White House Forum

Once again with great support and help of my American teacher and wonderful companion for long car rides – Dave Beckwith, I was invited to White House Forum on First Suburbs, Sustainability, Inclusion and Economic Growth.

“At this event, organized by Building One America, prominent members of the administration –

such as Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood and Counselor to the President Pete Rouse – joined with national experts, local elected officials and other leaders from 22 metropolitan regions in the United States for a half day forum.

The purpose of the meeting was to identify the strengths and assets as well as the significant social and fiscal pressures facing older suburbs and small towns across the country – including diminishing tax bases, escalating property taxes, declining school and municipal services, and deteriorating infrastructure. The forum focused on how the federal government’s housing, urban development, education, environmental, and transportation agencies can target our limited tax dollars to stabilize these vital but at risk communities”. So, Big event.

Myself with Dave Beckwith and Cris Doby

I already visited White House twice through official White House Tours, so all security measures did not surprised me. I send organizers all date they needed time ahead, we came to White House hour prior scheduled beginning of Forum. We passed security control and took a couple of pictures. When we entered building, my American friends received green tag, I received pink one…and I had to let them go and stay wait for “escort”.  What they mean? Heavily armed policemen? Special agents with a weapon discreetly concealed under the jacket? May I look around or should I keep my eyes down? They will stay with me all the time? Even at restroom?

When I worked I Chechnya after Russian – Chechen wars I had bodyguard, so I learned to be accompanied by armed person, but I was his boss. But those tough guys at WH are probably more strict, without sense of fun and I have to follow all they orders.

Ten minutes of waiting and then uniformed policeman said “hey, they are coming” ...so they are coming….. Young, smiling, nice lady appeared. “Hi, welcome. I am ...(I forgot her name), I will show you way to meeting room.” And she went with me to the meeting room and then she left.

Without escort I was free to enjoy be in building where important decisions are made, thinking how many walls is between me and president Obama, how many of people I met on corridor actually met president, how it should be to work in Administration, and what will my mom say to her friends about my White House visit.