Yosemite Bolt Wars

Vandalism of art refers to intentional damage of an artwork (for unintentional damage see accidental damage of art). The object is usually exhibited in public, becomes damaged as a result of the act, and remains in place right after the act. This may distinguish it from art destruction and iconoclasm, where it may be wholly destroyed and removed, and art theft, or looting.
Numerous acts of vandalism against art exhibits are known and some objects, such as Mona Lisa, Night Watch and The Little Mermaid, have been intentionally damaged several times. Many vandals were diagnosed with a mental disorder and some, such as Hans-Joachim Bohlmann, had a history of attacking artworks. A vast amount of damage consists of leaving a minor scratch, a stuck chewing gum, a pencil mark and so on, and usually escapes publicity.[1] More visible acts of vandalism were premeditated, as the tool of destruction – a knife, paint, acid or hammer – was intentionally brought to the scene. In most cases, the artworks were restored. Restorations were costly and time consuming and in many cases were followed by shielding the artwork from future attacks.

"Jeff Elfont · UCLA
James can forget about being Yosmite's next idol, he may get beat out.
Reply ·
· 2 hours ago"

James is still recovering from a bad head injury and is not totally in command of all he does. How many years has he walked by the bolt or tried the problem itself? Now all of a sudden he just can't leave it alone?

Everyone I spoke with felt that the magic was still very much a part of the bolt. So I decided to ask Lucas himself why he felt so strongly about removing the bolt, and how the drawing had become a trademark. Unfortunately, although he did respond, Lucas refused to be quoted.

I remember when RR chopped the bolts on the Harding route "wall of the early morning light" - back then I tried to figure out the logic of increasing the size of a physical scar that will never heal to satisfy a sense of personal superiority and or ego.