Seeing Wales from a new perspective

Editor's note: Erick Harris, a graduate of Central High School in Cape Girardeau, is spending a semester in London for an internship in Parliament and is writing about his experiences.

By Erick Harris

A few weeks ago, an adviser at the Centre for Social Justice suggested that I play a larger role at CSJ. I happily affirmed my commitment to the CSJ ethos and said it would be a pleasure to take on more responsibility.

Days later, I was informed that I would staff Iain and Betsy Duncan Smith's upcoming trip to Monmouthshire in Wales -- alone.

This trip would serve two purposes. The first was to highlight and congratulate local initiatives that provide vital services to the citizens of Monmouthshire. The second was to support and campaign for a current member of the Welsh Assembly to a victory in the forthcoming election.

The Labour member of Parliament who serves Monmouthshire is up only by about 300 votes as the election nears.

The days leading up to the trip were filled with liaising with the Welsh Assembly Member (AM) and developing a detailed itinerary. Since MPs are not provided with drivers, I obtained thorough directions for many of the stops.

When the day we were set to depart finally arrived, it looked as if our trip might get canceled because of a struggling anti-terrorism bill that had potential votes on the big day.

Issues that could prevent passage of the bill were amendments adding a sunset clause, determining who (elected politicians or judges) would impose orders on detainees and placing a higher standard of proof for detainees.

In the end, Labour retreated to support a sunset clause to appease Michael Howard. The bill then passed, making it possible for us to go on the trip. It turns out that the 30-hour debate in the House of Lords made it the longest in its history.

The drive to Abergavenny really allowed me to get to know the former Conservative leader. We chatted about everything from my education and career plans to Jesse Jackson. He even spoke of his lunch earlier in the day with Lady Thatcher. Even though the conversation was lax, it proved valuable as Duncan Smith spouted off facts and gave me valuable advice on future decisions.

When we arrived in Abergavenny, Duncan Smith and a longtime friend reflected on their past before he spoke about his recent goodwill trip to Iraq.

He vividly spoke of his journey and talked about one particularly touching experience in which several recently elected Iraqi officials thanked him for his help in the fight for Iraq's democracy, saying they would never have the opportunity to serve their country as officials without it.

Early the next morning, the AM arrived to pick us up, and we made our rounds in Monmouthshire. Between stops, the AM received advice regarding successful campaigning from Duncan Smith.

I felt quite honored to have had the opportunity to learn from such a successful politician. It was as if Michael Jordan were giving pointers in basketball or Karl Rove in politics.

After the final visit, we went to a proper Welsh afternoon tea and fund raiser by the local Women's Conservative Committee. The elderly women and men sincerely welcomed me. After Duncan Smith and the AM made remarks and before I was whisked away to the train station, the standing candidate for Monmouthshire told me, "I can tell that you will make a good politician some day."

Flattered, I returned, "And you an MP. Best wishes in May."

Erick Harris attends Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.