So awhile back I was looking through the Boston Public Library archive photos and looked at hundreds of images of 1960s protests on the Common... and/or on the steps of the State House. It made me realize - I had never realized before - that the entire front entrance and grounds of the State House is completely restricted now. I don't know when they closed it off, but it is one of the worst crimes out of all the architectural/political/landscape crap we complain about in this city. Suddenly I realized how tiny and pathetic every protest looks, because sign wavers are forced to contend with the little sidewalk on the street. It is utterly inexcusable: the restriction of the grounds of the political symbol of the entire state. I'm amazed that it even happened, and I also think that it makes our State House look worse - manicured and fenced in. I'm surprised that I've never heard of a proposal to reopen it. I'm sure there bullshit 'security issues' that would be raised if anyone ever said anything. Does anyone know when things changed after the 60s on this issue, and if there has ever been opposition to this incredibly undemocratic policy?
... tried to post a couple examples of protests, but couldnt get them to show up. Links here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6310343504/in/set-72157628046173060/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6309822457/in/set-72157628046173060/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6309822549/in/set-72157628046173060/
... tried to post a couple examples of protests, but couldnt get them to show up. Links here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6310343504/in/set-72157628046173060/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6309822457/in/set-72157628046173060/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boston_public_library/6309822549/in/set-72157628046173060/