In This Temple

It was recently brought to my attention that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques in Morocco. This is a law that dates back to French colonization, apparently; I'm told that there was some sort of massacre that took place in a mosque, and as a result they made the firm (and understandable) decision to only let in Muslims from then on. From a selfish point of view—as most of mine are—this is awful disappointing. What it means, I can only assume, is that the greatest religious edifice I will enter during these nine weeks was one I visited for the first time yesterday, here in Washington, D.C.

I am speaking, of course, about the Lincoln Memorial:

IN THIS TEMPLE

AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE

FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION

THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

The stone idol, firm but kind, Godlike and fatherly in his grandeur and manner, sits above the masses. His stern gaze commands respect, giving the viewer a gentle rebuke: I may not have created the world in seven days, but I saved the Union in under seven years, so if we're using any version of the year-day principle, I totally win. He continues: Regardless, it is your duty to reflect my image, to work to sanctify that nation to which I brought salvation.

It is a daunting task. I feel as though I should genuflect before the idol, request His blessings. I feel like I should acquire a miniature version of the statue, to place next to the Ganesha on my desk at home. I feel a lot of things. I feel like the crowd of tourists is being astonishingly disrespectful of this (boldly, rightfully) self-proclaimed temple, this shrine. Are they really oblivious to its power? I am not asking that everyone be brought to their knees, but it would be nice if they were at least brought to a hushed awe. Reading Lincoln's speeches any day can provoke such a reaction, but reading His words carved in stone, in the presence of Lincoln Himself—or at the very least, in the presence of a magnificent representation of Him—is even more inspiring and profound. I am very glad I went. Seeing Abraham Lincoln there, an emblem of our nation at its best, seemed like much better preparation for traveling abroad than did the several hours worth of panels we attended as part of the orientation program.

Anyway, we leave for Morocco tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of things from around D.C.

Lincoln:

Washington:

A haunting face of the Korean war:

From this angle, you can't see the snipers on top of the White House:

And finally, George, the apparent king of falafel and cheese steak, because clearly the two go great together. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to visit him: