Security Perimeters Conquering Public Spaces in the Nation's Capital

A recent security breach at the White House is prompting calls from the Secret Service for more security measures in the vicinity of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. According to a recent editorial, such measures would go to far in restricting access.

1 minute read

September 30, 2014, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

"Under no circumstances should the Secret Service be allowed to encroach further on the public space of Washington," begins a recent column by architecture Critic Philip Kennicott, published in the Chicago Tribune.

"Ill-considered, unnecessary and undemocratic security measures already have stolen from the American people the West Terrace of the Capitol, the front doors of the Supreme Court and the free flow of traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue at Lafayette Square. Now there are reports that the Secret Service is considering new security measures around the White House, including bag searches in nearby blocks."

Kennicott describes the advance of security perimeters into the capital's public spaces as an undemocratic encroachment on civil liberties—one that has already reclaimed public space at the White House and also the Capitol and the Supreme Court.

FULL STORY: Secret Service's encroachment on public spaces

Sunday, September 28, 2014 in The Washington Post

Government / Politics District of Columbia Washington D.C. The White House Public Space

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