Friday, August 05, 2005
An idiotic proposal meets an idiotic response
Representative Henry Boniia (R-Tex) has proposed that 16th Street, NW in DC be renamed Ronald Reagan Blvd. Ugh.
Look, like any young conservative I adore Ronald Reagan and do believe that he is among the greatest presidents in American history. But this is just silly. Just about everything else in the city has been renamed for him, rendering this just an unnecessary bit of overkill. Besides, I don't even think the Gipper himself would have approved.
Thankfully Chair of the House Government Reform Tom Davis (R-Va) has already stated he would place this proposal in the "appropriate file," which is probably located somewhere underdneath Congressman Davis' desk, and which the cleaning crew sorts every night.
Not content with being on the right side of the issue, Mayor Anthony Williams had to get his own ridiculous two cents in.
And a design that has inspired millions? First of all, this wouldn't change the actual design layout. The basic grid pattern would remain unchanged. We'd still all have to sit in traffic behind some diplomat making a left-hand turn from 16th.
Second, can Anthony Williams please introduce me to any one of the so-called millions who has been "inspired" by a freaking grid design. I'd like to shake that person's hand . . . and then use my other to hit him square upside the head.
But only after I do the same to Henry Bonilla.
Look, like any young conservative I adore Ronald Reagan and do believe that he is among the greatest presidents in American history. But this is just silly. Just about everything else in the city has been renamed for him, rendering this just an unnecessary bit of overkill. Besides, I don't even think the Gipper himself would have approved.
Thankfully Chair of the House Government Reform Tom Davis (R-Va) has already stated he would place this proposal in the "appropriate file," which is probably located somewhere underdneath Congressman Davis' desk, and which the cleaning crew sorts every night.
Not content with being on the right side of the issue, Mayor Anthony Williams had to get his own ridiculous two cents in.
Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D) objected, saying that renaming the historic north-south route that leads to the White House would mar the elegant street plan laid out by French engineer Pierre L'Enfant in 1791 -- and cost the city $1 million to alter maps and signs.For surely if we rename 16th Street, then M. L'Enfant's (and that's pronounced Lahn-fant, not Luh-fant, Mr. Metro conductor - just like Judiciary is NOT pronounced joo-dish-ooh-ary) grand design will call tumbling down like a house of cards.
"It's been a long time since I've heard of a plan that made so little sense," Williams said. "Changing the unique and beautifully mapped street system in Washington would mean undoing . . . a design that has inspired millions of people from around the world."
And a design that has inspired millions? First of all, this wouldn't change the actual design layout. The basic grid pattern would remain unchanged. We'd still all have to sit in traffic behind some diplomat making a left-hand turn from 16th.
Second, can Anthony Williams please introduce me to any one of the so-called millions who has been "inspired" by a freaking grid design. I'd like to shake that person's hand . . . and then use my other to hit him square upside the head.
But only after I do the same to Henry Bonilla.
# posted by Paul Zummo : 7:56 AM
