It's true, the Mall is in a sad state of disrepair. Washington is a wonderful and inspiring city, and the Mall ought to reflect that. The monuments themselves are well-kept--now let's focus on the landscape. If the venue for the Folklife Festival needs to change, so be it.

I was just there this past weekend. I had exactly the same thoughts -- how tattered and tawdry the mall looks. What a sad commentary on a great nation. Billions for a misguided war in Iraq, but we can't even keep our front yard trimmed. We have a lot of idiots in Congress.

I've had similar thoughts when I visit DC, but I have a little different take on it.

I too noticed the grass was really worn in places, but I also noticed that lots of families were out on the grass playing (baseball, frizbee, etc). I didn't get the impression it was a money issue (that they couldn't afford to keep up the lawn) but that it was a use issue (too many people walking on it to keep a lush lawn). I just figured... A lot of people use the lawn (a good thing) so it was worn.

I know we often think money is the solution to everything but I don't know how money is going to solve this issue. I don't want the solution to be "No Protesting" and "Keep Off The Grass" signs all over the mall. I DON'T think that would be a good direction to go. We already have too many restrictions and "Keep Out" signs all over our public lands.