Actors and drivers
“This is no time for theatrics,” as the saying goes. Well, the House Committee on Education and Labor thinks differently, as it took the time Thursday to discuss the importance of music and the arts — even in a recession.
Tim Daly, of “Sopranos” and “Private Practice” fame, flexed his celebrity muscles to testify on the great impact the economic crisis is having on the arts. He turned out not only as an actor but as co-president of The Creative Coalition, which frequently stumps for arts issues around town.
“In ways large and small, obvious and obscure, art and entertainment are important engines of our economy. We must take steps to ensure the continued vibrancy of our arts and entertainment,” Daly said.
Earlier in the day, another actor braved the rain to continue his work as spokesman for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s proposed education center.
Tom Selleck presided over the unveiling of the latest exhibits for The Wall that Heals, a newly refurbished, 45-foot trailer that travels across the country to allow people that may not be able to visit Washington experience the Wall.
“We can and must honor our heroes,” Magnum stated to the many veterans that gathered at the future spot on the mall that will house The Education Center at the Wall, an underground facility to give a face to the many names on the wall.
The traveling museum will display a replica of the wall and a sample of the more than 100,000 items that have been placed at the memorial since its inception, many of which will be on permanent display at future the education center.
Meanwhile, back on Capitol Hill, four-time NASCAR champion (and current points leader) Jeff Gordon was providing a little “quo” in exchange for DuPont’s “quid.”
DuPont has been Gordon’s sponsor for 17 years, so he was the guest of honor as the science and technology company exhibited some of its fabrics and materials for the military and first responders.
Gordon, shorter than you’d expect and decked out in a snappy grey suit, joked that this is one of the few days he’s “not in Nomex,” the flame-retardant fabric he wears while driving.
Spotting a young fan in the crowd who was outfitted head to toe in a Gordon-replica racing uniform, Gordon said, “There’s a lot going on in this town and not a lot of it has to do with racing. But it’s nice to see the little fans.”
Of course, apart from talking up his sponsor, a trip to Washington also lets Gordon keep up with his competitors on the political front.
After all, in a recent interview with the Associated Press, Gordon’s fellow NASCAR driver Jeff Burton said, “I’ll tell you what I really like, I like C-SPAN.”
