Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post)

Youngsters walk along a mud path near the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool on the east end of the heavily used Mall. (Photo: Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post)

The National Mall has become decrepit and rundown. But it reflects the crumbling state of America infrastructure: roads and bridges at the end of their useful lives, a maxed out power grid, decaying and infested buildings at Walter Reed:

Makeover Of Mall Urged at Hearing: Park’s Poor State Elicits Concern

By Michael E. Ruane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 21, 2008; B01

The Mall is a national “disgrace,” an overused, neglected and decrepit urban park in need of a total makeover that could cost $500 million, according to testimony at a congressional hearing yesterday.

The legendary venue, which serves as civic stage and America’s front yard, lacks proper restrooms, shade and places to eat, witnesses said.

Its lakes and pools are dirty. Its grass is often trampled to dirt. And its walkways are cracked, patched, uneven and sometimes flooded when the nearby Potomac River is at high tide.

“We should all be ashamed” of what the average Mall visitor sees, said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who was one of the witnesses.

Our government has overextended itself into commitments that it cannot keep. Meanwhile, liberals think that the government which botched Katrina relief and neglected Walter Reed should add healthcare to its portfolio of public services.

The federal government should stop trying to be all things to all people, and instead focus on its core business. It should reduce the services it provides to those focused on its Constitutional mission. Right now, the federal government does a mediocre job at trying to provide many services. The feds need to excel at providing a few services and spin off the others to the states and the private sector.