There's a real problem in naming monuments and buildings after living people, particularly politicians, as we are seeing in Alaska where half the state, including its main airport in Anchorage, are named after Sen. Ted Stevens. I'm sure the people of Alaska are bursting with pride that their airport (among other things) is named after an indicted crook. And if convicted? Then what?
Does the airport keep its name?
But changing the name of an airport is expensive. And in times of budgetary constraint (like now), we must be prudent.
So here's my proposed solution:
DC never wanted its airport named after Ronald Reagan. It was imposed on the city, against its wishes, by congressional Republicans.
So let's take all that signage and ship it off to Alaska, where "Ted Stevens Achorage International Airport" can be renamed the "Ronald Reagan International Airport".
Then, back in DC, the folks at National Airport can break out the old signs from storage and give the airport back it's original and rightful name. (And one that does the city proud.)
Now I know some folks in Alaska may have a problem with this, especially given evidence that it's becoming Bluer by the day. I wouldn't want someone coming to Oakland and trying to slap "Ronald Reagan" names all over its airport. But is Reagan really all that much worse than an indicted crook like Stevens?
Hmmm, maybe. Any other suggestions?