2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.24(1)_大学英语听力

2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.24(1)

　　But after three years I became tired of reporting about activities in these small towns. After I left, I was happy that I would never again have to sit in a government meeting room for five hours watching elected city officials make decisions.

　　I understood how happy I was that I was no longer a local reporter on my first day with American troops on a patrol near the Iraqi capital Baghdad. We were trying to visit the mayor. But, a roadside bomb exploded. We had to wait under the hot sun in military vehicles for bomb experts to come.

　　I had two thoughts as I waited.

　　First, this would never happen in Texas.

　　And second, this may not be fun. But at least I dont have to attend long city council meetings anymore!

　　City government may be democracy at its closest to the people. But the truth is it is mostly very uninteresting.

　　Virgil James is a spokesman for the city of Johannesburg. He told me at the mayors meeting that the actions of city government may not be exciting. But he said these actions are necessary.

　　The yearly meeting was held in a much nicer place than the place where Leander, Texas city council meetings were held. Leander is one of the cities where I used to report. For some reason, the meeting of big-city mayors made me feel a longing for Leander. So I called the citys former mayor, John Cowman. He was surprised to hear from me. I had not spoken to him in 10 years. He offered advice to mayors of cities much larger than Leander.