THOMASVILLE- Matthew Rakestraw recently completed an internship in the Washington, D.C. office of Congressman Sanford D. Bishop.
“It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to live, study, and serve in Washington, DC. Studying at the Georgia Institute of Technology and interning in Congressman Sanford Bishop’s office has been rewarding beyond belief,” said Rakestraw. “The experience has thus far taught me valuable lessons.”
Rakestraw said he believes the greatest asset of government is the people.
“The people who run the show are normal, down-to-Earth, and compassionate with a deep love for the United States,” he said. “The spirit of service permeates Washington, DC. The staff in Congressman Bishop’s office hold two exceptionally powerful qualities: common sense and a duty to care for the public interest. With all the bluster and boosterism in American political life, decent policymaking is still undertaken by those who love our country. The duty to care and protect is still alive and well in Congress.”
Rakestraw recalled Bishop’s Telephone Town Hall, which occurred during his internship and showed his dedication to the people he serves.
“Thousands called in and the Congressman took questions directly from people across the district,” Rakestraw said. “Staff members saw to it that those asking for help with a federal agency later spoke with staff who could assist them.”
Rakestraw further asserted that he witnessed Bishop amplify his constituents’ voices daily.
“The Office of Congressman Sanford Bishop does not engage in petty politics, instead Congressman Bishop and staff maintain politics and government can be forces for good,” he said. “They practice the politics of service, not the politics of gestures and false promises.”
During his time in Bishop’s office, Rakestraw said he learned that service and duty are not just empty words.
“They are the very principles guiding the dedicated staff working tirelessly for the well-being of the people of Georgia’s second congressional district,” he said. “It is an honor to work alongside them as they endeavor to improve the lot of our farmers and veterans, and everyone in between.”
On one his last days of his internship, Rakestraw had a conversation with Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, admiring the great painted works of American history.
“We had a brief and cordial conversation,” Rakestraw said. “I expressed the sense of awe I feel each time I walk through the U.S. Capitol. She smiled and said, “Never lose that.”
Despite Britt and Bishop’s differing views, Rakestraw said they both have a strong love for the United States.
“The question must always be “Do you love your country?” My answer is a resounding “Yes.” For it is through love of country, all things are possible,” concluded Rakestraw. “When we hold true to our long-held American values, nothing is beyond our reach.”