Tuesday, February 5, 2013

And you didn't believe that prediction?


Back at the beginning of the year, prediction number 8 of my undangerous predictions was:

8. Due to the nation's budget problems, several large national parks will close for at least a few days during the summer vacation season, to demonstrate how bad the situation is.
-- This would be a smart way to sway public opinion.


Well, read this and ponder if I might be right about that one:

Leaked documents show looming budget crisis for national parks

"A second leaked document shows the actual budgets of each of the parks and how much they are being asked to cut in order to make the 5% goal. Some of the hardest hit national parks include Yellowstone, which is being asked to cut $1.75 million, and Yosemite, which will lose $1.4 million in operating expenses. Those two locations aren't the only ones feeling the pinch, however, as the National Mall will also shed $1.6 million from its budget and the Grand Canyon will cut an additional $1 million.Unless the budget sequestration is averted before March 1, these cuts could have a dramatic impact on the national park experience for travelers. Understaffed and under-budgeted parks could lead to reduced hours of operation, shorter overall seasons and even the potential closure of certain areas. Visitor services would also likely be hit hard with fewer rangers on duty and less staff in visitor centers and information kiosks."

This ain't over.  The government could still close a park.  The President could even order the closure of a park to save money -- and further foment public opinion against the idyit Repubs in the House.

(But it looks like I was wrong on #5, sort of.  The Republicans aren't fighting a pitched battle over the debt ceiling.  Rather, they're going to fight a pitched battle over the sequestration cuts and over the next annual budget.  And theyre still going to take the economy down with them in this fight).


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