The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is at the center of an enormous controversy now threatening to overshadow the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
The unlikely situation began in early June when Donald Trump ordered that the pool’s bottom be resurfaced and painted “American flag blue”.
All too soon, an unpleasant algae bloom turned the water green, and the new lining began to break away and float to the surface. Trump blames “vandals” who are intentionally damaging the pool, but experts are skeptical. NPR quotes Steve Goodale (aka Swimming Pool Steve), who says the hydrogen peroxide poured in is a “potential culprit”.
Whatever the truth, the Reflecting Pool is now under guard from multiple law enforcement agencies. Over the past few days, news stories have emerged of them arresting and detaining people who touch the water or debris floating in it. Now, a DC resident has been arrested after berating Oklahoma State Troopers, who have apparently been tasked with guarding the pool.
The Guardian identifies the man as Christian Miles, reporting that he told them he’d been charged with violating a federal obscenity law after an interaction with the troopers. Miles, who says he’s a US Navy veteran, has posted a video of the interaction titled “1st Amendment Does Not Apply If You’re Rude“.
“You’re the bad guy, idiot!”
In it, he asks why the Oklahoma State Troopers are guarding a pool in DC, compares the situation to something out of North Korea and Russia, and when they say they’re there in case a bad guy shows up, responds, “The bad guy? You’re the bad guy, idiot!” and goes on to dub them “clowns”.
The troopers then mock him, asking if he’ll defend the Pool: “You’re going to hit him with your camera? Throw your backpack at him?” Towards the end of the video, Miles quizzes them on basic DC knowledge, asking the troopers if they even know the White House’s address. They don’t appear to.
Miles then tells them, “get the f–k out of my city. Go back to Tulsa, b—h” and is promptly arrested. Another video from a bystander shows Miles being led away in cuffs by US Park Police. He’s asked why he yelled at them and replies, “because they’re here”.
Miles later told The Guardian he plans to contest the charges that he violated section 2.34 (a) (2) of the Code of Federal Regulations. This prohibits disorderly conduct using “language, an utterance, or gesture, or engages in a display or act that is obscene, physically threatening or menacing, or done in a manner that is likely to inflict injury or incite an immediate breach of the peace.”
