In the heart of the beast...aka Washington DC

[SoonerATC]

I arrived in DC on Sunday for a college trip. Have to say, from Day 1 I felt MUCH safer in Oklahoma with everyone and their brother having a gun than I do in this city of no guns. There are law enforcement EVERYWHERE (DC police, Capitol police, subway anti-terrorism officers, and other private security officers for various office buildings). Heck, I'd feel safer in some Oklahoma dark alleys than I do on some broad daylight streets here. Anyway, haven't been mugged yet and survived long enough to snap some of these photos. So far I've been to the Smithsonian and seen the Spirit of St. Louis, Enola Gay and Space Shuttle Discovery. Also have seen most of the monuments on the National Mall.

I'm convinced this place worships Obama - there are vendors selling every form of Obama memorabilia on every street corner and gift shop. I realize the Coronation...err, inauguration is only a week and a half away, but I get the feeling its not just folks trying to make a quick buck. Also, people never smile here. Riding the subways, no one says a word to each other and if they aren't in their own world with their ipod, they're staring at the floor or avoiding eye contact. They're like a bunch of soul-less zombies.

Tomorrow i'll be visiting the offices of Coburn, Inhofe and Cole. Doubt I'll see them personally, but will still be interesting to see their offices.

 

[Buddhaman]

All I gotta say is good luck! I'd love to go visit DC and take in all the monuments one of these days.

 

[BamaAlum97]

I have been to DC dozens of times and I have never had any issues. There are most definitely some places you don't want to be after dark, but if you stay alert and stick to public and common areas, you will be fine.

 

[vicious]

I used to live 30 miles outside of DC and I can say that I've always hated the traffic. I never felt unsafe, but I carried then, too. With regard to the Grand O merchandise, they do that with every president. It's for the tourists.

 

[WTJ]

Yer in the Seat, err, Compound of Magisterial Government? Good luck, I hear the crime rate is off the charts there. I don't understand it, what with the armed-camp, gun ban, and all the 'Leadership'.

Maybe they need an Executive Order....

 

[Boomerdog]

I lived there for 4 years back in the early 80s. It was a s($& hole then as it is now. JMHO

 

[Old Fart]

Do yourself a favor and visit the waterfront area and have some fresh seafood.