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Washington Update Farewell to LIRS With a strong mixture of fond recollection, sad duty and hopeful anticipation I leave my post as Washington Representative of LIRS effective May 15. It has been a thrilling two years working with a great team on some great issues, and for the best boss in the world, LIRS President Ralston Deffenbaugh! I am proud to have joined you in contributing to the liberation of refugees from fear of persecution, the reunification of families with their loved ones and the opening of economic opportunities in this country for those who would otherwise be deprived. Still for some time now I have felt restless and have been seeking new areas of endeavor and take the occasion of Ralie's sabbatical to push myself out of the nest to find that future. Current thinking may lead toward consulting or formation of a new nongovernmental organization-Corporate Welfare Watch (motto: "Breaking the tragic cycle of corporate dependence"), but before that some rest, relaxation, research and reflection. But fear not for the D.C. office. I leave dynamic LIRS Policy Advocate Merritt Becker to carry on. Merritt has revived the Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act from the doldrums to within hailing distance of actual passage this year. LIRS's Agency Advancement Department is again leading the way in the Refugee Council USA in a strong campaign to restore the refugee program in fiscal year 2003. I trust that we will remain in touch over the years and look forward to continuing our friendship and association. Here's to a great two years!
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