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NEWS >POLITICS > OFFICIALS MAY TEAR DOWN WASHINGTON MONUMENT AFTER NEW DAMAGE DISCOVERED
OFFICIALS MAY TEAR DOWN WASHINGTON MONUMENT AFTER NEW DAMAGE DISCOVERED
September 1 2011
Washington, D.C. – Engineers studying the damage to the Washington Monument following the earthquake and hurricane that swept through the area in the last few weeks have found fresh damage and leaks throughout the structure.
The building was initially damaged last week when a minor earthquake hit the region, cracking parts of the structure. Now after the arrival of Hurricane Irene, officials have found leaks and fresh cracking throughout, prompting continued closure and serious concerns for the future of the monument.
One of those options may be to completely raze the building which has stood since 1884, a decision many would not like to see happen, but which may be the only option left.
“We are seeing more damage the closer we look. Major cracks throughout the building, from the bottom to the top. It’s really not a good situation, it’s really severe actually. We will assess what we can do to resolve the damage but it may not be repairable,” said an insider. “Tearing it down is one of the last options but it may be the one we take. The last thing anyone wants is an unstable 500 foot tower in the middle of D.C. If it fell, it could cause serious damage and injury to a number of people. That is something we would prefer to avoid.”
Inspection via helicopter showed major cracks in the upper triangle, indicating that the structural damage may be much bigger than first believed.
"This is a big structure, tall and heavy, and old. It was not built to deal with earthquakes and hurricanes and has suffered because of that. It was very unsettling seeing puddles of water in the structure, I can tell you, and that has us worried,” continued the insider. “Tearing it down would not be a popular choice but it may be our only one. We don’t want the thing falling on people.”
The damage to the monument has quickly become one of the most talked aboutissues in the city, with much if the blame being placed on the current administration for not protecting it from natural disaster.
“Inevitably when something bad happens people want to blame, it’s natural, it’s human, but that really wouldn’t be sensible and isn’t something likely to gain a lot of traction with the public. Most voters realize that it is an old building and that there is little that can be done about natural disasters. Blaming Obama, or blaming Republicans just isn’t going to carry people very far, and most certainly not through the election,” said Scrape TV Political analyst Gabriel Kinsey. “However, I’m sure both sides would rather the opponent make the final decision as to whether or not to knock it down. No one will want to have to answer those questions come 2012, to have to take the blame in any way. That may result in the Monument staying in place, damage and all, until at least after the election. Hopefully it will stand that long.”
Engineers have reportedly contacted the Saudi Binladin Group to consult on the status of the tower.
Edward Bastil, Political Correspondent
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