Time to reopen the lady's crown

Published June 28, 2007 at midnight

Text size  

• 0 Comments
• Email
• Print

After 9/11, the National Park Service shut down the Statue of Liberty for security improvements. The pedestal reopened to the public three years later, but the crown never did.

Congress, especially the New Yorkers, didn't fully approve. Last year, lawmakers directed the Park Service to open the crown to visitors again, safety permitting. The Park Service said safety did not.

Congress is trying again this year. By voice vote, the House approved an amendment again urging the Park Service to open the crown and providing $1 million to ensure that, this time, safety did permit.

The Park Service's caution is understandable. The Statue of Liberty may be the best-known symbol both of this country and what it stands for. Even more than the Twin Towers were, the statue is a defining fixture of the New York skyline.

But the truth is, Lady Liberty's crown, although most assuredly not the statue itself, is one of America's most overrated tourist destinations. Once in the crown, due to the crush of oncoming climbers, there is time for only a quick glimpse of New York Harbor through small, smeared windows. And evacuating a stricken visitor from the upper reaches of the staircase is a tricky undertaking for the rangers.

But barring the crown to willing visitors who clearly understand the slight risk involved is hardly the spirit that won a New World. It's a climb every capable American should make. Once.

Featured

• Denver turns 150

  

  Read about the city's history, look at old photos and see a list of influential Denverites.

• Mount Crushmore

  

  Which four Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Vote here.

• Winter Escapes

  

  Your insider’s guide to the copious joys of the coolest season.

• Rocky Multimedia

  

  The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.

• Weekend plans?

  

  Figure out things to do this weekend with the help of our entertainment calendar.

• Bronco Dean's rant

  

  Listen to Bronco Dean's pregame rant on the Raiders.

• Season To Share

  

  The Post-News Season To Share campaign provides grants to area nonprofits.

• The Rocky @ 150 Years

  

  The Rocky was there when Colorado became a state in 1876. Read our coverage.

• A Dozen on Denver

  

  And the winner is... Robert Ziegler! See the whole fiction series by clicking here.