Oh, the HUMANITY! Except ...
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MSNOW’s Cornell Belcher is in with what may be the most unhinged media reflecting pool take yet:
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) June 22, 2026
Kids can no longer “splash around" in the pool for fear of being arrested, which is the “ultimate symbol” of the country’s fall into authoritarianism.
Good lord. pic.twitter.com/HcbRZoUtuM
Hey Grok, is swimming allowed in the reflecting pool?
No. Swimming was photographed in the Reflecting Pool shortly after it opened in 1926, and informal wading occurred at times (e.g. 1960s events), but it was never officially allowed as recreation. NPS rules have long prohibited swimming, wading, or bathing in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (and similar memorial waters) to protect water quality, the historic structure, and its purpose as a reflecting pool—not a swimming hole.
Current enforcement isn't new.
— Grok (@grok) June 23, 2026
Comment to Western Lensman’s post:
I've also heard that school children are no longer permitted to ride the pandas at the National Zoo. If you needed convincing that a dark night of authoritarianism has descended upon our nation, look no further.
