Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Closed

I suppose it's best this happened in the off season, but damn.  All national parks, monuments, and other federal lands are CLOSED.


Yellowstone National Park: Closed Due to Government Shutdown


Will there be any security to ensure poachers don't come in and decimate the wildlife?  Signs are swell, but people who don't care won't stop when they know nobody is looking.  Especially if they're hungry.

It makes me sad.  And angry.  There is no valid argument for this.  None.  A small group of pissy bastards are holding this country hostage because they don't want people to have access to health care.  The irony - their tantrum does nothing to stop the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  People I know will have health care for pretty much the first time ever, and it will make a huge difference to their lives.  Who was the "brilliant" fellow that tied health care to employment in the first place?  Maybe it worked all right a long time ago, but no more.


Mt. Rainier National Park: Closed Due to Government Shutdown


One of the library regulars was in tonight, and he had just come from the Navy Commissary.  He told me it was closing, and it was "like the L.A. riots in there!"  They stayed open today so they could get rid of as much perishable food as possible.  I imagine the Navy Exchange will be closed too.  This means all of the military families will have to shop in the "civilian" stores like Safeway and Wal-mart and Radio Shack.  Ironically, the city could see a boost in tax revenues if the shutdown goes on for more than a few days.


Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier: Closed Due to Government Shutdown


If you're inclined to travel this time of year, get out and support your state parks.  And if you're out and about, be sure to document the effects of the shutdown.  It could get interesting.  We're hunkering down for a while due to yucky weather and working on the trailer.  Our next planned trip is in February, to celebrate Darwin Day.  Most likely we will stay at the Sou'wester Lodge and Campground.  It's going to be a long time waiting to go!

Sigh...

2 comments:

  1. It appears that while the national parks are closed during the federal government shutdown, wildlife law enforcement officers would stay. Therefore, the wildlife should be protected against poachers.
    During the last shutdown (1995-1996), 7 million visitors were turned away from the national parks and museums. Imagine the economic impact the closing of more than 400 of these places had on the local economies of the areas these places are located. Nothing being spent by tourists for food, lodging, entertainment, or even camping supplies.
    You're right about a few Congresspeople throwing a tantrum. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Get over it! Get back to work doing the job you were elected to do!

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    Replies
    1. It's a very sad state of affairs. The selfishness of the very few is causing great damage.

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