A Note to the President

“This is really what the White House is all about.  It’s the “People’s House.”  It’s a place that is steeped in history, but it’s also a place where everyone should feel welcome.  And that’s why my husband and I have made it our mission to open up the house to as many people as we can.”

-Michelle Obama, December 1, 2012

“Due to staffing reductions resulting from sequestration, we regret to inform you that White House Tours will be canceled effective Saturday, March 9, 2013 until further notice. Unfortunately, we will not be able to reschedule affected tours.”
-White House Press Release, March 5, 2013

Dear Mr. President,

Devoted to the idea that there was no better education in American history than visiting the epicenter of our cultural and political heritage, my parents took my brother and me to Washington D.C. for two weeks in the spring of 1994.  The highlight of that trip was our tour of the White House, specifically the Blue Room.  I was delighted and astounded by its hues of sapphire blue and its magnificent view of the South Lawn. I stood reveling in the history that saturated every inch of the space, thankful that I had the opportunity to, not only visit, but feel welcomed in the seat of Presidential power.  Sir, I am heartsick today, because that will not be the case for thousands of Americans and international visitors this spring.

The Sequester is complicated, I realize that.  I understand that it was created to be so intrinsically horrible that both sides would be compelled to the bargaining table in an effort to avoid it.  I understand that the $85 billion in cuts are “across the board,” leaving little to no wiggle room for which line items are to be affected. I also understand, however, that, as the President, you set the tone for our nation and have certain options at your disposal to direct the national dialogue. Mr. President, I believe you chose poorly when you chose to use the closure of the White House to tour groups as a tool in this discussion. 

The American people’s relationship with the White House has always been a very personal one.  In its early days, citizens overran the House during inaugural receptions and daily formed long lines to make requests or “recommendations” to the President.  Donald Ritchie, the Senate historian said that “The gates at the beginning were more to keep cows out than they were to keep people out.”  The Civil War dictated that security was tightened a bit, but even after Lincoln’s assassination, the “People’s House” and the grounds, especially, were still open for public use, a practice that was discontinued only in 1941 with the start of WWII.  It was and is that sometimes ridiculously unfettered access to the seat of power that set us apart and makes our American democracy unique.

Mr. President, certainly this a difficult situation to navigate.  I appreciate that the environment in Washington is tenuous at best, but, in the long run, you are responsible for your decisions and yours alone.  Let your legacy be what you promised it would be: transparency and access. Afterall, the White House is not the “People’s House” in name only. We are your landlords, and we respectfully ask our tenant open its gates once again.

If you wish to contact the President regarding the cancellation of public tours, here is the contact link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments