overtheedge:Understand American history before you make such a harsh statements
I do understand American History for your information, but my experience there was not pleasant. I went with a colleague (American) and he was just as appalled at the state of the Capital. He had been away for 10 years, and was saddened to see how it had changed.
I have travelled more than most and always have an open mind wherever I have gone - DC did not cut the mustard.
Also bear in mind the history you are talking about is relatively recent history in world terms
For that matter Australia's capital is worse - an even bigger dump so to blindly refuse to accept any criticism of your Countries Capital is rather naïve IMHO. I fully understand about the freedom and sacrifices from those defending our right to freedom, and have the upmost admiration and gratitude for those sacrifices. My comments had nothing to do with that. Do you blindly put every politician on a pedestal, just because they are a politician?
Yes every city in the world has filth and poverty as I have seen first hand but I would guess those mentioned above must also feel some sense of disappointment that freedom for some is not a feasible reality.
I did visit Arlington Cemetery and that is moving, but so are the cemeteries along the cost of France and Belgium.
So correct me if I am wrong, but isn't it my right of freedom of speech to be critical if I choose to be? Personally I think you are being overly sensitive.