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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAmerica's National Parks could be one week away from handing campgrounds over to private companies
Sick!
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/10/12/1891978/-While-impeachment-looms-the-National-Park-System-could-lose-its-campgrounds-in-just-one-week
A reminderif the hundreds of thousands of people now fleeing for their lives in Syria had not already made it clearthat even as he slides toward the gulf of impeachment, Donald Trump is still doing his best to destroy everything good on his way down. That includes continuing his efforts to gift every square inch of public land to someone who dropped seven figures or more into one of his slush funds. And as Yahoo News reports, that includes an ongoing scheme to turn the National Park system, also known as Americas best idea, into a series of greasy theme parks.
On September 24, the Department of the Interiors skull-achingly named Subcommittee on Recreation Enhancement (SORE) produced the latest missive in its plan to flood parks with the requisite number of four-wheelers, roller coasters, and pancake pantries. This particular plan would call for selling off the 130 campgrounds operated by the Park Service to private companies who would provide more services. In the form of four-wheelers, pancakes, etc. And they have a great approach. They intend to start with the parks that are most pristine, most unspoiled, most like the genuine preserves of natural beauty they were created to be. Or, as SORE would have it, the parks with low levels of visitor services. Then, once theyve demonstrated that people will pay for zip-lines and mini-golf in those locations, theyll expand the program to the parks where the natural attractions have already been made redundant.
Theres no intention of stopping with just the National Parks. SORE will then export the program to other public lands, including national forests, wildlife areas, and just about anywhere the Bureau of Land Management roams. Only dont expect those areas to be erecting Ferris wheels, because SORE has another idea for how to handle most public lands along with public campgrounds; Sell them. Sell them all.
One of the most interesting items about the SORE plan is that it wasnt really written by the Department of the Interior. It was written for them. The real author of the memo, which is titled campground modernization/expansion is Derrick Crandall, president of the American Recreation Coalition. The American Recreation Coalition (whose longtime website appears to be mysteriously missing in action) was created in 1979 for the express purpose of catalyzing public / private partnerships. By which they mean making private profits from public lands. They represent the motorized recreation industry including makers of snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and RVs, as well as amusement parks and food vendors. Its a group that doesnt just include the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, but the Walt Disney Company. A group that sells things made to smash any moment of tranquility, together with people who have demonstrated that they can make much more money from a faux wilderness loaded with animatronic bears than anyone can get from the real thing.
Thats exactly the message theyre pushingtheres money to be made in trashing Americas most beautiful places. And its happening right now.
CrispyQ
(36,463 posts)I'm sickened by our everything-for-profit mentality, everything is just a commodity to make money off of. I feel powerless to stop the destruction & carnage. So much will have been destroyed & harmed by next November.
Submariner
(12,504 posts)on the next Inauguration Day.
sharedvalues
(6,916 posts)cp
(6,628 posts)Smackdown2019
(1,187 posts)Dont congress suppose to approve sale of government lands that was purchased?
58Sunliner
(4,386 posts)Karadeniz
(22,513 posts)BadgerMom
(2,771 posts)As with many things, if we werent up to our eyeballs in corruption and sickening politico-criminal stories, this would grab some attention. The private company that is supposed to manage the resort, once a Rockefeller home, has walked away from their responsibilities post-2017 hurricanes. The property, a true gem and belonging to us all, is still devastated. The company, the name of which eludes me, has walked away although their contract requires the property be as it was when the began oversight or better. In fact, in May, they asked the Interiir for money.
Private companies are irresponsible. This shouldnt be allowed.
Wawannabe
(5,657 posts)I asked for any and all pertinent information regarding this so called subcommittee. I stated I was completely against it and asked for contact as soon as possible. Ill let you know if I get a reply.
Stupid a-holes! I am so pissed off right now! Its the only thing I could think of doing! I have to do something! Im so pissed off right now!!!!!
Emailed department of interior also just now
flamingdem
(39,313 posts)Best to take action and simmer a bit less.