The Capitol does not have a commercial property policy and taxpayers will pay a portion of the repair costs for the damage to the building. (Photo: Lev Radin/Shutterstock)
History provides a great opportunity to learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them today. Consider this semi-fictitious account of another invasion of the Capitol. Benjamin Franklin organized the oldest property insurance company in the U.S. in 1752. He recognized the need to protect buildings from losses such as fire. Like so many good ideas, Congress decided it did not need insurance on any federal government buildings.
In 1813, rumors had been flitting around about a possible invasion of the Capitol, but congressional representatives continued to work in a bubble of self-seclusion (self-delusion?), believing the invaders would not dare approach the very symbol of American democracy.
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