Just saw a segment on the news that really made me sad

[Reverend_Smitty]

CBS was just reported how much Washington is turning into a police-state bunker looking city. People are no longer getting close to the Capitol and White House, and tours...forget about it. It's just really sad what is happening to that city.

I remember when I went to DC in high school back in 02...we were literally the second tour group let back in the white house. Chimpy greeted the first group back the day before (its a shame that I didn't have a chance to make a scene :evilgrin:) But even then we were escorted by a Congressional aide. The Capitol tour required metal detectors and actual background checks of our social security numbers.

But the one cool thing about that day was, when we met up with our Congressman on the steps of the Capitol, congress wasn't in session so he let us go onto the floor and wander around. I actually have a picture of me sitting in the speaker's chair, and when I figure out how to use a scanner I will post it.

But all of that was a few years ago, I wonder if the public can even access these places anymore even with a congressional escort?