As a long-time resident I'd like to warn tourists about an on-going scam they'll encounter as they leave the Smithsonian Station Metro. As they get off the escalators, they'll be approached by homeless-looking men offering "helpful' pamphlets and advice. They masquerade as official guides, but they are simply offering material found at the museums for free and then they proceed to pressure tourists to give them money for their "sage" advice. These men are simply scoundrels and the police do nothing about this.
My advice - simply walk quickly past them as you exit the station.

Correct you are! For those who have never exited there, you will exit the Metro in the middle of the Mall, facing the Capitol. Smithsonian's "Castle" will be on the street to your right, at about 2 o'clock. Just immediately walk to the street before you gaze around, and tell any of these "guides" you know where you're going if you're inclined to speak. I did stop to listen to one of them speak to another party, and I will credit them with giving good advice.

Wait a second Houdi one of these guys approached me around the theatre Lincoln was shot in. He did strick me to be on some project the city had. He never asked for money and he did give me guidance. Just don't want people to be fearful of everyone. He seemed to be just walking around and not directly connected with a facility.

There are some legitimate guides around the city. If the person is wearing a yellow shirt that reads "Golden Triangle" on it, he/she is a real, free guide. But most of the ones who hang out by the Smithsonian metro stop typically are not affilliated with the city in any offical way.

Not specifically on-topic but this reminds me of my mother's story of the honeymoon my parents had in 1952. Self funded (as was the wedding reception) from my father paltry teacher's salary, they went to Washington DC for three days. They somehow connected with an elderly African-American man who was an unofficial "tour guide". He shuttled them around for three days in his station wagon and provided all sorts of anecdotes and information on the sites they visited. I chuckle because my mother would be horrified today at the thought of her granddaughter doing such a thing.

What would we prefer to have these homeless, unemployed people do? Retire to a bridge underpass and quietly fade away so as not to intrude upon our lives?

Looks like we're finally starting to find some of the minority that voted for Bush.

Yes, Brooklyn Bomber, I would like to see these particular scam-artists ( not all homeless)retire to a bridge underpass - excellent idea.

Are you implying that in order to be politically correct we should let certain types of scam-artists rip us off?
Perhaps you live under a bridge somewhere yourself?

By the way, I'm a very left-leaning Democrat - ha-ha.

To Sarah:
I was referring specifically to the guys who hand around outside the Smithsonian Metro Station. I have no idea about other guides around the city or just friendly Washingtonians. But believe me, this Smithsonian thing has been going on for years and I watch as befuddled tourists are pressured big-time into handing over money.