c. David Grim (taken 4/4/10)
This past weekend I made a return trip to our nation's Capitol. As I was doing some net research in the week before the trip, I began to realize that I've been there many times before. Still there were (and still are) many things that I have not seen in DC. The concentration of major museums there is just astounding. I remember in the 90's, when the Holocaust Museum opened, what a big deal the addition was for tourists. But since then the place has seen many new attractions opened.
I only had about a day-and-a-half to work with, so I had to winnow my choices down to a very few. I considered the Crime Museum, but it costs over $20 to go in, and virtually everything else is free. I had little interest in seeing the Spy Museum, since I find the whole espionage 'n intrigue thing overblown. So I took a good, long, hard look at the art museums and made my choices.
But first I decided I'd see the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. I knew I'd be stopping over in that town, and felt I'd grab the opportunity while it presented itself. The truth is, though, that you seen one... you seen 'em all. Visiting the Grand Lodge in Philly was impressive, and my follow-up to the temple-on-the-hill seemed redundant. I did enjoy the model Shriner's parade (the image above came from that animated spectacle. The overwhelming impression I got was one of immense expense for a masturbatory legacy. Whatever.
Good choice of a place to visit. It's quite impressive, but makes one wonder what the fuss is all about.
ReplyDeleteWhat the fuss is all about?
ReplyDeleteDon't you know, the Freemasons control the Spice, and he who controls the Spice, controls the Universe.
Everyone wants to be part of the "in" crowd, I guess. When it was all rich people and geniuses, it probably meant something. But now that middle aged sales managers from the midwest are in the crowd... well.
ReplyDeleteMy point was not about who they are (or were), or what they do (or have done), but why build such ostentatious monuments to themselves. Why does power, perceived or real, need such advertising?
ReplyDelete