I found a fun little tidbit in the Washington Post that was the perfect blend of trivia, fashion, and of course, politics.
 |
| Trent Lott sporting his seersucker. And a pink tie. God Bless America. |
Whether or not you're a fan of Trent Lott (or even know who he is) I feel confident that we can all agree that his initiation of Seersucker Thursday in the late 1990s was pure political genius. Each year on or around the third Thursday of June, members of Senate gathered together to take a photograph on the Capitol donning their best seersucker suits. Perhaps the best part of Seersucker Thursday is that it transcended across party, geographic, and gender lines. Though Lott, a Mississippi Republican, was the initiator of the tradition, he joined forces with the likes of California Democrat Diane Feinstein stressing the importance of building relationships despite political differences. (What a concept?!) Both Feinstein and Lott appeared on Fox News Sunday explaining the value of creating opportunities for members of Congress to socialize, relax, and enjoy each other's company. In 2004, Feinstein actually went so far as to foot the bill to purchase seersucker suits for each female Senator.The tradition became so ingrained into the fabric of the Senate, it even appeared in the new members guide for all of incoming Senators.
This tradition was continued for nearly a decade and a half when it was suspended in 2012 -- a time when this annual salute to classic Southern frocks seemed in apropos in the face of the political & economic meltdown. . If you ask me, perhaps taking some time to celebrate the greatness of breathable preppy cotton attire might have promoted some camaraderie, cooled election tensions, or if nothing else, distract from debates on "legitimate rape".
After these last two years, I'm pretty sure the only thing being celebrated in the Senate is recess...or perhaps the ending of a Ted Cruz filibuster (I know, wrong house, but even I almost threw a party when he stopped talking). Is it because they no longer celebrate Seersucker Thursday? (And we thought it was the Tea Party causing all the trouble in Washington...). My graduate statistics professors would tell me this is merely a case of correlation, not causation -- but I happen to know for a fact that a good outfit can completely change my attitude. Just sayin'. Despite what his motivations might me, Rep. Tom Cassidy (R- LA) is making a move to bring back this Seersucker tradition - however this time for the members of the House. (apparently Senators are free to join in - although I'd be wary, the House can be a rowdy bunch) Cassidy has officially declared June 11th as National Seersucker Day -- although I'm not sure he has the authority to declare such things. Perhaps its an attempt at creating good will. Or perhaps he's throwing a bone to a Louisiana based company, Haspel, the originator of the seersucker suit. Welcome to politics folks, where even 'fun' has an angle.
I am bringing this story to light in the face of what I believe has become one of the most hostile environments facing Washington in recent history. Sure, the Republicans took Clinton to task back in the 90s, and we've always enjoyed political drama now and again. As a South Carolina native, I have many friends whose biggest complaints about the long standing illustrious (and all around amazing) Sen. Lindsey Graham is that he [gasp] works across the aisle. I'm really not sure how he's managed to evade a good tar and feathering for so long now. Indeed, it has become almost a faux pas to be known as a Congressman that cavorts with the 'enemy'. Some believe the divisiveness is directly related to the President's general unwillingness to socialize or build relationships with members of Congress (Republican and Democrat alike have made this argument - Obama has been long since tagged as a leader that puts his will 'out there' and then expects others to follow. Read more here, , here, and here.) Perhaps the issue is deeper - and points to changes that are happening in the fabric of American society as a whole. Whatever the reason, we need to do our part to encourage our leaders to govern in our interests, but not to miss the forest for the trees. The only way any to pass meaningful and effective policy is to work together, and sometimes that means compromise. While I'm sure Texas appreciates Ted Cruz's efforts to make their points of view heard, I'm pretty sure shutting the government down was not on his list of campaign promises. #yougottaknowwhentofoldem
So, regardless of your political inclinations or personal style, I invite you to join in on the fun and sport your Seersucker tomorrow!
xo
M
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/26/breaking-down-president-obamas-relationship-with-congress-an-email-dialogue-between-the-fix-and-paul-kane/
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/2014/01/the-state-of-the-union-or-obama-breaks-up-with-congress.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/opinion/sunday/dowd-president-obama-is-no-bully-in-the-pulpit.html?ref=maureendowd
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/seersucker-suits-are-in-the-house/2014/06/09/94cdd5d6-f007-11e3-bf76-447a5df6411f_story.html
No comments:
Post a Comment