National News
Protest takes many forms in DC. On Thursday, it arrived in the shape of an enormous poop on a desk in full view of the U.S. Capitol.
Welcome to America, version 2024, where number two officially enters the political discourse.
On the desk in the midst of the National Mall near third Street NW, together with the blown-up soft-serve poop replica, was an outline of an office phone and a nameplate with Rep. Nancy Pelosi's name on it.
“This memorial honors the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 to ransack, urinate and defecate these hallowed halls in an attempt to overturn an election,” one reads Memorial plaque on a pedestal under the desk. “President Trump celebrates these January 6 heroes as ‘incredible patriots’ and ‘warriors.’ This memorial is a testament to their courageous sacrifice and lasting legacy.”
The National Park Service granted the permit application to Civic Crafted LLC. Julia Jimenez-Pyzik, the one who applied for the permit, didn’t reply to text or phone messages in search of comment. According to the permit, the installation will remain on the mall until Oct. 30.
The Park Service said that when issuing permits it “does not take into account the content of the message to be submitted.” Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said in a press release: “As federal land and America's most important public space, the National Mall provides a forum in which citizens can exercise their constitutional rights of speech and assembly.”
By early afternoon, curious passersby were circling Washington's newest monument like flies. Some laughed loudly. Others wrinkled their noses. Almost everyone took photos.
“I think it's a cool and appropriate use of public space,” said Jon Golinger, 54, who was alerted to the statue by a friend living in Baltimore who asked via text message whether reports of the protest feces were real. “It is a dramatic, graphic depiction of what was done to our democracy that day. Having it here in line with the Capitol is fitting and we are all thinking about the next January 6th, which is just around the corner.”
The statue elicited a mixed response from Dan Thayer, who lives near the Capitol and sought refuge in his basement on January 6, 2021. “I like the sarcasm,” said Thayer, 38, “but it was also a tragic, sad day for the country. “So I'm not entirely sure how I feel.”
Many visitors weren't sure what to make of the statue once they first approached it. An older gentleman wearing a Harris/Walz baseball cap originally thought it was a mockery of Pelosi (D-Calif.). Some thought it was an ice statue. Many declined to place their views on the record because the country's views on feces and politics were polarized.
Janis Grout, a Donald Trump supporter, was not impressed. “I’m glad it’s temporary,” said Grout, of Bend, Oregon, who was visiting the district for the primary time together with her husband. “I don't think it's necessary. This is a beautiful place and that’s disturbing.”
Minnesotans Chris and Ann Blunt, who stopped in Washington on their method to Georgia, thwarted the critics. “I think it’s hilarious,” Chris said as his wife smiled. “At first I thought, why is there a statue dedicated to a bastard, but now I understand. Good job, whoever did it.”
Behind it, visitors lined as much as take selfies – selfies? – with the statue and the business, America marched on.
image credit : www.boston.com