Driving from Old Faithful on Yellowstone southward through Grand Teton National Park, it’s easy see why some people dedicate their lives to protecting these areas. We made no less than a half-dozen stops before Jackson, Wyoming. At every turn was stunning beauty. Just when I thought we’d seen the best Mother Nature had to offer, she surprised us again. It’s breathtaking.
Earlier in his term, President Trump made some noise about taking away some lands that are protected by the National Park Service. He was met with a swift resistance from NPS employees and others who care about the environment. We haven’t heard as much about it later, what with Russia investigations, porn star payments, and such. But I wouldn’t turn my back on him. If he thinks he can make a buck with a casino or an oil pipeline on National Parks land, watch out.
I’ve yet to march, protest, or raise a ruckus over environmental issues (though I did contribute to Greenpeace years ago). But we now live in a world in which the politicians, lobbyists, and big business —oil, gas, coal, manufacturers — all sleep together. I’m convinced that public pressure is the only thing that keeps them from getting their money-grubbing mits on the environment. Trips like this make me wonder if I’ve been vocal enough.
In the words of the late environmental activist Edward Abbey, “The idea of wilderness needs no defense; it only needs defenders.”
LOST IN THE NOISE 