New York
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week harshly criticized the federal government for keeping the Statue of Liberty closed since the Sept. 11 attacks. The New York Times reported that the foundation that maintains the 118-year-old statue had had the money to pay for security upgrades, but dawdled while it raised $7 million more. Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced that the statue’s pedestal would reopen in July, although the crown would remain off-limits. Bloomberg said the entire site should be opened, even if every tourist must be escorted by a police officer. “This is a symbol of America,” he said. “Come on, let’s stand up and have some guts.” The Interior Department is investigating whether the foundation’s use of private money was proper.
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