A Lesson in Leadership and Unity: One Intern’s Experience with Congressman Joe Wilson

Hello all! Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to thank every person who contributed to this experience through their generous giving. The time in our nation’s capital was unforgettable, and none of it would have been possible without the amazing people who support South Carolina Citizens for Life. Our group flew into Washington D.C. on Tuesday June 25. The next day, our team visited the Longworth House Office Building to meet with Congressman Joe Wilson, R-SC. The office had a warm and inviting atmosphere. We were told how Congressman Wilson has more interns than most other congressmen, with fifteen high school and college students learning about the workings of the House under his guidance. Congressman Wilson genuinely cares about involving the next generation. Upon arrival, we were informed that Congressman Wilson had undergone a procedure the previous day, and it was uncertain if he would come into the office except to vote later that day. As a result, our group had the opportunity to accompany the interns to a House committee hearing and we received a detailed tour of the Capitol. The Committee hearing we attended was on free speech and censorship on social media. What stood out to me about this hearing was that one of the congresswomen initially denied that censorship was happening, but both of her witnesses contradicted her. The interns were very kind in showing us around. After lunch, we were fortunate enough to meet Congressman Wilson in person! Despite his recent procedure, he made an effort to come to the office and meet with us. On the walls leading into his office, there were pictures of people who have been saved from being hostages of Israel, and of Russia. He then took us to a foreign affairs committee that he was a part of, which was very interesting. The Committee focused on the budget allocation for European affairs. Congressman Wilson’s dedication to foreign affairs seems to go further than just being interested. He genuinely cares about the people in other countries who are being affected by our decisions. Following the committee session, Congressman Wilson escorted us to the House Chambers to observe the votes for the day. Watching the voting process was a memorable experience, to say the least. I had the opportunity last April to be recognized at the State House, and I noticed many similarities between the S.C. State House of Representatives and the national House of Representatives. Seeing the representatives interact during votes humanized them for me. Between each vote, members conversed with each other, mostly staying within their party lines. Congressman Wilson, however, crossed over to the Democratic side of the House to greet them. This aspect of his personality stood out to me because there seems to be so much division in our country. If more people in our nation followed Congressman Wilson’s example, perhaps we wouldn’t be so divided. A quick scroll through Facebook or Twitter often gives the impression that our country is deeply divided. However, every time Congressman Wilson encountered a fellow member, he greeted them warmly, much like meeting an old friend from elementary school. He showed kindness and courtesy to each person he encountered, regardless of their political affiliation. This was the most important lesson I took away from my time at the Capitol: no matter how different someone’s values may be from mine, they are still people. To preserve our great country and its beautiful Capitol and systems of government, we must treat all individuals with kindness and respect. This does not mean compromising our principles but rather refraining from treating our adversaries as inferior. I cherish the fact that our country is a constitutional democratic republic where each state has representatives to voice its needs on a national stage. Congressman Wilson’s kindness exemplifies the spirit of South Carolina well. I came to South Carolina as a 16-year-old not knowing anyone, except for my family, and being very upset about moving. South Carolina welcomed me with open arms and has given me so many opportunities I would have never received anywhere else. It didn’t matter where I came from or that I hadn’t been in the state as long as others, I was still given so many opportunities through being in South Carolina. Congressman Joe Wilson is like South Carolina in that way. He doesn’t care what your beliefs are; he’s going to treat you with the same kindness and respect and dignity that he treats anyone else with. Abigail McGillis Intern