State Occasion

The Maryland State House in Annapolis is the longest running show in US state capitol history. Begun in 1772 it is located on the site of the first Maryland state house built in 1695 ( burned down in 1704 ) and the second from 1709 (outgrown by 1769 and razed) This one started its run in 1779 and hasn't looked back since, even serving as the location of the Nation's Capital as the home of the Continental Congress from November 1783 to August 1784 .Today MAD visited her son-in-law who is a Member of the Maryland House of Delegates and she and Mr. MAD were introduced from the visitor's gallery at the end of the session.

This building is like a museum where stuff is still happening. The walls are soaked in history. The famous painting of Washington resigning his commission keeps you company as you go up the stairs. The original senate chamber has been restored - the spot on the floor where Washington stood to make his resignation speech is marked with a bronze plaque. We poked our heads into the Old Delagates Chamber where restoration to the original of the 19th Century is about to begin. Even the dome and the lightning rod on top of it have historical significance.

Other art has both historical value and content. Imagine being surrounded by all these centuries of significance while debating, considering and legislating - and reading e-mail , texting and surfing.

And don't forget the art of politics which happens in committee, in legislators' offices, in the hallway and in legislative session.