Mowing the Lawn at the Lincoln Memorial

[L Verge]

I'm not sure that it's poetic justice. It is more likely that this South Carolinian decided the Civil War has been over for 150 years -- let's learn from it and move on. He may have also learned that big government doesn't always get the job done.

[Liz Rosenthal]

I'm not sure that it's poetic justice. It is more likely that this South Carolinian decided the Civil War has been over for 150 years -- let's learn from it and move on. He may have also learned that big government doesn't always get the job done.

I didn't think you would agree with me. But a compelling case - informally, just for the sake of discussion - could be made that we've come full circle and now Charleston has embraced Old Abe, at last. It's about time.

[LincolnMan]

He was interviewed on Fox News last night. He stated that he cares deeply about his country ( the USA)- and that he was making a statement as a citizen to care for it's monuments. He encouraged everyone to engage in similar actions regarding the sites that are currently lacking maintenance due to the shut-down. Along with him, there was a gentleman on the show who is leading the planned effort to congest Washington with thousands of trucks to jam the streets to a traffic nightmare. He says it will be to send President Obama a clear message that America is "fed up" with the thousands of regulations imposed on the industry, the multitude of increased taxes, ect.

[Rogerm]

I would advise the man who wants to cause the traffic jam in Washington to go jump in a lake.

[L Verge]

It has been very interesting living right outside D.C. with this shutdown. Most of us were rejoicing that the traffic situation of constant rush hour gridlock would calm down. Not happening.

Despite the tens of thousands of government workers who live in our area - and are supposed to be shut down - the road situation seems even worse. We suspect that people aren't the least bit worried that they won't be getting a paycheck for awhile and are out there shopping and running their gas-guzzling vehicles up and down the roads, enjoying their leisure time. Rush hour has now become anything from 9 am to 9 pm around here. It used to be 5 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 7 pm.

---

I'm not sure that it's poetic justice. It is more likely that this South Carolinian decided the Civil War has been over for 150 years -- let's learn from it and move on. He may have also learned that big government doesn't always get the job done.

I didn't think you would agree with me. But a compelling case - informally, just for the sake of discussion - could be made that we've come full circle and now Charleston has embraced Old Abe, at last. It's about time.

Whatever thought gives you comfort...

[LincolnMan]

Even though the Lincoln home was closed- thankfully there was no yellow tape preventing visitors from enjoying the home from the sidewalk and street. I did suggest we get ahold of some lawn mowers and cut the grass- but that idea was sort of voted down.

[irshgrl500]

But a compelling case - informally, just for the sake of discussion - could be made that we've come full circle and now Charleston has embraced Old Abe, at last. It's about time.
[/quote]
Based on one photograph, that is a huge conjecture. Besides, after my experience with folks from South Carolina, I don’t think the average current view, would be to “embrace” Abraham Lincoln.
Besides, more specifically, the man mowing the lawn, named Chris Cox, the Charleston, a SC resident, carries a Southern Carolina state flag, while mowing the neglected lawn of the Lincoln Memorial, has stated in more than one interview, that he is not motivated by politics, and that he intends to tackle the lawns of Vietnam and World War II memorials and surrounding grounds. He stated, he has also, blown the leaves and cleaned up the trash, of the walkways, and surrounding areas. He stated he wanted the memorials to look nice for the Million Vet March, which is occurring, now. Cox, purchased a lawnmower and blower, for the tasks, and since his one man, militia march, on untidy lawns was caught on camera, and featured in the news, a group by the name of CrowdItForward.com, have started online raising efforts, which were aimed at buying Cox a $1,500.00 Riding Lawnmower.

[L Verge]

Mr. Cox's actions are a symbolic display of one man caring for his country, but it's going to take many more to erase the mess we have allowed to happen. Let's hope that this is the beginning of a ground swell to turn things around - starting with the next elections. IMO, recalls and impeachments wouldn't hurt either.

I have been heartened to see that some of our western states are taking the initiative to pay for re-opening several national parks. Even leaders of the city government in D.C. have stepped up to the plate and kept their things open.

[irshgrl500]

[quote='L Verge' pid='25200' dateline='1381762030']
Mr. Cox's actions are a symbolic display of one man caring for his country, but it's going to take many more to erase the mess we have allowed to happen.

Agreed; very unusual and admirable.

[Rob Wick]

recalls and impeachments wouldn't hurt either

Except that constitutionally, impeachment is only used in cases of criminal behavior. To use it, as Republicans did with Clinton and want to do with Obama, as a means of political ends would be an anarchical farce and would open the doors for it to happen to them.

Best
Rob

[brtmchl]

Other than a footnote in history, Impeachment would likely be impossible since the House has the authority to impeach but the Senate can act as Jury.

[LincolnMan]

brtmchl: I love the Henry Ford quote!

[brtmchl]

Thanks Bill. I find it fitting for the times we are in.

[Rogerm]

People regularly knock the U.S. government as though they are detached from it and carry no responsibility for the current state of affairs. But, the members of the Senate, the Congress, as well as the President, himself, were elected to their offices; supposedly by "the people." You can blame "big business", a "liberal press", or whatever scapegoat you choose for an unwarranted influence. But, in the end, the voter is responsible for his or her individual decision at the ballot box.

[L Verge]

Well, this voter won't take the blame this time because I did not vote for any of those who are "misrepresenting" me currently on Capitol Hill or down the street...