On Tuesday, I belonged to those honored people who were invited to attend an event at the Atlantic Council where EU Commissioner for Trade, Karel de Gucht, did a keynote address about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
The audience included government and business professionals, as well as journalists from American and international newspapers and magazines.
Having in mind that several big guys were present, and having in mind to be able to network, I introduced myself to the Head of Economic Affairs from the Embassy of Germany (correct actually: the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany), and his assistant who is in charge of the industry department. We did the DC business as usual business cards exchange.
We'll see if I get the chance to have a coffee, or lunch, meeting with one of them in order to talk about my career goals.
I am very happy I got the chance to attend this event because it was great. I also got again the chance to write an article about it. Here the link to our website where it is published:
http://www.wita.org/en/art/988/
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Snowmageddon the second OVER, Sightseeing the second to be CONTINUED
After getting off from work on Thursday because of around 16 inches of snow according to the Office of Personal Management (OPM), that is legally allowed to shut down government institutions and agencies due to bad weather, I was able to leave safely the apartment today in order to do some more sightseeing.
The day started pretty warm, with sun and light winter clothes.
However, after lunch the sun decided to say good bye and the temperatures dropped which made it a challenge to take out the hands from the warm and comfortable pockets to take pictures.
Nevertheless, it is all a matter of attitude and since I wanted to see finally the White House, the Vietnam and Korea Memorial, and especially the famous Lincoln Memorial, I bore up the sightseeing tour.
The White House
The President's most famous neighbor - Concepcion Picciotto, Connie, originally from Spain, has been living next to the White House since 1981 and is waiting to be received in audience of the President of the United States of America to talk about peace in the world. This simple camping tent has been her home for about 33 YEARS!! Connie used to work for the UN, and since she does not agree with war politics, and nuclear weapons possessions, she decided to dedicate the rest of her life to peacefully demonstrate next to the White House. The law says that if she leaves her place to go to the "bathroom", to wash herself, or to get something to eat, the police is allowed to remove her tent.
It is impossible for me to imagine how a life like this feels like..........
U.S. Department of the Treasury is responsible for economic growth and stability. It oversees the production of coins and currency, the disbursement of payments to the public, revenue collection, and the funds to run the federal government.
In other words: it's the United States' money administration.
In Memory of the Heroic Women of the Civil War
Organization of the Americas (OAS)
Oldest House in DC - Lock Keepers House
Washington Monument - still recovering from the 2011 earthquake
World War II Memorial
Every star counts 500 or more American soldiers that lost their lives during WWII
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - the memorial's design reminds of a scar, and the black wall lists in book format all the names of soldiers who lost their lives; the statue of the three American soldiers stands for the representation of the U.S. Marine and Army Corps, as well as for the soldiers armoring during the Vietnam War.
Korean Veterans Memorial - there are supposed to be 38 soldiers on the field, but indeed there are only 19 present........
.......the other 19 soldiers are mirrored in the wall to the right.
And last but not least, President LINCOLN!!!! Taddaaaaaaaa!!!! Very Majestic!!!! This statue shows the two different personalities of Abraham Lincoln: looking at the statue, the right leg is tightened to the chair, and the right hand is clenched to a fist which illustrates Lincoln's seriousness and deliberateness; his left leg though, and his left hand seem loose on the chair which illustrates his relaxation and gentleness. Lincoln's Memorial makes almost a religious impression, and especially when reading the words above his head saying "In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever"
After the Civil War, Lincoln demonstrated the talent to make a speech saying what was necessary and essential to say within a few minutes, for which other presidents would have needed hours to express what needed to be expressed.
The famous Gettysburg Address
One more view from the Lincoln Memorial towards the Washington Monument over the Reflecting Pool....
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Event at Brookings Institute about TPP vs RCEP
On Tuesday, I was lucky to attend an event at the Brookings Institute which is one of the most recognized think tanks US wide. The events hosted by Brookings are usually free, it only requires registration, and on-the-record.
I am very happy that I attended this event because I have learned so much about both trade negotiations in only two hours.
Simply summarized one can say that the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) is U.S.-led, and the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is China-led.
One of the main questions was why China is not intending on joining the TPP, and the answer was because China already has several free trade agreements with most of the members of the TPP.
I actually realized at that point that China is extremely smart in focusing mainly on the RCEP members since it does not have a free trade agreement with Australia, India, South Korea and Japan. India and South Korea do not have a dual membership meaning they are not members of the TPP. Therefore, it makes sense that China's interest lies mainly in the larger and more experienced markets of the four ones, I previously mentioned, in order to expand its own economic market. Nevertheless, these are only my assumptions and this has nothing to do with actually knowing what is going on there.
I had to write a report about the event which will be published on our website (see below). However, I obviously had to leave out my own opinion, and I only reported what I heard and saw.
This is how it is if one is working for an organization whose key principles are: neutrality and objectivity.
(Here the link to the Brookings website where you can watch the video of the event online.
http://www.brookings.edu/events/2014/02/11-asia-pacific-economic-integration)
I am very happy that I attended this event because I have learned so much about both trade negotiations in only two hours.
Simply summarized one can say that the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) is U.S.-led, and the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is China-led.
One of the main questions was why China is not intending on joining the TPP, and the answer was because China already has several free trade agreements with most of the members of the TPP.
I actually realized at that point that China is extremely smart in focusing mainly on the RCEP members since it does not have a free trade agreement with Australia, India, South Korea and Japan. India and South Korea do not have a dual membership meaning they are not members of the TPP. Therefore, it makes sense that China's interest lies mainly in the larger and more experienced markets of the four ones, I previously mentioned, in order to expand its own economic market. Nevertheless, these are only my assumptions and this has nothing to do with actually knowing what is going on there.
I had to write a report about the event which will be published on our website (see below). However, I obviously had to leave out my own opinion, and I only reported what I heard and saw.
This is how it is if one is working for an organization whose key principles are: neutrality and objectivity.
(Here the link to the Brookings website where you can watch the video of the event online.
http://www.brookings.edu/events/2014/02/11-asia-pacific-economic-integration)
02/13/14; “TPP and RCEP:
Competing or Complementary Models of Economic Integration?”
TPP and RCEP: Competing or Complementary Models of Economic
Integration?
The Center for East Asia Policy Studies – The Brookings
Institution
By Valerie Marie Brockman
On February 11th, the Center for East Asia Policy Studies, department of the Brookings Institution, hosted a public seminar to discuss the multifaceted set of economic, political, and security implications generated by the coexistence of TPP and RCEP in the Asia-Pacific region. Facilitated by Mireya Solis, Senior Fellow & Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies of the East Asia Policy Initiative, the expert panel including Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan, Sanchita Basu Das, ISEAS Fellow, Takashi Terada, Professor in Japan, Yungling Zhang, Professor in China, and Claude Barfield, Resident Scholar, explored the extent to which these two trade blocs differ.
On February 11th, the Center for East Asia Policy Studies, department of the Brookings Institution, hosted a public seminar to discuss the multifaceted set of economic, political, and security implications generated by the coexistence of TPP and RCEP in the Asia-Pacific region. Facilitated by Mireya Solis, Senior Fellow & Philip Knight Chair in Japan Studies of the East Asia Policy Initiative, the expert panel including Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan, Sanchita Basu Das, ISEAS Fellow, Takashi Terada, Professor in Japan, Yungling Zhang, Professor in China, and Claude Barfield, Resident Scholar, explored the extent to which these two trade blocs differ.
TPP and RCEP overview
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), starting in 2005, is a
free-trade agreement incorporating the United States, Australia, New Zealand,
Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunai Darussalam, Chile, Mexico,
and Peru. The goal is to create jobs, promote economic growth by removing trade
barriers, and strengthening the multilateral trading system. These countries
are the U.S.’ largest trade partners, accounting for $ 1.5 trillion worth of
traded goods in 2012, and are responsible for 40 percent of global GDP and 26
percent of global trade.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),
starting in 2001, is a free-trade agreement including all 10 members of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 6 other countries – China,
India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand – which already have
free-trade agreements with ASEAN nations. The goal is to promote greater
regional economic integration, to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, and
to maintain the WTO’s existing rules. The partnership incorporates more than 3
billion people, has a combined GDP of about $ 17 trillion being about 30 % of
world’s GDP, and accounts for about 40 percent of world trade.
TPP vs RCEP: Convergence or rivalry? Positive-sum dynamics
or zero-sum dynamics?
The panel discussed if the just explained FTA blocs
interfere with one another, or if they are able to adjust to, and even merge, with
one another.
Kenichiro Sasae, the Ambassador of Japan, expressed optimism
about Japan’s adjustment to the TPP regulations, and openness to include China
and South Korea. He also emphasized that he hopes both, the TPP and RCEP, will
be able to find a friendly solution to co-exist in the future.
Following the Ambassador, the expert panel presentations
showed different viewpoints additionally to Japan, from Singapore, China and
the U.S.
Sanchita Basu Das, ISEAS Singapore, pointed out that Singapore belongs to both trading blocs in order to stay neutral and to benefit from both FTA advantages. She emphasized that the TPP is very detailed, whereas the RCEP is broader due to lower regulations within the domestic politics of the developing members. The discussion of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), incorporating eventually both the TPP and RCEP members, which has already been discussed within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, will most likely never happen due to political conflicts, said Basu Das.
Sanchita Basu Das, ISEAS Singapore, pointed out that Singapore belongs to both trading blocs in order to stay neutral and to benefit from both FTA advantages. She emphasized that the TPP is very detailed, whereas the RCEP is broader due to lower regulations within the domestic politics of the developing members. The discussion of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), incorporating eventually both the TPP and RCEP members, which has already been discussed within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, will most likely never happen due to political conflicts, said Basu Das.
Takashi Terada, Professor at Doshisha University in Japan,
emphasized his concerns about an agricultural liberalization within a TPP
regulation, and sees the TPP as a rule-making cutting-edge mechanism. Regarding
RCEP he explained that the ASEAN centrality might not be feasible. However, he
stressed the RCEP’s multilateral approach is user friendly.
Yunling Zhang, Professor and Director at the Chinese Academy
of Social Sciences, indicated that the TPP is a response to the RCEP. He emphasized
that the RCEP’s goals and strategies are well structured and planned. He also
stressed that the RCEP is mainly ASEAN led, and not China led. He pointed out
that China has already approached different regions worldwide, and has
established bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with both the U.S. and the EU.
In both situations China adopted certain principles on the negative list. Nevertheless,
he expressed that China views the TPP as a U.S. strategy against them, but he
emphasized that China tries to stay open but cautious.
Lastly, Claude Barfield, Resident Scholar at the American
Enterprise Institute, commented briefly and precisely on the TPP and RCEP
discussion by pointing out that the TPP will only be finalized as long as the
Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) will be approved. However, at this point of
time he is not able to give any opinion on a positive, or negative, outcome of
the TPA bill. Regarding the TPP he emphasized that everything needs to be on
the table including the agricultural issues with Japan, as well as the
discussion about the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Barfield is not
entirely optimistic that the RCEP will be completed in 2015, such as hoped from
earlier panelists.
The concluding roundtable discussion enabled spectators to
ask questions to the panelists. Curiosity included a currency-manipulation
clause, RCEP leadership, and China’s absence in TPP. It was confirmed by
Singapore that the RCEP will not have a currency-manipulation clause, and China
emphasized again that RCEP is ASEAN led. The reason why China will most likely
not join the TPP was explained by having had already established FTA’s with
several TPP members. Therefore, it is rather looking for countries with which
it does not have any agreement yet, including most of the RCEP members.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Touring DC: Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Native-American Museum
On Sunday, I actually did for the first time real sightseeing in downtown DC. I got off Union Station and walked towards the dome of Capitol Hill. Getting closer to the American version of a parliament, the Capitol becomes more and more majestic. Standing in front of it, gave me the same feeling that I had when standing in front of Versaille in Paris or the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. You feel that the buildings went already through a lot of historic events, famous people frequented them and this is what makes them majestic.
I also went to see the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. However, I was not lucky because both are closed during the weekends. Therefore, my impressions will come at a later point.
My final destination on this pretty freezing day was the Smithsonian Native-American Museum.
The museum itself is pretty small and it is discovered quickly. Personally, I think it is great that this institution exists because it makes people aware of the sufferings of indigenous people in the Americas especially in the past. The exhibitions also focus on the current situation of different tribes including:
What does "Native" mean? When is someone considered "native"?
The different faces of the indigenous world:
The exhibition also emphasized that the voice of the indigenous people is heard. And there is a UN Committee called the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues providing a platform to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
Typical indigenous art:
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Power Hunger on the Hill and in the educational industry
On Thursday, I did not have to go to work since I had to attend two seminars which are required from our internship program.
The first one was with CREW which stands for Citizens Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. This non-profit sees its mission to reveal corrupt activities by government officials/politicians/lobbyists. The founder of CREW, Melanie Sloan, used to work at the Hill. However, she decided to get out of this politics circus when she made the experience herself that one of her colleagues was actively engaged in corrupt activities, and was not impeached or kicked out form the Hill for doing so. The reason was because it is legitimate in the US that politicians receive money donations from individuals, companies or enterprises. She explained that almost something terrorist-like needs to be planned and done by a Congressman in order to be forced to leave and impeached.
Comparing this to German politics, and the impeachment of Christian Wulff, former president of Germany, because he received vacation donations worth around $150 thousand dollars. Also, the media killed his reputation.
In sum, Melanie who is in touch with constant touch with journalists, and who already spoke several times on CNN, concluded that the American legal system is flawed and needs a radical change. She sees her mission in educating the public as well as possible of the wrong-doings of Congressmen, and she hopes that the people use their knowledge and voting power in order to elect the right representatives of the US.
Our second seminar was with Brett Frazier, a businessman working in sales for various educational companies over the last several years. The products he is selling are mainly technological based, for instance BlackBoard (the educational software providing students with their class list, grade overview, learning material). For some reason, our discussion turned into an argument of non-profit (public) vs for-profit (private) schools, and how the pricing differs between the two categories regarding the educational devices. Brett spoke in favor of for-profit schools/colleges/universities since they have more money due to higher tuition.
I got so confused when the group was talking about non-profit and for-profit schools/colleges/universities because for me the US ONLY consists of for-profit schools. I could never afford studying in the US without having my scholarships and I appreciate so much that I belong to those few lucky people who is allowed to study for free here.
I advocate the Scandinavian/German system of free education because education is a human right that should be accessible to every citizen no matter if wealthy or not.
Comparing this to German politics, and the impeachment of Christian Wulff, former president of Germany, because he received vacation donations worth around $150 thousand dollars. Also, the media killed his reputation.
In sum, Melanie who is in touch with constant touch with journalists, and who already spoke several times on CNN, concluded that the American legal system is flawed and needs a radical change. She sees her mission in educating the public as well as possible of the wrong-doings of Congressmen, and she hopes that the people use their knowledge and voting power in order to elect the right representatives of the US.
Our second seminar was with Brett Frazier, a businessman working in sales for various educational companies over the last several years. The products he is selling are mainly technological based, for instance BlackBoard (the educational software providing students with their class list, grade overview, learning material). For some reason, our discussion turned into an argument of non-profit (public) vs for-profit (private) schools, and how the pricing differs between the two categories regarding the educational devices. Brett spoke in favor of for-profit schools/colleges/universities since they have more money due to higher tuition.
I got so confused when the group was talking about non-profit and for-profit schools/colleges/universities because for me the US ONLY consists of for-profit schools. I could never afford studying in the US without having my scholarships and I appreciate so much that I belong to those few lucky people who is allowed to study for free here.
I advocate the Scandinavian/German system of free education because education is a human right that should be accessible to every citizen no matter if wealthy or not.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Conference vs Bathroom meeting: Business style
After the Congressional Trade Agenda (CTA) from Friday, it has gotten pretty slow and peaceful in the office. Besides getting arranged some post-event tasks, I have not felt any pressure of getting something done as soon as possible which has been very soothing for my mental condition.
In regards to this current condition, my supervisor told me today that on slow days, I can do research about a trade-related topic I am interested. The purpose of it is that I will pursue this research for the whole internship period in order to be an expert in this specific field. I decided to focus on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, also known as T-TIP which is the trade negotiation about an US-EU free trade agreement.
Since I am an EU citizen, and since this topic is currently highly discussed, I felt that I should focus my specialization on the T-TIP negotiations. I think that is the right decision because it is necessary to know exactly what is going on in one's home region in order to avoid embarrassing moments of ignorance.
Being surrounded by this harmonious, and stress-free, office atmosphere, I found myself being highly attentive about unimportant things.
Today, when I went to the bathroom, I was surprised about a group of men and women going the same way like I did, with the same final destination: the bathroom/restroom. I knew that there was a meeting held in the law firm in which our office is located. So I figured that these must have been the people from the conference room.
Being in the restroom cabin I unconsciously heard that two ladies were talking about the situation in the conference room. They were discussing the topic treated in the conference and were agreeing that the action actually should be another one.
Apparently, I did not get what both were exactly talking about, but I had the feeling that they were making a verbal contract with one another to speak in favor or against a certain issue.
So, this is were actually the decisions are made. If I imagine two men standing in front of the urinal, chatting about the conference's status quo, coming to a quick arrangement and shaking hands after it!!!
I guess that's business style!!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
CTA, International Trade, followed by traditional DC networking and the National Portrait Gallery
Last week was probably one of the most busy weeks I ever had in my life. I worked 40 hours plus overtime!!! The reason was the immense preparation of one of the biggest events hosted by WITA every year: the Congressional Trade Agenda (CTA).
We had four speakers, two from the House Committee of Ways and Means, and two from the Finance Committee of the Senate. Both committees are trade related committees which was the reason that the four representatives were willing to speak for an audience of 380 listeners.
"The event was OFF the record." This statement was emphasized on the invitation and several times again on the event day. Press was allowed to attend, however, since it was off-the record, journalists was not given permission to take notes, and especially not to write about anything said by the speakers.
The topics discussed were: the Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). To most people this does not say anything. This is exactly how I felt two weeks ago. In short both are free-trade negotiations between the US and with two different geographic regions.
The TPP focuses on Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The pro-TPP incentive would be economic growth and development, as well as the creation of jobs. Funny here is, that the con-TPP argument, according to Public Citizen, is job losses in the U.S. due to off shoring them to low-wage countries. Actually nothing new, and something we have already heard so often. Japan shows its skepticism by not agreeing to tariff cuts of five agricultural products including rice, or meat.
The T-TIP focuses on the European Union. And here again, the pro-arguments is growth and job creation. The tariff cuts would also include to adjust technical regulations, standards and approval procedures of products like cars. Now cars need to undergo approvals from both the EU and the US, but T-TIP would eradicate these barriers. However, opponents within the EU fear that especially according to agricultural trade, the EU would have to ease its non-GMO regulations.
And, lastly there is the reform of the TPA, implemented in 1974 and which expired in 2007. The TPA is also known as Fast Track negotiating authority which is supposed to delegate Congresse's authority to the President in order to negotiate trade agreements, draft trade legislations, and sign agreements into international law. The Fast Track reform would include that Congress or lawmakers would only be able to give an up or down vote without amending or delaying a trade agreement.
Judging especially TPP and T-TIP is difficult, and saying they are only right or wrong is not possible either.
I think both the pro-and-con side have both reasons to be right, but I feel there is not only a this or that way. It will be a lot about making compromises from both sides. We will see what will be decided.....
Making my trade summary longer than I wanted, I will conclude briefly my impression from the event on Friday. After 90 min of presenting the different viewpoints and answering questions from listeners, the crowd gathered at the breakfast buffet for about 30 min in order to improve their professional network. In those 30 min people introduce themselves to other important people hoping to make an impression and to benefit in career terms from it. I need to admit, I played the same game. If you are in this circle, you jump into the boat and row to the same rhythm. This is how it works!
On Saturday I went to the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. I really enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery because it was basically a picturesque biography of famous personalities from politics or the art world. There is a section about Civil War, choreography, ballet, and the American Presidents. I really liked that some rooms were colored red, green, blue etc. So when you proceeded to next room, your eye would have to get used to the new color again. My three favorite paintings were Pocahontas, reminding me of one of my favorite Disney movies, Benjamin Franklin, and his serious facial expression, and Lincolns whole body picture sitting in a chair, leaning the head on his fist and looking interested and sophisticated about something.
We had four speakers, two from the House Committee of Ways and Means, and two from the Finance Committee of the Senate. Both committees are trade related committees which was the reason that the four representatives were willing to speak for an audience of 380 listeners.
"The event was OFF the record." This statement was emphasized on the invitation and several times again on the event day. Press was allowed to attend, however, since it was off-the record, journalists was not given permission to take notes, and especially not to write about anything said by the speakers.
The topics discussed were: the Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). To most people this does not say anything. This is exactly how I felt two weeks ago. In short both are free-trade negotiations between the US and with two different geographic regions.
The TPP focuses on Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The pro-TPP incentive would be economic growth and development, as well as the creation of jobs. Funny here is, that the con-TPP argument, according to Public Citizen, is job losses in the U.S. due to off shoring them to low-wage countries. Actually nothing new, and something we have already heard so often. Japan shows its skepticism by not agreeing to tariff cuts of five agricultural products including rice, or meat.
The T-TIP focuses on the European Union. And here again, the pro-arguments is growth and job creation. The tariff cuts would also include to adjust technical regulations, standards and approval procedures of products like cars. Now cars need to undergo approvals from both the EU and the US, but T-TIP would eradicate these barriers. However, opponents within the EU fear that especially according to agricultural trade, the EU would have to ease its non-GMO regulations.
And, lastly there is the reform of the TPA, implemented in 1974 and which expired in 2007. The TPA is also known as Fast Track negotiating authority which is supposed to delegate Congresse's authority to the President in order to negotiate trade agreements, draft trade legislations, and sign agreements into international law. The Fast Track reform would include that Congress or lawmakers would only be able to give an up or down vote without amending or delaying a trade agreement.
Judging especially TPP and T-TIP is difficult, and saying they are only right or wrong is not possible either.
I think both the pro-and-con side have both reasons to be right, but I feel there is not only a this or that way. It will be a lot about making compromises from both sides. We will see what will be decided.....
Making my trade summary longer than I wanted, I will conclude briefly my impression from the event on Friday. After 90 min of presenting the different viewpoints and answering questions from listeners, the crowd gathered at the breakfast buffet for about 30 min in order to improve their professional network. In those 30 min people introduce themselves to other important people hoping to make an impression and to benefit in career terms from it. I need to admit, I played the same game. If you are in this circle, you jump into the boat and row to the same rhythm. This is how it works!
On Saturday I went to the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. I really enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery because it was basically a picturesque biography of famous personalities from politics or the art world. There is a section about Civil War, choreography, ballet, and the American Presidents. I really liked that some rooms were colored red, green, blue etc. So when you proceeded to next room, your eye would have to get used to the new color again. My three favorite paintings were Pocahontas, reminding me of one of my favorite Disney movies, Benjamin Franklin, and his serious facial expression, and Lincolns whole body picture sitting in a chair, leaning the head on his fist and looking interested and sophisticated about something.
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