I was curious to see what life was like in the nation’s capital days before a Presidential Election.
I took the Metro which cost less than $3 for a regular pass or $15 for a whole day pass. I remember when they opened the first line in the late 70s and was impressed at the high coffered ceilings and the slick design. Throughout the years, the city has managed to discourage graffiti and maintained its relative quiet and cleanliness. As always, just make sure that you’re in the correct colored car train and it is headed in the right direction. It’s best to check the map before you take the train. Wi-Fi signals are provided as you ride so you can check your texts and email or browse through your phone to pass the time away.
I walked to the White House hoping to take some memorable pictures but was disappointed to find it was totally fenced in. In hindsight, I should have registered early for a pass to enter. Everywhere I turned, there were cranes and machinery moving about. Apparently, the whole city was either preparing for a possible protest or setting up the stage for the January Presidential inauguration. The stretch of Pennsylvania Ave in front of the White House was completely fenced off. And when I say “fenced off” I’m talking about heavy-duty impenetrable fences. There were DO NOT ENTER signs everywhere. Heavily armed guards were stationed at key entrances while police cars patrolled the area.
Surprisingly, I did not see a single political ad sign for either of the candidates. I did see booths selling political T-shirts, pins and memorabilia — mostly for Kamala Harris. There were also Food Trucks galore around the Washington Mall. Every now and then there were islands of protestors with their picket signs. There was a group of Sikhs spreading awareness of the genocide that happened in 1984 during the Indira Gandhi regime where tens of thousands of their members were killed by Indira’s henchmen.
While I was interviewing the Sikh, a friendly gentleman named Rick started a conversation with me. He was visiting from Tennessee. We hit it off and before I knew it, we both were touring the Washington Mall together.
We got to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where the names of the Vietnam heroes were etched in black granite. Visitors were pouring over the names and looking for their relatives and friends. Little altars were left on different spots. We thanked the senior volunteers for their service (most of them were veterans) wearing the loud yellow shirts. I remembered Warren (a good friend of mine who served in the Marines) who said “more than thanking the Vietnam vets for their service, we should ‘welcome them home’.” Warren said that (unlike the other war veterans) there was no welcome party for them because Vietnam was such an unpopular war. He said that when someone “welcomed him home” for the first time, he bawled like a baby. War … such a tragic reality of our modern civilization.
There was the usual gathering of tourists at the Lincoln Memorial and old Abe’s somber expression was there to greet them. The exquisite artistry and the etched writings on the walls makes one proud of our heritage. I imagine all the prose and poems about this world famous memorial and I’m sure they’re all true.
At the foot of the stairs leading to the memorial was a man on a wheelchair brandishing a placard to vote for Kamala. On either side of him were young men selling cold drinks. A typical scene of our capital.
Most of the tourists from different nations were traveling on foot but the more adventurous ones were renting scooters and bikes. I looked at them with envy because I was out of shape and my hips and legs were beginning to ache from all the walking. I would have rented one of those gears but I never learned to ride either one and it’s too late for this old dog to learn.
We could hear Tour guides sharing their knowledge of history at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The dark green statues with their worried expression were eerily realistic. Every time I visit, I imagine the sufferings these soldiers endured to keep America free.
A few yards away we chatted with the young guide at the National Park Service Stables. This is the headquarters of the mounted police. The guide said one mounted police is ten times more effective than a regular policeman on foot.
At the DC War Memorial a formally dressed crowd witnessed a marriage ceremony. Rick and I were just in time to peek at the groom kiss the bride prompting lively cheers.
Up next was the World War II memorial. Busloads of veterans mixed with the regular tourists. On one side were Halloween-costumed Mexicans and tourists took their selfies. Further down was a group of Christians sharing the gospel with a bullhorn. Not too far from them was a peculiar statue of a giant bronze turd and a landline phone on top of a desk. I looked around the chipped off edges of that statue and I could tell it was only made of styrofoam. This was just one of the more unique protest spots. I didn’t understand the symbolism so I asked the Security Guard what it was about — a man of few words, he said it was all in the writing on the plaque. The words were obviously written by an angry liberal:
“This memorial honors the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021 to loot, urinate and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election.
President Trump celebrates these heroes of January 6th as ‘unbelievable patriots’ and ‘warriors.’ This monument stands as a testament to their daring sacrifice and lasting legacy.”
I heard some loud noises coming from a bull horn but couldn’t find its source. Later in the day I read it was a Women’s March for abortion. Lots of hysterical Karens running around the city. Interestingly, not a single political conservative voice. Why is that? Oh but there was a small band singing contemporary Christian music at a stage near the Washington Monument.
The Capitol was also fenced in. Cranes were used to install the stage for the January Inauguration. I wanted to go inside but visitors had to leave by 4 pm. I had just missed it. A platoon of guards huddled in the shadows of the Capitol.
Every election, we see a worried nation prepare for the incoming administration. If this 2024 election is indicative of future elections, it is comforting to know that the capital of America will always be ready for any disturbance. God bless the USA.
