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I had to go to DC today, specifically to Capitol Hill, where I work, for the first time since 1/6 and I have some thoughts.
There’s been chat about AOC sharing her experiences, and there are some real garbage takes on that. That’s not what I want to talk about.
1/18
There’s been chat about AOC sharing her experiences, and there are some real garbage takes on that. That’s not what I want to talk about.
1/18
I want to talk about what was stolen from all of us.
On 1/6 a group of fascist insurrectionists stormed the capitol building at the urging of then-president Donald Trump. I’m not rehashing that.
2/18
On 1/6 a group of fascist insurrectionists stormed the capitol building at the urging of then-president Donald Trump. I’m not rehashing that.
2/18
As a result of this a perimeter fence made of jersey barriers, steel frames with expanded metal, and topped with concertina wire was erected.
3/18
3/18
Prior to this, after first the Oklahoma City bombing and then 9/11 a security perimeter had already been established around the White House. Trump expanded this perimeter, like all strongmen* do to project strength by showing cowardice.
4/18
4/18
Here is a picture of the current limits of these fences. There is serious discussion the halls of government to make these perimeters permanent. Surprise, surprise.
5/18
5/18
I live in DC. I’m not from here because no one is, but I’ve lived here for 17 years. For most people this is a place they come on a school trip or maybe on a family vacation. For me it’s home.
I want to talk about what is lost that might not be obvious to a visitor.
6/18
I want to talk about what is lost that might not be obvious to a visitor.
6/18
Lafayette Square, adjacent to the White House is/was home to the longest continuous anti-nuclear weapon peace vigil in the world. It’s been dismantled. What better place for the people to air their grievances than a public square across the street from the White House.
7/18
7/18
The Ellipse, home of the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah is closed, behind fencing and inaccessible to visitors.
The tulips at the base of the 1st Infantry Division Monument are now visible only to the privileged few that work at the White House and OEOB.
8/18
The tulips at the base of the 1st Infantry Division Monument are now visible only to the privileged few that work at the White House and OEOB.
8/18
The reflecting pool west of the Capitol, locale of stunning sunset vistas down the National Mall is locked off and secured by men with guns.
9/18
9/18
House and Senate Office buildings. These are the places our elected representatives tend to our business. Last year, citizens could simply walk in and meet directly with their representatives. Now, you must have special ID to enter the Capitol Hill campus.
10/18
10/18
The Capitol Visitors Center, the entry point for people to view the seat of government is secured by razor wire.
Same as the east courtyard of the Capitol Building, right above.
11/18
Same as the east courtyard of the Capitol Building, right above.
11/18
The Supreme Court where countless protests and vigils have been held down the years, prohibited.
12/18
12/18
The west lawn of the Capitol Building, where local kids go sledding every time it snows. A joy of childhood stolen and locked away.
13/18
13/18
The Library of Congress, the centerpiece of the informed populace, a requirement of a viable democracy as theorized by Thomas Jefferson is barred to the public.
14/18
14/18
I have no doubt there are more. There are so many hidden gems in this town it’s impossible to know them all. But these things weren’t stolen just from me or those that live here. They were stolen from all of us.
15/18
15/18
Regardless of your opinion on the country’s history or purpose, these things belonged to all of us and they’ve been stolen by an angry minority. A group that chose to try to overthrow the government and execute its officers in service of a con man's vanity.
16/18
16/18
This was our inheritance from history. These fences will become permanent and our liberty will be eroded because we’ve allowed fascism to take root. That will be our legacy.
17/18
17/18
Unless we change it. We have a chance, and we need to take it. This fever can be broken, but it requires focus and work. Hard work. Disappointing and frustrating work. But it can be broken, and the course can be changed.
It’s up to us. Who protects us? We protect us.
fin
It’s up to us. Who protects us? We protect us.
fin
One more: please feel free to add any memories you may have had from any of these places.
One from me: On my first date with my wife we were walking at the south edge of the Ellipse when Marine One flew over. We ran back and watched it land on the south lawn.
One from me: On my first date with my wife we were walking at the south edge of the Ellipse when Marine One flew over. We ran back and watched it land on the south lawn.
