DC: Michael Panetta, Shadow Representative

Washington, DC – Hundreds gathered at Upper Senate Park to celebrate America's Veterans and to champion the rights of DC residents in the United States Congress. DC has a single non-voting delegate to the US House of Representatives. Two unpaid non-voting shadow senators and a single unpaid non-voting shadow representative promote voting rights and statehood in the US Senate and the US House.

Votes

DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke to the crowd of Vets and DC rights supporters. In addition, the entire shadow team was present including: Senator Paul Strauss a.k.a. Paul Stravss who is awaiting trial on October 1, 2008 charges of driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and operating a vehicle while impaired. DC's other less notorious Shadow Senator Micheal D. Brown spoke in support of expanded rights for DC citizens. DC Olympic Committee organizer and the sole DC Shadow Representative Michael Panetta rounded out the delegation.

Vets

Robert Vinson Brannum, an actual veteran, DC activist and education advocate took the podium to speak on DC's past and future.

Sherwood Shirttails

The event was casual, but NBC4's Tom Sherwood took it to an extreme when he drifted in about ½ hour before the proceedings ended. He interviewed Delegate Norton on the perimeter of the park. With his shirttail hanging out Sherwood asked questions while his cameraman videoed from a flattering angle. Sherwood then went to an unoccupied idling car double-parked on Constitution Avenue. He sat in the passenger side seat and read a newspaper while the cameraman collected footage of the event. The cameraman then chauffeured Sherwood away.

Maybe NBC would be more successful at selling off local stations if they cut costs by eliminating reporters who have trouble dressing themselves and need “dedicated drivers”.