The Capitol fence must come down

So argues U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton in this piece on National Review. I think she’s right.

Since 9/11, we’ve developed a terrible habit. When faced with threats to our security, we solve the problem by acting bluntly. We consider the immediate threat, or our perception of what that is, and that’s all. A tall fence around the Capitol all but eliminates the possibility that it will be stormed by an armed mob. We don’t want it to be stormed by an armed mob again, so build the fence.

We’ve done the same thing with airport security. There has been some incremental progress, such as the Trusted Traveler Programs. But anyone with any sense can point out huge swathes of activity in these TSA lines that have nothing to do with keeping anyone safe. Worse, everyone knows it. We continue because it’s easier than solving the problem more desirably.

(There’s a certain inertia, as well. Consider that there are people out of college and at their first jobs who have never known any other way.)

Our government should fear us. But that fear shouldn’t be of bodily harm and destruction of property. And by and large, there is no reason for them to. Norton goes into more detail about how the events of January 6 were not spontaneous, and that’s critical here. Thousands of people didn’t suddenly decide to do this, and isn’t this fence primarily effective against impulses?

Moreover, let’s remember that the line between the government and the people is supposed to be a blurry one. They’re not “Our Betters,” as my friend Greg often puts it.

They’re supposed to be us.

The Capitol fence is offensive and un-American. Take it down.

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