A Proposal to “Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again”

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss an architectural proposal to “Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again.”

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Conservative architectural organization the National Civic Art Society has drafted an executive order that establishes the style for federal buildings nationwide. Natalia cited this Intelligencer article about the false dichotomies on which the ensuing debate rests. Niki referred to Ross Douthat’s New York Times opinion piece on the issue. We also referred to a previous Past Present episode on classical statues.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia discussed the tenth season of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
• Neil commented on Mitt Romney’s impeachment vote and Joseph Stuart’s Religion & Politics article about the place of Mormonism in the Republican Party.
• Niki recommended the new podcast, “Chasing Cosby.”