Liberty Undone.

• Author: Postrel, Virginia
• Position: Brief Article

This unfinished portrait of the Statue of Liberty has been looking down Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles since February 20, 1999. Envisioned by artist Mike McNeilly as a tribute to veterans, many of whom are buried in a nearby national cemetery, it has instead become a monument to threatened freedoms.

About six hours into the job, police shut McNeilly down, charging him with painting without a permit -- a crime that carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for every day the mural has been up. His case was still pending in late March.

To issue a mural permit, the city requires the artist to get approval from the local city council member and a recognized community group. McNeilly, who had the building...