The greatest president in modern times, and indeed one of the greatest Americans, President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks.... The fundamental idea behind the parks ... is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”
How times have changed when elected representative Scott Tipton takes every action possible to desecrate, destroy and abolish “America’s Best Idea,” our national parks and monuments. He no longer represents our fundamental bedrock and basic American ideals.
HR 3990, which Scott strongly supports and voted for, will destroy our collective national heritage by limiting the creation of national parks and monuments, and even worse, allows for our national gems to be reduced in size or to be eliminated by the simple stroke of the presidential pen!
Where’s the American democracy in that action?
Scott, you live in the Four Corners region and you see the economic benefits such places as Mesa Verde, Aztec Ruins, Canyon of the Ancients, Hovenweep and the Anasazi Heritage Center bring to our towns and businesses. How can you argue against that?
You see the benefit for thousands of visitors who come to revel in our heritage. Why do you think that the interest of the rich and powerful override our collective and democratic interest?
We love our public lands. Why don’t you? History has already judged you and you have been found wanting.
Patrick Vigil
Durango
