So near, yet so far by Helen Betts

Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> Washington Fenced In > So near, yet so far


21-Feb-2021

So near, yet so far

We’ve wandered the grounds of the US Capitol so many times over the years, but I’m not sure that will ever be possible again.

*****

We drove down towards the Capitol to see what the area looked like six weeks after the insurrection on Jan. 6, thinking that perhaps some of the security precautions had been removed. Instead, what we found was even more fencing and security measures to prevent the public from getting anywhere near the US Capitol, congressional offices and federal buildings. Quite frankly, I was appalled to see the extent of it – three miles of fences.

Best to view in "Original" because other versions resized by Pbase are decidedly
unsharp.

‘Uh, is this really a skull I’m standing next to?!’ posted earlier:

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
1/1600s f/2.2 at 7.5mm iso20 hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time	21-Feb-2021 16:06:45
Make	Apple
Model	iPhone 12 Pro Max
Flash Used	No
Focal Length	7.5 mm
Exposure Time	1/1600 sec
Aperture	f/2.2
ISO Equivalent	20
Exposure Bias	0.00
White Balance	0
Metering Mode	matrix (5)
JPEG Quality	(7)
Exposure Program	program (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Don Mottershead		27-Feb-2021 17:19
Trump turned over a rock and a lot of ugly creatures scurried out. So now you have this sad scene.

François Fauchard		26-Feb-2021 22:20
Beautiful sunny image of the Capitol, but safety is still the order of the day. V

Dave Petersen Photography		26-Feb-2021 13:35
A very different view from all my past visits. I don't know if this security is needed since no one knows what information security officials have seen. I would think we need to get past March 4th at the very least. What happens at CPAC this weekend could also increase tensions. On the photo side this is a beautifully detailed capture with great lighting. Stay safe and well Helen. V

Pierre		26-Feb-2021 12:44
Un événement désastreux qui a complètement transformé l'environnement du Capitol! V

Nirvan Hope		26-Feb-2021 01:59
Just have to look at the top two thirds of the image and imagine the rest of it without a fence!

Julie Oldfield		26-Feb-2021 01:46
Unfortunately it seems like the fencing is here to stay. The desolation fits the mood and scene perfectly. V

LynnH		26-Feb-2021 01:19
You're right. I doubt it will ever be open to the public like it was. I remember protesting right next to the White House, on the immediate sidewalk back in 72. Not much between us and Pres at that time. V

Dennis Hoyne		26-Feb-2021 01:04
Not a welcoming sight. Why are all those portable restrooms there?

David Buzzeo		25-Feb-2021 23:51
Yes, it looks like it is becoming Fortress Washington. So sad, but likely necessary given the threats out there. V

Nick Paoni		25-Feb-2021 22:06
Read today that threats still abound so you're probably right.

Tom Munson		25-Feb-2021 19:22
Sure is a different look. Nice shot, Helen.

Apostolos Tikopoulos		25-Feb-2021 18:52
Beatiful image of the US Capitol in a snowy day. V.

Jeff Real		25-Feb-2021 18:24
The light is amazing! It will be great when it is open again! V

Nestor Derkach		25-Feb-2021 16:43
This is a very nice photo of the US Capital regardless of the fencing. Helen the fencing will come down the security will be improved especially with the internal communication . They will hire more security and spend some money on equipment and the fencing will gradually disappear . Nice work with the Apple . Vote

bill friedlander		25-Feb-2021 16:32
The people's house is no longer accessible. V

marie-jose wolff		25-Feb-2021 14:19
a beautiful golden light highlights this majestic capitol building! V

Marcia Rules		25-Feb-2021 13:14
Your images are powerful. I am sick about what has happened and those who think it was ok. Beam me up, Scotty!

John Hamers		25-Feb-2021 09:26
Beautiful of the view of the captitol in great light (despite the fencing). !V

danad		25-Feb-2021 08:57
Hope it will not last until next presidential elections ! V.

Bill Miller		25-Feb-2021 08:54
Well, Trump did say he would get a wall built. He should have been more careful what he wished for.

Industrial Heritage		25-Feb-2021 08:11
From this distance it looks very attractive and the fences are less disturbing.

Ika Zinka Eferl		25-Feb-2021 07:45
Beautiful capture of the Capitol, nice light. V

globalgadabout		25-Feb-2021 06:19
wel aligned to fix the dome as focal point..

victorswan		25-Feb-2021 05:51
So a nice area to go for a walk with those beautiful buildings and all this nullified by a clown, but I think the great beautiful light that falls on the capitol that could symbolize the light at the end of the tunnel, and will mark this sad period , and the faster the better, a very nice image Helen BV

joseantonio		25-Feb-2021 05:15
a sad image nicely captured with the light on the Capitol.V.