Texas Carpetbaggers:  Maryland and the Phoenix Shot Tower

In March, Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake (D) announced plans to sell various historical landmarks.  The Phoenix Shot Tower is one such site.   It looms over Baltimore like a giant rook, comprised of brick and American ingenuity.  Many of Baltimore’s historical sites are in disrepair, with collapsing roofs and water damage.  Private investors offer salvation and quick cash to fill empty coffers.  Capitalist pigs must step in where government goose steppers have failed.

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/blog/real-estate/2012/03/rawlings-blake-on-landmarks-baltimore.html

The Phoenix Shot Tower was once privately owned.  Plans for demolition caused public outrage and funds were raised to transfer ownership to the city in 1928.   It’s taken eight decades for the cycle to repeat.

Government agencies are traditionally tasked with maintaining historical landmarks.  This isn’t the case with Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation.  The Mount Vernon Ladies Association purchased the site in 1859 from George Washington’s great-grand nephew.  Zero dollars are spent on its upkeep.

http://www.mountvernon.org/

This Chevrolet pod car fled Maryland’s iron maiden for greener pastures.  He or she would immediately recognize the Shot Tower and probably smile as they reminisced.  But like other carpetbaggers, they’ll vote for more of the same in November.  Only Texas rubes vote Republican.