Events I Don't Go to and Why: PA Society Edition

So every year, Pennsylvania's political elite gather in New York City for the "PA Society" event, and then just about every year, I write about how terrible it is that a bunch of political elites go get together and have an expensive party in another state. I'll spare everyone the holier-than-thou speech this year, because I've realized a few things this year:

1. I can't blame anyone for going to New York City for a weekend. Seriously, I have no room on that. Everyone should go to NYC when they can, so good for them.
2. It actually is important for elected leaders and the like to get together in a social setting. This used to be how deals got done, and deals getting done is how we built America.
3. It is for charity.
4. I started to realize that a lot of people I like go up to that event, so they can't all be monsters.

So with that, I won't bash a fine charitable event. I never go though, and I didn't go back when I worked for the PA House Majority Leader either. It's just never been my thing. I have a few reasons why:

1. I really don't love events where I have to put on a suit and tie. Don't get me wrong, I do them, I have to, I work in politics. It's just not something I enjoy.
2. I'd rather spend December nights in dive bars and around Easton. It's the one time of the year I can do that, and I do it.
3. I go to New York City an unhealthy amount, so a weekend there, at this time of year, in a suit and tie, isn't overly appealing.
4. We all hear the news from there every year anyway, so why bother?

So rather than claim some moral superiority for not going to NYC this weekend, I'll just be honest-  I'd rather throw on the leather coat and hang out around Easton this weekend. It does sound like there was plenty of news up there though.