The nation celebrated its birthday 15 days ago. July 4 was always a warning to me growing up that my birthday was coming. Not that I needed any hints. Back then I looked forward to it. Now when you get to a certain age you try to ignore it.

So if I had a birthday wish involving the city’s tourism, what would it be?

Well, Arlington National Cemetery just beat me to it by selling water in the visitor’s center. Even some of the water fountains are working.

It might be the end of construction around the National Mall. It has been going on forever and while it’s great to fix things up, enough already. And just admit defeat with that flood wall across 17th St. It’s a dumb idea.

Maybe I should wish for White House tours to resume. Really seems a shame for the tourists.

Oh I know. This is easy.

I wish for eighth graders to learn to walk to the right. Forget driver’s ed –
teach them the rules of the sidewalk.