The U.S. Capitol at sunrise: more than 200 years of making the possible, impossible
and occasionally making the impossible, possible!
One of the downsides of government, and therefore Washington, is how long it can take for things to change. While change is what most Americans are seeking, particularly in this election year, the fact is, change is a slow, painful, bureaucratic, legislative, agenda-driven, administration-policy process. Today's photos are an homage to that process. It's the same picture, in three different treatments. Sort of like a triplicate form.
Crystal clear, blue skies:a metaphor for how Washington should work.
There's a joke in government that if you want something done, submit it in triplicate and pray! Of course, that makes government employees sound lazy and overpaid. In fact, reality couldn't be farther from the truth. Most of the men and women who make up the federal workforce are hardworking, dedicated people who want to make a difference. The backlog and frustration comes in the form of political appointees in the upper echelons of government who each bring their own agenda to Washington as part of the ruling administration.
Nothing is black-and-white, cut-and-dried in Washington, but this is a nice picture, right? Do we need to convene a
committee and have a hearing to decide?
The result right now is, many federal programs and legislation are on hold or low simmer awaiting the outcome of the election. Who wins will determine the agenda and direction of Washington for the next four years. Those on the way out the door from among the Bush Administration appointees who want to leave legacies have staff scrambling to enact last hoorahs, while others are taking a wait-and-see approach hoping the Republicans will stay in power. Either way, most things are at a standstill right now. And what better way to portray the gridlock than with pictures of the Capitol, where most of the gridlock happens!
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential
13 comments:
Very clever title. Love the way each of the photos makes the same thing so very different.
Bureaucrats are the people that make politicians look good and they don't get much credit for their contribution.
The building looks impressive in all the shots but I like the middle one.
I do believe that's what's coming to be known as 'A South Pasadena Sky'. Laurie gets all the credit for that one.
I a going with Door, I mean Capitol Number 1. I am a fan of the more golden tones. I love your commentary even more. Girl, you can write! Gotta run. If I start talking about the govt., elections etc. I might start ranting again.
Mo: Thanks! It's a beautiful building to photograph and looks great in all kinds of light and treatments.
Wayne: I agree! But then, that's usually the case in all areas of business and work. Meanwhile, the big titles are the ones who get the big bucks/the statues. Seems so wrong. I'm waiting for Washington to build a monument to the worker. Sadly, it'll never happen.
VJ: Yeah, I just read an blog by someone who's switching their vote because "picking a woman as VP is feminist empowerment." What?! Oh, wait. We don't talk politics here.
I like the way you've illurstrated this point with the three photos. It must be frustrating waiting to see what happens. We in the wider world are waiting too!
All of these are nice, but I think I like the one with the blue sky best. Is that my optimism shining through? That is rare for me!
Marley: Those of us with half an ounce of sense in this country hear you in the wider world and are hoping we and our fellow countrymen and women get it right this November! (I think I'm going to set up a series of polls to see what percentage of people in the U.S. versus those of you abroad are paying attention to this election. My fear is, those of you overseas care more than many of us domestically.)
Maya: I like that one, too. The blue was instantaneous with one setting adjustment, so that must be a sign of something, right?
Excellent shots, I especially like the black and white one. Your politics seem like a total circus to this outsider - here's hoping for some positive change come November!
Jackie: Our politics confuse me, too! :-)
I like the timeless black and white photo. Gridlock in D.C., (so to speak) is a good thing. Ironically, generally speaking, people hate change, but desire change. For me, I like the Washington gridlock system. This way I know we are safe...for the time being.
Rob: I wish I felt like you. I suppose there is a level of stability and certainty in gridlock and partisan fighting. I might have to think about that for a bit, though.
I like your pictures as photographs and as political commentary on our government.
Prof.: I try to avoid politics here, but it's SOOOOO hard right now, what with Washington at a virtual standstill awaiting the outcome of Nov. 4.
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