Politics

Big Egypt Protest in (under) Dupont Circle Sat. Afternoon

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

There was a big Egypt protest/march earlier today – these pictures were taken around 3pm at the Q st bridge in Dupont. They were chanting loudly and a lot of cars were beeping at them in sync, people stopping to cheer, etc. Not sure what they were chanting (I thought it sounded like “go go gryffindor” but probably not. If only).”

Looks like a huge march. Did anyone else check it out? Do you happen to know what they were chanting? Was traffic insanely backed up? Thanks again to the reader for sending the photos.

Road Closures for March for Life Rally Monday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Sanjay Suchak

From DDOT:

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has issued the following advisory for Monday, January 24, 2011:

The annual March for Life will take place in the District of Columbia with events at several locations. In conjunction with these events, there will be several street closures and parking restrictions that motorists should take into consideration:

Beginning at approximately 9:00 am, there will be a Youth Rally and Mass for Life at the Verizon Center. At approximately 11:00 am, the participants at the Verizon Center will march to the National Mall. The group will proceed south on 7th Street, NW from the Verizon Center to the Mall. 7th Street will be closed to traffic during this event, as will all roads that lead directly to it. The streets will re-open as the procession passes.

The March for Life rally on the National Mall will begin at approximately 11:00 am on the parcel between 4th Street and 7th Street. 4th Street will be closed at approximately 9:30 am between Independence Avenue, SW, and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. 4th Street will remain closed until the completion of the event. At approximately 1:30 pm, participants of the rally will march to the U.S. Supreme Court along the following route:

* North on 4th Street from the Mall
* East on Constitution Avenue, NW
* South on 1st Street, NE to the US Supreme Court

Motorists will find the above listed roads closed until the last of the participants has passed the intersection. In addition, roads that lead directly to the march route will be closed to thru traffic.

And While We’re Talking About Possibly Renaming Things…

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user annejuliet

Just got an email from Shadow Senator Paul Strauss about “our plan to change the name of Pennsylvania Avenue to help promote our struggle for DC Statehood.”

Washington City Paper reported on some of the proposed names for the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue NW:

* Give D.C. Statehood Avenue
* Statehood for D.C. Avenue
* D.C. for Statehood Avenue
* D.C. Demands Statehood Avenue
* D.C. Statehood Now Avenue
* D.C. Demands Full Democracy Avenue
* Give D.C. Full Democracy Avenue

The council is also considering a new message to accompany the “Welcome to Washington” signs along the D.C.-Maryland line.

Anyone think this is a good idea?  If so, what do you think the name should be changed to?

Is it a Good Idea for a Restaurant/Bar to Blog About Political Topics and/or Other Non Restaurant/Bar News?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user jacquesofalltrades

Last night I got an email from a reader with a link to the Black Squirrel’s Web site which had a post about Stephen Colbert, Chandra Levy, Crime, and Immigration. Whether or not you agree with the sentiment of the post it certainly did seem to be an odd topic for a restaurant/bar to discuss on their Web site.

Other posts discussed their thoughts on DC Public schools and more recently posts about sports figures.

I haven’t read through all the posts but the original email writer was quite offended by the message in the (illegal) immigration/crime post.

So I’m curious what you guys think – is it wise for a restaurant/bar to discuss political matters and/or non restaurant related news on their Web site?

I can think of Busboys & Poets that also occasionally discusses non restaurant related news on their blog (and frequently host events). Are there other restaurants/bars that you can think of which talk about non restaurant/bar news on their Web sites?

Dear PoP – Election misconduct at barnard elementary

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to point out that election misconduct was occurring at barnard elementary and I would imagine its happening across the district. I was handed the attached literature INSIDE the school. I contacted the board of elections and ethics at 202-727-2194. They were very appreciative and were going to take care of it immediately. I would encourage others who experience the distribution of campaign material too close to the voting location to report it as well.”

Anyone else encounter misconduct at other locations? For those who’ve voted – what’s the scene like?

Friday Question of the Day (Serious Edition) – Should DC Attorney General be an Elected Position?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Faucetini

“Dear PoP,

Proposed Charter Amendment IV – The Elected Attorney General Charter Amendment. It’s on the ballot…one should one vote? Can’t seem to find a lot of pro/con analysis. I turn to you PoP.”

And I, of course, turn to PoPville. I’m actually glad this question was asked because I think it’s really important but I haven’t really given it much consideration. So what do you guys say? I know a Post editorial advised against it but I haven’t been following the issue to closely. For those who support electing an attorney general – what are the arguments in favor?

How serious of an issue do you think this is? I’m guessing a lot of minds have not yet been made up on this issue so I look forward to hearing both pro and con arguments.

I Lied – Sign Controversies Continue… How Were Your Polling Stations/Voting Experiences this morning?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

A Vincent Gray worker stuck this poster right outside the polling place. Very cheeky! I alerted the election official and she got rid of it.”

Ok one last day of campaign sign discussions… But on to the election in general, how were your experiences at the polls this morning? Many folks haven’t voted since the excitement of 2008. How was the turnout at your polling station?

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