Starting a new job and taking in a new view

Editor's note: Erick Harris is spending a semester in London for an internship with Parliament. This is one of several columns he will write about his experiences there.

By Erick Harris

During the week of pomp and circumstance surrounding the commencement of President Bush's second term, I began my job as a student and intern in London. I have noticed that British citizens typically have a negative attitude about President Bush. Those I have chatted with can't believe, much less fathom, why I could support him with my vote. It surprised me, because Prime Minister Tony Blair has stood beside Bush and much of his policy.

Much of the disdain for Bush stems from his positions on foreign policy and the religious influence in some of his policy. My roommate subscribes to a conspiracy theory involving the U.S. presence in Iraq and oil commodities.

Further, though it is much less apparent in law, the line separating Britain's church-and-state relationship is much deeper. Many Britons do not appreciate that President Bush wears his religion on his sleeve.

Beyond that, most Britons don't characterize Bush as an intelligent individual. The media helps to fuel this in its reporting. Last Friday I saw a newspaper that portrayed President Bush in not-so-photogenic poses.

Though there is generally a negative attitude toward Bush, there is a small minority that supports him from across the ocean. Many of these can be found in Britain's Conservative Party. Julian Brazier and the Centre for Social Justice can be classified as some of the few, yet proud, "Dubya" supporters.

Brazier is the individual in Parliament for whom I will initially be working for. When I arrived at Parliament last Tuesday, he met me in the central lobby and gave me a short tour. It was quite a difference from tours of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., which are usually conducted by an intern or staffer. This personal attention is common here, as Brazier only has a staff of about five and a constituency of 50,000 or so people.

After the quick tour, we had an in-depth conversation about my writing project.

Initially I was under the impression that the subject of my project would involve fox hunting, which has become controversial in Britain. However, Brazier had a different topic for me to write about: gaming, sporting and adventure, but with respect to child liability.

Britain has been facing a problem with their Boy Scout and Girl Guide programs because of the astronomical compensation awarded when a child is injured. Insurance is required for children involved in any activity. When children get hurt on these adventure trips, their parents tend to sue and win. Insurance rates for such outings increase, so fewer field trips are taken and volunteers are finding less expensive and liable uses for their time. Brazier has introduced legislation to combat this excessive litigation.

The second half of my internship will be spent at the Centre for Social Justice. The CSJ's mission is to promote compassionate conservatism by communicating with charities and volunteer organizations to bridge the gap between these organizations and government. It is similar to President Bush's faith-based initiatives, but is the brainchild of the Honorable Iain Duncan Smith, a member of Parliament with the Conservative Party. In fact, last Monday the CSJ threw a party for Bush with many British political heavyweights in attendance.

My project for the CSJ will be to develop a plan of action and possible legislation to identify and lessen poverty in British men. I will then present my findings and a proposal to Mr. Duncan Smith.

Though it's been a hectic week for both President Bush and myself, I have had a few lax moments. My first day on the job, I got the opportunity to stand on the roof of Parliament, 50 yards away from Big Ben. It was an amazing sight and staffers boast that it's the best view of London. I also got to see the Queen's throne in the House of Lords, which is the most impressive thing I have seen in my life. Then I had the opportunity to watch the Speaker of the House of Commons walk by with a grandeur comparable to that of a king.

In this week of stateliness and celebration, it's the big picture that must be remembered. President Bush and I were selected to fulfill a responsibility to each respective government. My hope is that we both do good jobs in the new year.

Erick Harris is a Central High School graduate currently studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.