Nat'l Park senior discount, too cheap?
I am a senior, soon to be 68 years old. My opinion is that FREE is too cheap. On the other hand $25 entrance fee is too much. I'd like to see all Nat'l Pk. entrance fee set at $15 and senior discount ...
Forum Discussion
Dutch_12078 wrote:valhalla360 wrote:Dutch_12078 wrote:valhalla360 wrote:
The "I pay taxes" doesn't hold up. I'm in my 40's and I pay taxes also.
Keep on paying them then, until you catch up and earn your old age perks. I started paying income and other taxes around 15 years before you were born... :W
Whats the total dollar amount you paid so I know when I'm caught up and should be entitled the freebee?
Again, if they want it income based, I could buy it as the parks should be available to all citizens but to price poor young families out so we can give a discount to rich old folks makes no sense.
The available senior discounts are no different than any other discount extended by retailers, regardless of whether they are government or private enterprises. Discounts are offered to bring in customers, increase business volume, and promote future business. When a senior citizen takes their kids, grandkids, etc, to a national park or monument for instance, they are encouraging future generations to also enjoy these treasures. Even if the seniors only talk about their experiences at these facilities, they are still hopefully creating an interest in them among the younger folks. How does using my ATB Senior Access Pass 50% discount at various public campgrounds differ from using my Passport America 50% discount at private campgrounds? Should that one be "income based" as well?
What private companies do for profit is entirely up to the owner and the owner doesn't have to explain it to anyone as long as it isn't illegal.
The govt is a public entity. As such they have a responsiblity to treat all citizens fairly and equally in so far as they reasonably can.
If it's such a great idea to encourage the next generation to cherish these parks (and I think it is), why shouldn't working parents enjoy the same discount when they directly encourage thier kids to cherish these parks?
