In a post 9/11 world, it is time to recognize that running the White House as a tourist destination is diminishing the ability of security forces to provide proper protection for White House workers and residents.
While current lapses in security can, and will be addressed, there is a larger issue. Specifically, how does the security forces assigned to protecting the White House distinguish genuine threats from errant tourists?
With only seconds to decide, security forces have erred to the side of avoiding an overreaction and associated PR consequences. Removing the tourist element can put the emphasis back where it belongs -- protection and safety,
There can still be public events, but security must no longer be compromised by a tourist element.