Where's Crook when you need him?

[L Verge]

In 1985, my twelve-year-old daughter wanted her birthday celebration to be as a Washington tourist. So, off I went with six giggling pre-teens for a day of museums from Air & Space near the Capitol, up the Mall to the White House. The visitors' line for the White House tour had already closed, but after walking all day for what seemed at least ten miles, I was not going to be deterred. We just patiently waited until the security people walked away from the line, and we moved up the block a little and snuck into the line where some people were busy chatting and not paying attention. I had learned a few tricks from my 8th graders when I used to teach!

Anyhow, it was so easy to get into the White House for a tour in those days. Even at Christmas, we used to take a busload from Surratt House each year to see the decorated interior. It breaks my heart now that the American public is being cheated out of visiting our national home because of the changes in our society.