air of cynicism for anything coming out of our nation's Capitol. Anything coming out of Washington, DC, usually costs you and me more money.

I've been there and done that. I lived in the DC area, from '94 to '99, shortly before coming to Claims. And I've seen it all. I'll admit my tenure, overall, was a heady experience. Ah, yes, the Clinton years. Met him and the first-lady-now-senator-and-future-presidential-front-runner (You better believe it! That former first lady has an agenda!). Went to the White House on numerous occasions, often being welcomed on the south lawn for some special event or other. Finally got inside the White House again for a presidential reception, having been there before for a reception in the State Dining Room during the Ford Administration (in 1975).

This most delightful White House visit was during the Christmas season of 1995, when my association (the American Institute of Architects [AIA]) handled all the Christmas decorations for the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room. We were invited to roam the public rooms and absorb Christmas spirit, cocktails, good cheer, Christmas carols, etc., and view our nation's “public house” in all its Christmas splendor.

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