A Furlough Day At the US Capitol (Part I of II)

I spent a good part of October Third at the Capitol trying to capture the imagery of the shutdown.  There was a large Capitol Police presence as noted above, and several protesters.   

I didn't recognize this Senator but people were pretty interested in what he had to say. 

Arkansas Senator John Boozman addresses the crowd.

 "Freedom" statue on top of the Capitol Dome.

 I was surprised at the amount of Government employees willing to carry signs and pose for pictures.

This individual had a lot to say and said it for a couple hours.  One thing he pointed out was that NASA uses mind control on US citizens.  

Oh no he's not going there......

Yep, he went there.

Two women were selling "Furlough Cookies," until.......

The Capitol Police put a stop to it.  He did let them rip the word 'buy' from their sign and continue to ask for donations. 

I just don't know what to say about this one....

 I thought it was getting weird......

Then Jesus showed up.

Continued on Part II........

The Vietnam Wall at Sunrise

 The Vietnam Wall is one of my favorite Memorials because of it's stark simplicity and what it means to so many people.  I hope these shots can convey what it's like to stand in this somber spot as the sun comes up and the day is new and full of possibilities.  

The Washington monument reflected on the names of the fallen.

The Wall is officially part of the Vietnam Veterans memorial, along with the Three Soldiers Statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. 

Even after all of these years, those left behind, whether they be family members or brothers in arms, still feel the pain of their loss as if it was yesterday. 

It seems someone moved the gates away from the previously-closed Vietnam Wall (as it is part of a National Park) which allowed all who wished to, to practice their First Amendment rights. 

Early Morning on The National Mall and Around Washington DC

I spent the day all over Washington DC, trying to capture the feel of the city during the Government shutdown.  I started early in the morning at the Capitol and wandered kinda aimlessly for hours.  This blog and the next couple, will cover what I saw.

National Art Gallery.

Flags at the base of the Washington Monument and the Capitol Dome in the early light. 

Looking East from the WWII Memorial.

WWII Memorial.

Seems someone tore down the barricade at the WWII Memorial.

Two angles of the sunrise.  I couldn't decide which one to put on here so you get them both....

Fountain at the Federal Reserve Board.

Amerigo Vespucci Memorial on the lawn of the Organization of American States. This is who this country is named for. 

Daughters of the American Revolution, Memorial Continental Hall.

New York Presbyterian Church reflection.