Me thinks the National Parks must be doomed: director on C-Span

[LittleApple81]

Mainella, Fran, Director, National Park Service

Saying "budget is up, everything is honky dory"...then we find the budget is up because of Homeland security money added...
Then she mentioned that they are working through contractors (I do know that we have always had contractors for concessions and other services, but as soon as I hear Bush-Contractors I KNOW that unit of the government is SUNK!)
A caller just said about the same a minute ago.

[R Hickey]

1. I know, the minute she started talking I turned her off.

That's why I'm here now. Looks like I will now be feeding my cat, instead of typing.

[LittleApple81]

2. No, don't go away. I always switch from C-Span to AAR. It is so

much more fun! The only reason I listen to Wash Jnl is because they have Roll Call, a perusal of the newspapers, and comments from both sides. The RW comments make me aware of (1) their stupidity and (2) the coming "meme" for the day.
I am going to AAR now. Join me.

[GOPFighter]

3. It's not just the NPS

The federal agency I work for is in the process of replacing most federal employees with contractors. Don't look now people but it won't be long before Corporations not only make the laws, but own the government. Scary!

[stanwyck]

4. Pep squad leader

should be her title, not director of our national parks. Or, painter. Because she's putting a high gloss on a dismal situation. Now she's answering about snow "machines" in Yellowstone. "Matching up environmental friendliness" with the snow "coaches" experience. Snow coaches? Is this the fluffy Bushie speech for, gasp, snow mobiles? She keeps choking on her words (excuse me!)...even this cheerleader can't get this spin out without choking. "Our science" will permit environmental safety while permitting "access". "Our science"? The Bushies have their own personal science. These are scary people.

[gumby]

5. This woman is awful

Lying with a cheery smile. There have been many, many articles about Bush slashing the budget for our parks and the sorry state they are in and how many long-time people are leaving in disgust.

This administration is worse than horrible.

[Ernesto]

6. Just got back from Yellowstone

Take it from me DO NOT stay in the park! It costs twice as much as the motels in West Yellowstone just outside the west entrance. Xanterra Corp. is the name of the contracter & they SUCK. Imagine a park run by walmart, but with way higher prices..... Xanterra also controls Death Valley where I go in the winter. The prices are better than Yellowstone but the food is the same crap & the employees are also treated badly. But if you are a smoker, you will be welcome in the "non smoking" rooms: no problem!