Join the crowd
Inside the Beltway has learned that the Department of Homeland Security was alerted to a security incident that occurred Saturday involving Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, the outspoken Texas Democrat who serves on the Homeland Security subcommittee on intelligence, information sharing and terrorism risk assessment.
Mrs. Jackson-Lee, we learn from DHS correspondence, was going through security at George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport in Texas when the alarm sounded not once, but twice. As with other passengers, she was then placed in a queue for follow-up screening, at which time she “complained” about the process.
The congresswoman proceeded to retrieve her personal carry-on items, although a Transportation Security Administration officer informed her that she would have to be re-screened first, at which point the lawmaker continued to complain.
Other officials stepped in, and the congresswoman eventually was persuaded to return to the screening gate to complete the safety process.
Diving platform
The heart of a busy capital like Washington is the last place one would expect to find the 26-year-old grandson of legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau working hard to enhance what he calls “our water planet.”
Philippe Cousteau, with mother Jan and sister Alexandra, founded EarthEcho International in 2000 in honor of his late father, explorer Philippe Cousteau Sr., who died in a plane crash in 1979. The group’s mission, in short, is to empower individuals to take action to sustain and enhance not just the oceans, but the entire planet.
When not at EarthEcho’s headquarters on 16th Street Northwest, Mr. Cousteau frequently lectures around the world, is chief ocean correspondent for Discovery’s Animal Planet Channel, recalls his many adventures over National Public Radio, is founder and president of a media group, and produces and directs documentaries.
Indeed, Steve Irwin, the Australian “Crocodile Hunter” who died two months ago from a stingray barb off Australia’s north coast, was in the area to film segments for “The Ocean’s Deadliest” with Mr. Cousteau.
“He was an amazing guy; it was a freak tragedy, and God took him from us way too early,” Mr. Cousteau tells Inside the Beltway, adding that the production the two were working on together and “co-hosting” will air Jan. 21 (on Discovery Channel and Animal Planet) “as a tribute to him.”
Mr. Cousteau came to the Washington two years ago, settling in Pentagon City and promptly disposing of his car.
“I’m right on the Metro, and my office is on the Metro downtown,” he explains. “I really like the city. It’s a great place for what we do, it has wonderful people for what we do, but unfortunately I’m gone too much. … I’m probably traveling two-thirds of the time.”
He says that being a “communicator and storyteller, bringing people exciting and inspirational adventure stories, just like my father and grandfather did,” is the highlight of his work.
“I’m dedicating my life to the spirit of my father and grandfather, to make this world a better place for everybody, and I mean everybody,” Mr. Cousteau says. “People often forget that. They think caring for the environment is all about tree-huggers, wind chimes and Birkenstocks. It’s not.”
Last stand
The Senate has approved a resolution remembering Minnesota’s late Sen. Paul Wellstone for his leadership, and in doing so Illinois Sen. Richard J. Durbin recalled one of the last votes cast by his Democratic colleague.
“I can recall the last time I saw him. He was a few feet away from me here. It was the night we cast our vote on the Iraqi war,” Mr. Durbin said. “It was a vote that was a hard one . …
“Twenty-three of us voted against the war that night. I was one, Paul Wellstone was another … and I came to the well on the floor to say goodbye to Paul because we were both off for the re-election campaigns of four years ago. I came over to wish him well, and I said, ‘Paul, I hope that vote doesn’t cost you the election.’
“He said, ‘You know, it is OK if it does because that is what I believe and that is who I am.’ … It was the last time I ever saw him. He went home, and within two weeks, he was killed in a plane crash with his wife and staff members.”
Lame duck
Number of times President Bush has declared an event or outcome not to be “acceptable” so far this year: 42
Number of times he said this in the previous three years combined: 33
— Harper’s Index, December
John McCaslin, whose column is nationally syndicated, can be reached at 202/636-3284 or jmccaslin@ washington times.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.