Washington, D.C., internship yields connections

Northwest Iowa News ^ | July 21, 2016 | Steve Hoogland

[Mean Daddy]

For Dordt College student Ryan McDermott this summer has been about learning.

McDermott, who will be a sophomore this fall, recently completed a six-week internship working with U.S. Rep David Young in Washington, D.C. One of his highlights was seeing the development of Sarah’s Law being introduced to Congress at the U.S. Capitol.

Young and Nebraska Rep. Brad Ashford introduced the legislation to honor 21-year-old Iowan Sarah Root who was killed in Omaha by an undocumented immigrant in January. The alien fled after making bail and hasn’t been found. The law seeks to amend mandatory detention provisions in place under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to take custody of any individual who has entered or remains in the United States illegally and is also charged with a crime resulting in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. McDermott watched the steps closely.

[Mean Daddy]

This article is about my son's internship with Congressman Young. A member on this board was instrumental in helping him and his stay in DC.

He also coordinated a meeting today with the Congressman and Michelle Root, the mother of murdered Sarah Root by an illegal immigrant. My wife got to meet and thank him but unfortunately my schedule wouldn't allow me to attend.

Article talks about him meeting Mr. Gowdy right after grilling Comey and Sen. Grassley.

[sweetiepiezer]

What a great article on your son Ryan.

How proud you and your wife must be.

He sounds like a great kid and so glad to hear of his interest in our political system.
Must have been very interesting to hear how bills are discussed and to hear it about something so close to his heart.
Donald Trump mentioned Sarah tonight, something has to be done with our immigration system.

Being a legal immigrant myself I am outraged what Obama has done to our borders and his amnesty proposals.
We have areas here in Vegas that look like third world countries, truly so sad.

Thank your son for his dedication to his beliefs.

Thank you for doing such a great job on maybe a future Congressman or potential Senator.

[LucyT]

An uplifting article about Freeper "Mean Daddy's" son:

Washington, D.C., internship yields connections For Dordt College student Ryan McDermott this summer has been about learning.

McDermott, who will be a sophomore this fall, recently completed a six-week internship working with U.S. Rep David Young in Washington, D.C.

Check out article.

Thank you Ryan McDermott for your outstanding accomplishment, and thank you "Mean Daddy" for being a great Dad.

Nice story.

[Whenifhow]

This article is about my son’s internship with Congressman Young. A member on this board was instrumental in helping him and his stay in DC.

*****

You must be very proud! What a wonderful opportunity for your son! His internship will develop skills and provide important connections for his future!

[Rushmore Rocks]

I love to read personal FReeper stories. Kudos to your son for his accomplishments, and to you for being his support and a “Mean Daddy”. Blessings to you and yours.

[Velveeta]

You should be so proud! Great job!

[Cicero]

A very encouraging story. I hope your son continues to do well for himself, and do good for other people and his country.

[Fractal Trader]

Great stuff to hear!

[null and void]

Good for him!

[Jet Jaguar]

Bump

[azishot]

You have every right to be proud of your son. Please let us know about any future info.

[SatinDoll]

Your son’s experience, I hope he never forgets. Whatever he does in the future, remembering what he saw and heard in Washington, D.C., may it stay with him lifelong.

Thank you for let us know about your son. I’ll keep the name, Ryan McDermott, in mind for a long time.

Satin Doll

[hoosiermama]

What a great experience. Congratulations to you and yours

[AZ .44 MAG]

A great example of parenting done right.

[Myrddin]

Encouraging your son to take an active part in the political process within the bounds of the established process is a step in the right direction. As a high school student, I successfully petitioned the school board to define class standing by credits earned instead of semesters attended. That allowed me and 30 other students to graduate a year early and enjoy senior privileges. My son took up a protest against mandatory “service” as a graduation requirement. He took it on the air with Roger Hedgecock and successfully argued the practice amounted to involuntary servitude. The policy was scrapped. I wish your son success in his effort. It is a principled approach to a stupid policy in place today.

[rodguy911]

from the link: Being involved with Sarah’s Law was a real highlight,” McDermott said. “Being there for a meeting with members of ICE to determine how they can create a bill that can go to the House floor for vote. After the Senate released its version of the bill, Congressmen Young and Ashford released the House version.” For McDermott, it was personal as his sister Kari was a friend of Root. One of the members of Young’s staff knew the connection. “He handed the bill to me and asked me to carry it to the Republican cloakroom in the Capitol, next to the House floor,” McDermott said. “I brought it there to be submitted for review by the House Judiciary Committee. That was really neat.” McDermott said his family and Root’s family enjoyed the connection. Root and Kari were friends in middle school, high school and college. “Sarah was regularly at our house,” McDermott said. “I actually worked with Sarah at the same Walgreen’s store for about a year and a half. Kari also knew Sarah’s brother and mother very well — her parents were divorced. Kari keeps in touch with Scott, Sarah’s father, as well. All of this has meant a lot to Sarah’s family with Sarah’s Law. They are waiting for the law to progress through the House judiciary committee. It’s not ready for the House floor yet, but they are excited to see an actual bill which could impact families in the future.”

This young man,McDermott, will be the future of our country.It will be up to him to save what is left of a country desperately in need of leadership. He certainly seems up to the task and should get all the encouragement and help possible from our side of the aisle. McDermott should be a role model for others his age.