I was wondering if anyone can help me with this. I am currently in a (friendly) email debate with a co-worker on this topic. He insists it because of the maintenance, etc. I replied I do not recall that the monuments were literally BARRICADED during ANY of the previous “shut downs.” Even under the Clintonistas. Am I wrong on this?
The monuments in Washington are normally accessible 24/7. The so-called “closings” are absurd.
I don’t recall barricades in past shut downs. But this time all campers in National Forests and Parks are being told to leave the campgrounds and they are being barricaded.
No, you aren't.
And on top of that, the WWII Memorial on the National Mall was constructed completely with private funds, and continued operation is funded by a trust fund created expressly for that purpose.
This is all political theater, designed to inflict pain. It's the equivalent of taking your ball and going home because your friends won't play by your rules.