PanethosOne cannot be a patriot and hate upon national parks
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
– George Washington (via brainyquotes.com)
We recently drove the northern 120 miles of the Natchez Trace National Historic Parkway in Alabama and Tennessee. The corridor is typically a scenic and relaxing drive along an historic corridor that has been traversed by bison, Native American, and pioneers for centuries. The course includes access to historic sites, natural sites, and lovely view sheds.
Source: nps.govHaving been so impressed while driving a large chunk of the Trace in 2005 between Jackson and Tupelo in Mississippi, it was disconcerting to see the lack of simply routine maintenance along this northern segment. Fallen trees, broken branches, and damaged trees about to fall were common along our 2026 trip. All one could think of was…why is this being allowed to deteriorate so sadly.
What is taking place along the Natchez Trace National Parkway is symbolic of the disgraceful and disrespectful treatment of our treasured national parks, national forests, national monuments, and other public lands across the United States. When an administration’s budget priorities underfund and underserve these awe-inspiring landscapes, they begin to fall apart right in front of our eyes. For the Natchez Trace National Historic Parkway, this becomes quite evident by the plethora of fallen, damaged, and dead trees.
“Patriot” is an overused and often misapplied term in modern America. Many of our national parks and public lands preserve and protect key locations representing the formation of the nation and its ongoing cultural development. What else could be more patriotic than protecting and preserving the natural, historical, and cultural features that made America in the first place!
“Those who hate upon our national parks and public lands with budget cuts, staff reductions, selling of development rights, and essentially promoting land abuse are anything but patriots. Instead, they are selfish, greedy souls who live solely for power and the love of money.” – panethos.wordpress.com
Frankly, the description above is the current administration in D.C. in a nutshell and it is oh, so tiresome and frustrating to observe their nefarious efforts to degrade, devalue, and dismiss our national treasures. Because, one thing is for sure…money, gold, diamonds, and other coveted valuables are not riches at all when compared to majestic snowcapped mountains, scenic vistas, pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, death-defying rock formations, free-flowing rivers, enormous canyons, and other splendid natural features dotting the American landscape.
Nor are they riches when compared to the hallowed grounds where our ancestors and loved-ones lived, passed-though, fought, fell, died, and/or are buried. Nor are they riches compared to where our freedoms were won, strengthened, and sustained whether it be on the battlefield, in the courtroom, or on the streets. And lastly, those so-called riches cannot begin to compare to the richness of the American people…their diversity, their uniqueness and individuality, and their tenacity. It doesn’t matter if we came here by ship, by plane, on foot, or already lived upon this land, our strength is rooted in our diversity.
May we, as a nation, soon return to this paradigm and always remain committed to its welcoming principles.
Peace!
#advocacy #environment #fun #geography #greed #history #landUse #landscapes #money #NatchezTrace #NationalParks #opinion #patriotism #publicLands #quotes #selfInterest #tourism #travel
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