The Mall’s a Disgrace?
Someone, a while back, told me that unless you go before Congress and talk about every shitty thing that’s broken about even the best thing in the world, you’re going to come away with less money. So, that must be the strategy that Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton participated in yesterday when she suggested we should be ashamed of the National Mall, or when John Ackridge called the Mall a “disgrace” in front of Congress.
I know there’s worn grass on the Mall, the result of tourists wearing convenient paths across the Nation’s Front Lawn, and that perhaps some trees aren’t in the best shape, but to call it a disgrace?
I think that’s an insult to this town, honestly.
Washington DC Mall from Capitol Hill — Originally uploaded by looking_for_a_cause
I think people have a different expectation than we do in general of the Mall, it’s not just what’s said in front of what-is-the-opposite-of-progress. The gravel paths seem to get an inordinate amount of bitching and whining, but I think they’re about a million times more charming and pleasant than any concrete or asphalt variation could ever be.
Beyond those kind of taste issues I think the things wrong with the Mall are the same issues every other pedestrian thoroughfare in the area has. Insufficient trash and recycling receptacles, poor trash policing, etc. It sure would be nice if those things were addressed better on the Mall… and everywhere else too.
I totally agree. Congress should give NPS some $$ to keep it in good shape. Other countries parks look great!
[…] May 23, 2008 by CPO There was a lot of hubub this week about how the National Mall is a disgrace. Like this blogger, we couldn’t disagree more. And with next week’s enormous Israel @ 60 Capital […]