Comments on: We Could Use A Man Like Iron Eyes Cody Again

By: anon

anon — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:10:48 +0000

I think what Joe R. is saying is that sure, in a perfect world, there would be no litter at all. But, in the real world, a city will always have some litter due simply to the number of people in it. With a large event such as this, there were more people in the city: more people=more garbage. I further would agree with Joe R. in that, considering the large number of the group, any increase in litter on Tuesday was hardly noticeable.

By: Columbo

Columbo — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:51:36 +0000

#13, according to the Post article there were tens of thousands, but whatever the numbers (or the participants politics) I would say there is a lot more litter than usual after these large events. And the fact that this being the Nation's Capital means that we might have to deal with more litter? That makes no sense to me. Shouldn't the Nation's Capital be treated with more respect then your own home, not less?

By: Joe R.

Joe R. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:11:05 +0000

I hate litter and I’m not excusing it, but put it in perspective. The fact is that this is the nation’s capital and people come here from all over. Considering that there were hundreds of thousands marching, there was not much more litter than usual.
And of course the worst was the piles left by horses not people!

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:12:40 +0000

Thank you for posting about this! Groups who leave their garbage behind should be denied permits in future years.

By: CityLiving

CityLiving — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:53:30 +0000

#9 is right. What could also work is a “security” deposit, just like when you rent an apartment. You have the responsibility to clean up the apartment and make necessary repairs when you move out, or you lose the deposit.

By: Mr. T in DC

Mr. T in DC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:55:51 +0000

The stickers left behind on lampposts, streetsigns, bus shelters, etc are the worst! Like they’re actually going to persuade anyone who reads them? We have enough of a litter problem in this city.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:04:41 +0000

You know what would be a great idea? In addition to the fees that the park service charges to stage gatherings on the national mall, they should also require the group to provide volunteers to clean up afterwards, or be faced with fines. It is so discretful of these groups to come into our city and trash the place, I am of the same opinion of the groups that deface buildings around DC with those sticky posters! Amanda from DCMetrocentric.com

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:15:16 +0000

This should be a topic in the current discussions on how to “rebuild” the mall. When a group files to protest/hold a rally on the Mall, there must be some provision that addresses cleanup after the event is complete or management of whatever documents are handed out. Everyone is complaining about the protestors being asked to rally in a specific area, but this may reduce some of the trash strewn about and wear and tear to the Mall.

By: 6th st. man

6th st. man — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:55:24 +0000

Sorry to say, but the Anti-War rallies are by far the worst. Because not only do they treat our neighborhood like crap, but they also put freaking stickers on everything! I don’t like picking up after protesters, but worse is trying to peel stickers off our signs, buildings, newspapers stands and even cars!

PS: Last year they also spray painted the steps of the Capitol, but we don’t live there and they have their own police.

By: MVT resident

MVT resident — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:56:43 +0000

Actually, I found the protesters against the genocide in Darfur to be quite polite. I jogged on the mall in the middle of their event and had no problem moving through the crowd as they kindly left room for me and my dog to pass. But I agree #4 that most have some form of protester/tourist autism and see us as objects instead of real human beings.