I'm going to be honest with you here. Sometimes I think people are too stupid to vote. Case in point? The good people of Washington, DC. I recently received my first Washington, DC "state" commemorative quarter. Now, let me explain, I love all the new state quarters coming out. I have a little map that sometimes I even remember to put my quarters in. And sometimes I steal the quarters back out of it, because I want a Coke. So please, understand, that as a native of our Nation's Capitol, I was excited to find out they were even getting a quarter. And then I saw it.
And seriously, people, DUKE ELLINGTON?
I have lived the majority of my 34 years on this planet within a stone's throw of the Potomac River. I was born in DC proper boundaries. My social security number starts with the 3 magic digits that say I am a DC native. I make a fuss when I'm asked what STATE I was born in. I'm a big fan of the whole Taxation Without Representation movement. I think DC deserves to be a real state. I love my hometown, and I love it both as a city, and as our Nation's Capitol.
I get that you want to have your own separate identity for the quarter that signifies you as a city, and not just as the home of freedom and democracy. Not to mention, most of the icons of the city already are taken and showcased on our money.
BUT DUKE ELLINGTON?
I have no freaking clue what Duke Ellington has to do with Washington, DC!
I know there's the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts in Georgetown. It has a big funky Adirondack chair outside of it. I have no idea why.
BUT DUKE ELLINGTON?
Seriously, what the crap does he have to do with DC?? I have spent nearly my entire life there. I consider you home. But I have no idea what what a jazz musician has to do with this city!!!
I'm going to assume he was born there. That's the only thing that makes sense.
All I can say is that I think the good people of DC may just be too stupid to vote on their own legal tender. I get that I'm about a year or two too late for this fight. But still. I just have to say it. But then, maybe I shouldn't be so surprised. This is the town that not only elected Marion Barry, but re-elected him AFTER he went to jail!
Duke Ellington was a really stupid choice!!
In a city with beautiful parks, historic landmarks (that aren't all about freedom and democracy), an incredible legacy, a famous river, fascinating neighborhoods, and even unique architecture, you had to go and pick a jazz musician?? HUH??
Personally, I would have liked to have seen a cherry blossom tree and the Potomac River, or maybe just the landscape view from McLean over the river of the Georgetown skyline. There were so many beautiful options.
BUT DUKE ELLINGTON??
SERIOUSLY??
Now I'm curious to see it. I agree it seems like a really stupid choice. Who know who picked it and there reasons, although it would be interesting to know why.
ReplyDeleteDid you see who their other choices were? I googled and found this site: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/23/AR2008052302853.html
ReplyDeleteThe choices were Scientist Benjamin Banneker, abolitionist Frederick Douglass or musician Duke Ellington.
wow are you bitter about this. arguably the best composer and band leader of the only truly American form of music, Jazz and you are angry about the District choosing its hometown boy. You would have rather had a storefront picture of Ben's Chili bowl instead? As DC is predominantly a "chocolate" city you know darn good and well that they were going to choose one of "their own" to be on the coin. All three of the finalists are fine choices but Fredrick Douglass just lived in the DC area technically Maryland I believe. Banneker's great claim to fame was to have had an incredible memory and to have saved the plans for the city in his head. Duke seems to me to be a fine choice.
ReplyDeletemaybe the point was to pick someone who represented DC as a city, not DC as the nation's capital. i think it's a lovely choice. the duke means a lot to DC natives, true DC natives, not over-the-river-wannabes and hipsters. if you don't understand the man's influence on the town and why he is near and dear to the heart of legacy washingtonians, please educate yourself before you go on a rant about people being too stupid to make decisions for themselves. i think this post was a little harsh, somewhat condemnatory, and very arrogant. you are better than this.
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