Friday, March 29, 2024
Writing Common Sense to Power
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
A New York Triumph
The Gates: Symbol of Freedom and Friendship

FEBRUARY 27, 2005 --

Long before the incident of Wednesday 23, LPR concluded that "The Gates" have the color of the "orange alert" envelopes that accompany PVB summonses.

(University of Tennessee fans might see their team's color in "The Gates.")

Even before the LPRmobile was seized, LPR regarded "The Gates" as protest against the thousands of PVB summonses that afflict drivers in
New York every day -- as if the city had this as its motto: To every driver a summons, to every car a tow.

Mayor Bloomberg, introducing Christo and
Jeanne-Claude, to the media, February 11, at the Metropolitan Museum, noted that they had sought to put" The Gates" in Central Park for more than a quarter of a century, and noted that their accomplishment showed that perseverance succeeds.

(Perhaps it also did not hurt that the mayor is a friend of Christo and Jeanne-Claude and has purchased
their artwork.)

Thank you Christo and Jeanne-Claude for your magnificent contribution to New York.

LPR is aware that you have disclaimed any intent beyond creating a work of art.

For LPR, you have provided a symbol of
freedom and friendship. For LPR The Gates represents "communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments" with the people.

From February 12 to February 27, in Central Park there were so many smiling Gates -- and so many smiling faces.