Colorful lighting at the Capitol building has added to the beauty of a downtown landscape that can be enjoyed by Madisonians on a nightly basis. These alternative lighting schemes add to the rich legacy of a building that represents progressive reform and stands as a stunning architectural gem. The Capitol has served as a helpful reminder to Madison residents for the past two weeks about two issues that are highly deserving of the free advertisement. Contrary to popular belief, the pink lighting of two weeks ago was actually for breast cancer awareness (and not Mariah Carey's birthday).
The motivations for the use of the green hue that took over the Capitol dome last week were slightly more difficult to decipher. I continually asked various friends and classmates throughout the week but could not find the answer. It was after a breathtaking trip down Bascom Hill several nights ago that I finally decided to Google the answer.
Money Smart Week turned out to be the reason. What is Money Smart Week you ask? Let me inform you.
The Chicago Federal Reserve enacted the program in 2002 amid concerns that the region's citizens were becoming more and more financially illiterate. Several Midwestern cities adopted the program to increase financial awareness, and Wisconsin joined the movement in 2006 as the first statewide campaign in the country.
The Governor's Council on Financial Literacy lit the Capitol green in an effort to advertise the over 600 programs and events that are being offered free of charge to Wisconsin residents (see moneysmartwi.org for events calendar). With the current status of the United States economy, the green illumination could not come at a more poignant time.
Raising awareness regarding education on matters such as credit management, stock market success and financing college education costs show that the state government is committed to improving the struggling situation that many Wisconsin residents now find themselves in. Such awareness should be promoted and well-known by the public. But how many residents were aware of this?
Furthermore, the glow of the Capitol across Lake Monona evokes a sense of Madison pride every time I come down John Nolen Drive on my way into town, but like many others, my reasoning for having this pride was relatively unbased until recently.
The Capitol has a rich history and cultural significance beyond the lights that brighten the night sky. Architect George B. Post presided over the construction that was completed in 1917 and is one of the nation's most celebrated architects. He is also responsible for the design of the New
York Stock Exchange building.
The largest granite dome in the world stands atop four wings adorned with sculptures that promote the ideals of liberty, wisdom and the continuous progression of human society. Daniel Chester French sculpted the Wisconsin"" (also known as the ""Golden Lady"") statue that stands above the dome as well as the seated Abraham Lincoln sculpture that sits at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Over 500,000 visitors from across the nation come to Madison to see a Capitol building that has been the focus of attention ever since a team of eight mules lifted the ""Golden Lady"" to her current resting place in 1917.
Some of the first legislation regarding financial regulation and unemployment compensation were passed within its halls during the LaFollette family's reign.
In exceedingly harsh times, The Wisconsin Capitol serves as a beacon of pride and inspiration, and should not be taken for granted. UW-Madison students should take the time to stop and appreciate the beauty of the Capitol whenever they get the chance, because most of us will miss it as we move on to other cities after graduation.
Additionally, if my attempts to discover the basis for the various colors featured on the dome taught me anything, it's that the city doesn't do enough to inform the public of the Capitol's symbol on campus. Raising awareness should not be shrouded in speculation - especially regarding issues as important and prevalent as those on display in the past two weeks.
Tom Hart is a senior majoring in political science and history. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
