RESURRECT DEAD ON PLANET JUPiTER

people and their plaza

Years ago I used to go for late night walks around center city Philadelphia. Sometimes my walks would take me to the whole historic area. It being the United States, I always took some pride in the chance to stoop sit at the front door of Independence Hall.

I’d sit in quiet contemplation and look out over three centuries of growth. If it was late enough, I’d be the only person in sight. I felt lucky to have the opportunity. Being a pessimist, I figured that 1 good terrorist attack would lock the Mall down and put an end to my stoop sitting. Even then, it felt a little strange that I was allowed to be there. At the same time, I was confident in my right to be there.

Unfortunately I was right about the whole terrorist thing. Now you can’t get anywhere near the stoop without being screened for weapons and bombs first. Once in the hall, there’s not much room for sitting around. Tours are strictly timed and monitored by armed guards.

Which brings me to last Saturday’s daytime walk through center city. I ended up down on the Mall for the first time in a long time. There I saw the new “People’s Plaza;” a small area of stone tile about 50 yards from anything, that’s been put aside for the use of first amendment lovers. Here’s a picture of me standing on the edge of the new free speech zone:

All in all, the zone wasn’t too inspiring. Now if I were more of an organizer type, I’d encourage everyone out there to go to the official Free Speech Area and do something interesting. Stage a performance. Shout at tourists. Protest the Free Speech Zone. Use it as home base for a game of tag, or strip naked, cover yourself in pigs blood and defecate on a burning flag. After all, it’s your space, people.