Sad state of our National Parks-II

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Again, this is not political. It is to our interest as RVers and for Camping World business to have an outstanding national parks that usually provide the cheaper camping facilities and best places to visit and see.

Just recently been to one of the most popular national park and the results of funding cuts (7%), fund diversion ($22 million for the frivolous July 4 parade) and distorted priorities or even hostility towards the environment (area around Sequoia National Park are set to be opened for oil explorations).

The symptoms of these are all over. Campsites opening late, maintenance not being done, exodus of park rangers and unfilled positions. One very obvious situations on the two camps I've stayed are slots marked unavailable because it's inaccessible when a simple mini dozer could have graded the dirt road, closing of all toilets because of unapproved requisitions and requests for repairs of pipes for the water system...

I've written the top federal department responsible -- not even a form letter acknowledgement of my concerns.

Maybe if more of us...

[wanderingaimles]

Yosemite Sam1, the ONLY thing you wrote which COULD, but I DOUBT was honest was,,,,
bye.

[lots2seeinmyrv]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
People like above infuriate me.
That parade introduced young people to the idea that the military is not just some clown hiding in a hole in the dirt, clutching a rifle, as many on the left want to portray them.
The modern military as shown in that parade, is diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, engineers, computer programmers, electronic techs, and so much more. That all those people from different parts of the nation, with different interest can work together is an even greater example of what America means.
That some young people in an inner city got exposed to those parts of the services, and had some of the myths busted is nothing but a positive.
Guess I'm just old school, and the funny part,,,, I wasn't in the Army. I was Coast Guard, I spent my time chasing oil spills and drug runners, so I guess my service meant even less.

Your service is appreciated by us all...except the OP.

[wanderingaimles]

YS1 is incapable of seeing the forest for the trees.
His preferred state is also the greatest user of Federal assistance with the use/abuse of medicare funds. story
It's way too easy to feel justified in an argument when you only use half the facts.
2007 data is a poor excuse, and the use of federal money for subsidizing people who should not even be here takes the other numbers over the line.

Lets take care of all Americans, and with many, lets have the ones who cant work otherwise, help with assistance programs, and then assist newcomers when we are in a position to be able to help them appropriately.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

philh wrote:
**** those pesky facts

2019 budget was 100 million more than 2018.

budget is 2.7 BILLION and acknowledging a 11.7B deferred maintenance shortfall, which has remained steady since 2010.

source

Indeed, the difference between the talk and the walk.

Actual budget: 2018 $3.6B
2019 $3,2B
Cut. $0.4B or 11% (wow, a bigger cut than the 7% proposed).

https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/FY2019-NPS-Budget-Justification.pdf

Oh yeah, bye.

[EV2]

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Again, this is not political. .

Right! Adios

[MDKMDK]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
People like above infuriate me.
That parade introduced young people to the idea that the military is not just some clown hiding in a hole in the dirt, clutching a rifle, as many on the left want to portray them.
The modern military as shown in that parade, is diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, engineers, computer programmers, electronic techs, and so much more. That all those people from different parts of the nation, with different interest can work together is an even greater example of what America means.
That some young people in an inner city got exposed to those parts of the services, and had some of the myths busted is nothing but a positive.
Guess I'm just old school, and the funny part,,,, I wasn't in the Army. I was Coast Guard, I spent my time chasing oil spills and drug runners, so I guess my service meant even less.

Not true at all. I subscribe to the USCG email news and activities feeds and there is no organization that does as much as they do (you did) on a daily basis. From Key West to Kotzebue, the USCG rocks when it comes to "Semper Paratus".

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Can we cut into speechfying and just focus on the subject?

So many complaints of this being political -- and then responding with political speeches irrelevant to the topic and the subject.

If you don't want to help restore the funding. I'll do it anyways -- the best ways I can.

Goodbye!

[philh]

**** those pesky facts

2019 budget was 100 million more than 2018.

budget is 2.7 BILLION and acknowledging a 11.7B deferred maintenance shortfall, which has remained steady since 2010.

source

[Yosemite_Sam1]

lots2seeinmyrv wrote:

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Again, this is not political. It is to our interest as RVers and for Camping World business to have an outstanding national parks that usually provide the cheaper camping facilities and best places to visit and see.

Just recently been to one of the most popular national park and the results of funding cuts (7%), fund diversion ($22 million for the frivolous July 4 parade) and distorted priorities or even hostility towards the environment (area around Sequoia National Park are set to be opened for oil explorations).

The symptoms of these are all over. Campsites opening late, maintenance not being done, exodus of park rangers and unfilled positions. One very obvious situations on the two camps I've stayed are slots marked unavailable because it's inaccessible when a simple mini dozer could have graded the dirt road, closing of all toilets because of unapproved requisitions and requests for repairs of pipes for the water system...

I've written the top federal department responsible -- not even a form letter acknowledgement of my concerns.

Maybe if more of us...

1. Griping about a "frivolous" 4th of July parade. You are still harping on that after your previous post was shut down? THAT is political.

2. Who doubled the National Debt? Who wasted billions of our Federal tax dollars?

3. What about the massive fraud and abuse of our tax dollars on all the other "frivolous" spending on BOTH sides of the isle.

There is a laundry list of the waste of our money by all these people in government office!

3. We do not have a money problem, we have a massive spending problem, massive waste and abuse. Raising taxes solves nothing.

We need to line item Veto the budget and cut the waste.

5. What about the "frivolous" high speed train to nowhere in your great state? How much of our Federal tax dollars were spent on that...maybe you should write your Governor and tell him he should have spent the money on the National Parks.

Look in your own back yard for the WASTE of Federal tax dollars by your elected officials.

Let me number your post corresponding to my response.

1. Irrelevant. So what? The only question is, did what I say is true?

2. Irrelevant. I don't think you know economics much. The right question is, who caused it when the country is set to be debt free in 2015.

3. Irrelevant. both sides don't spend as much in golf paying his own company off taxpayer dime. And then the frivolous parade taking money out of our national parks meant for "enjoyment for all" (and us RVers (that's relevance).

4. Irrelevant. But I agree, we will be having the highest deficit (again, a pattern it seems for that party both in recession and in good economy) and yet the national parks budget is being cut by 7% (again, that's for relevance to us RVers).

5. Very very irrelevant and wrong. That's not my state but I know the state you are referring to. Only that in the midst of federal budget deficit, they manage 4 years consecutive years of surplus. AND THE STATE, IS SUBSIDIZING WITH THEIR TAX DOLLARS THE POORER STATES. You should at least thank them, not slam. (Sorry, I just had the need to edumacate some people here -- even at the risk of extending the debate to what's irrelevant).

[MDKMDK]

lots2seeinmyrv wrote:

wanderingaimlessly wrote:

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:

wanderingaimlessly wrote:

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
The OP chooses to be partisan, the opening post containing "($22 million for the frivolous July 4 parade)" is an example. There are how many parks? And there is how much money available in a general fund?

I can't change your opinion or how you think. So explain to me how that $22 million for the parade is useful to us RVers when national parks that we use are needing the funds and actually way behind in over due maintenance?

Why does all of the money have to go to YOUR preferred park? The National Mall is also a National Park Property.
Also, as a retired Military Service person, I saw that as a great method to introduce the folks in major cities to what the country does outside their local street sweepers and garbage collectors.

It is all supposed to be a celebration of America, IF you can see beyond your own personal self interest.

Did it achieve the purpose? We’re the others past programs not a Celebration of America?

And why is your being a retired Military Service person, which you kept mentioning in every opportunity, validated or reinforced your argument. This is not about defense, this is about federal run parks relevant to where we do our camping.

Take a look back. I mentioned it once. That you dont like that, is your problem.
Did it make more people aware of what America is, or what it means? I'm sure it did more, largely due to anti Trumpers wanting to make a spectacle of it.
If a couple of kids saw equipment they were not aware of, and decided to research, and maybe even join, then yes, it accomplished it's purpose.
If a few kids learned what it takes to preserve their freedom, then yes, it served its purpose.
If some kids learned something about the outside world because they met some Park Police and were told about working out in the country, Yes it served it's purpose.
If that was over your head, well,,,, thats not my problem.

X2

Our patriotism and love for our country, respect for our military, our law enforcement and ALL who made our Independence Day possible has NO price tag!

We cherish and celebrate this tradition for DECADES! There are parades, military, bands all across this Nation along with our firefighters and law enforcement who participate in every small town in America. Only an outrage now because our current President CHOOSES to honor our military men and women of which they so richly deserve and earned. Of which...I am a Veteran, and I served. I am offended by the OP and his rantings.

They paid with their lives, their families suffered, they made this Nation great. And to disparage our 4th of July celebration is simply out of line and disrespectful.

These National Parks would not even be possible if not for this great country and all those who fought for it … THEN to cry and whine about Federal tax dollars, which his own State squanders!

No other country in the world can light a candle to our parks and the camping opportunities and freedoms our country affords.

So many ungrateful people in this country.

You are the luckiest people on the face of the earth, to live in your country with the vast amount of personal freedoms you enjoy. Just look to your north to see what happens to a country when they can't see the forest for the trees. We started out at roughly the same time as you all, but chose to keep the European/British style of government, instead of adopting your federal constitutional republic with 3 separate and equal segments of government methodology. Over the years, while we stumbled and agonized over what was wrong with our system, you developed into the greatest bastion of personal freedom on the planet, bar none. You flourished while we struggled, and now you're a giant compared to most countries on the planet, us included. While you may have had some speed bumps along the way, and arguably aren't a perfect society overall, you overcame them all, and haven't missed a major beat since your birth in 1776. I wish we had joined you back then and shared a common legacy going forward, but it was not to be. That's why we've lived in your shadow for over 240 years, and depend on you far more than you might ever depend on us. In population alone, you dwarf us, with or without immigration, and that speaks volumes about how different our paths have been, since we all began moving forward from our common ancestry. Economically, there's no comparison either, so don't get me started. If it wasn't for us living next door under your protective military umbrella, I think we'd already be speaking Mandarin or Russian by now. Thanks for that, as I had to learn to speak French all those years ago, and I don't want to learn a 3rd or 4th language any time soon. :B

[wanderingaimles]

People like above infuriate me.
That parade introduced young people to the idea that the military is not just some clown hiding in a hole in the dirt, clutching a rifle, as many on the left want to portray them.
The modern military as shown in that parade, is diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, engineers, computer programmers, electronic techs, and so much more. That all those people from different parts of the nation, with different interest can work together is an even greater example of what America means.
That some young people in an inner city got exposed to those parts of the services, and had some of the myths busted is nothing but a positive.
Guess I'm just old school, and the funny part,,,, I wasn't in the Army. I was Coast Guard, I spent my time chasing oil spills and drug runners, so I guess my service meant even less.

[DutchmenSport]

Remember the Star Trek Next Generation episode when Captain Pichard was granted 3 wishes from "Q". One wish Pichard eventually blurted out, he wanted to live in a universe where everyone got along, where there was peace and tranquility. "Q" granted his wish and Captain Pichard was immediately whisked away to a gigantic city, typical of any modern city, except .... he was the ONLY person there. As I remember, Captain Pichard didn't like it there either.

The best we can hope for is that we somehow find peace within ourselves (each one of us individually) and embrace every good thing that comes our way and use the travesties of life to help strength us, not tear each other down.

[lots2seeinmyrv]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:

wanderingaimlessly wrote:

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
The OP chooses to be partisan, the opening post containing "($22 million for the frivolous July 4 parade)" is an example. There are how many parks? And there is how much money available in a general fund?

I can't change your opinion or how you think. So explain to me how that $22 million for the parade is useful to us RVers when national parks that we use are needing the funds and actually way behind in over due maintenance?

Why does all of the money have to go to YOUR preferred park? The National Mall is also a National Park Property.
Also, as a retired Military Service person, I saw that as a great method to introduce the folks in major cities to what the country does outside their local street sweepers and garbage collectors.

It is all supposed to be a celebration of America, IF you can see beyond your own personal self interest.

Did it achieve the purpose? We’re the others past programs not a Celebration of America?

And why is your being a retired Military Service person, which you kept mentioning in every opportunity, validated or reinforced your argument. This is not about defense, this is about federal run parks relevant to where we do our camping.

Take a look back. I mentioned it once. That you dont like that, is your problem.
Did it make more people aware of what America is, or what it means? I'm sure it did more, largely due to anti Trumpers wanting to make a spectacle of it.
If a couple of kids saw equipment they were not aware of, and decided to research, and maybe even join, then yes, it accomplished it's purpose.
If a few kids learned what it takes to preserve their freedom, then yes, it served its purpose.
If some kids learned something about the outside world because they met some Park Police and were told about working out in the country, Yes it served it's purpose.
If that was over your head, well,,,, thats not my problem.

X2

Our patriotism and love for our country, respect for our military, our law enforcement and ALL who made our Independence Day possible has NO price tag!

We cherish and celebrate this tradition for DECADES! There are parades, military, bands all across this Nation along with our firefighters and law enforcement who participate in every small town in America. Only an outrage now because our current President CHOOSES to honor our military men and women of which they so richly deserve and earned. Of which...I am a Veteran, and I served. I am offended by the OP and his rantings.

They paid with their lives, their families suffered, they made this Nation great. And to disparage our 4th of July celebration is simply out of line and disrespectful.

These National Parks would not even be possible if not for this great country and all those who fought for it … THEN to cry and whine about Federal tax dollars, which his own State squanders!

No other country in the world can light a candle to our parks and the camping opportunities and freedoms our country affords.

So many ungrateful people in this country.

[lots2seeinmyrv]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
Lots2see
I was struggling to be polite.
Far beyond what was reasonable.
Kudos

Thank you.

[wanderingaimles]

Lots2see
I was struggling to be polite.
Far beyond what was reasonable.
Kudos