Slippery slope ahead. We all know that once politicians find a new source of income, they can't resist to keep bumping it up. Wasn't the Dulles Toll Road supposed to stop collecting tolls once it paid for itself? And we see where that went. Likewise the VA car tax phaseout is stalled because the local governments can't wean themselves from that source.
It starts at just $1 my friends. Soon it'll be $20. No thanks Jim, we'll pass on this one.

Slippery slope problems can be avoided with the right wording: charging for admission that can only be spent inside the Institution, and only for museum-related items. With these kind of protections, a nominal fee seems entirely appropriate.

better for Moran to charge the kids than to grab them.
see -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A61458-2004May2?language=printer

There is a difference between the Smithsonian and other museums around the country, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (which asks for a suggested donation) - we own those items.

As taxpayers we own the Apollo 13 capsule, we own the Spirit of St. Louis etc. Therefore, admission should be free. I agree that $1 or $2 is not much to pay, the principle remains and you know once the camel's nose is under the tent it would only get worse.

Sorry... meant to sign April 2, 2006, at 5:12:24 (the last post).