Today as I took lunch to my husband at work I was horrified to see a homeless gentleman holding a sign asking for charity while he chatted on his cellphone. “What has happened to us?” I thought…
When our country stumbles and faces economic hardship, most would agree that helping those most affected would be the charitable thing to do. Help comes in many forms and when the state decides to help, it faces two dilemmas. Feed the people with work that allows them to gain a skill, or feed them with money to solve the immediate crisis. In the Great Depression we created the CCC to solve the issue by creating work. Enter the old adage, “Federal programs put people to work” that has been touted by Democrats for over 75 years.
This weekend I stayed in a sate park and cabins that were originally built by these hard working people. The Civilian Conservation Corps were an answer to a generation’s willingness to work. Instead of allowing the generation to fall into crime, people saw a need to keep idle hands occupied while building a sense of pride in your country. These (mostly) men created something across our country that we can still enjoy today. Our family has been reuniting at this location on this weekend for over 55 years and we are hoping to enjoy it for another 50 plus years. The issue of does the government help, or does it hinder, is something we experience on a year to year basis. Renting fifteen to sixteen cabins (out of 19) that each fit a full family is a large undertaking, so we notice things employee turnover, diminished amenities, cabins in need of repair, and raised fees. We do our best to maintain the cleanliness and treat every space as if it were our home, adding things like cooking utensils we think other cabin goers might find useful; Our “What happens in the cabins stays in the cabins” sign hasn’t moved in 2 years either. Many of the original cabins have been renovated and updated, with some of the most decayed ones left condemned to dot the landscape as permanent reminders of their age.
Sadly our culture has turned from one of “will work”, to “just give”, and the crumbling state parks reflect that. What’s heartbreaking for anyone who visits any State Park is the added pressure to maintain them on diminished resources. Thankfully, well worn trails and an active river keep this particular location operating. Our own President donated his first quarter’s salary to our National Parks System because of the much needed funding, I just hope the rest of our bureaucrats realize the value in maintaining these historic sites. If I have to install a new faucet myself, I will, but I hope that everyone, not just elected officials and cabin goers respect our Park Systems. Our family will keep visiting these cabins year after year, and when I see the sign that says Meramec State Park, I know for a moment I’m living & experiencing a very proud history.
