Badlands NP Defies Trump Administration On Climate Change

[ERIC]

It's allowed so long as the debate is civil.

[Hobbes]

which is certainly the wind filling some enormous political sails at the moment

Thanx for the citations and references. In the long arc of current events, we see the pendulum of public sentiment constantly swinging from one side to the other. Right now, the political 'climate' definitely seems to be exhibiting a more FU attitude towards certain aspects of governmental authority.

One of the interesting parts of the ACA EO was this language that directs governmental agencies to use discretion to the advantage of individuals:

Sec. 2. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) and the heads of all other executive departments and agencies (agencies) with authorities and responsibilities under the Act shall exercise all authority and discretion available to them to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of any provision or requirement of the Act that would impose a fiscal burden on any State or a cost, fee, tax, penalty, or regulatory burden on individuals, families, healthcare providers, health insurers, patients, recipients of healthcare services, purchasers of health insurance, or makers of medical devices, products, or medications.

If one were to speculate, it would be logical to expect this type of orientation could be expanded to impact and effect other public agencies in the conduct of their legally mandated duties.

For one, even though I hate bikes on trails, it's difficult to justify a blanket prohibition eg PCT when the general basis of law is equal access. For two, Trump is an advocate of a national (concealed) carry law; is there a supremacy clause for the parks? For three ... well, we can see the trend is heading in terms of questioning what legal authority exists that prevents the enjoyment of certain enumerated rights.

The nexus of this debate as it pertains to HST is how it specifically effects us, the outdoor enthusiasts, playing around in the Sierra and elsewhere.

[dave54]

Individual employees are free to use their personal social media accounts to express their views. They are not allowed to state, or even imply, their views represent official policy. The use of the official logos or banners is also not allowed on personal web pages or media accounts (NPS Arrowhead symbol or FS shield, e.g.)
Senior managers in the Senior Executive Service (GM 15 and above) do have restrictions on their personal activities

All employees have a general responsibility to avoid "the appearance of a conflict of interest" or engage in outside activities that bring discredit to the Agency. A vague catch-all phrase that could be used as retaliation in particularly egregious cases.

Retirees have no restrictions whatsoever. They can do or say anything they want and the agency or White House cannot retaliate.

[Cross Country]

I agree wholeheartedly with LMBSGV and maverick. As to riown's rathole remark that just reflects on riown.

[SSSdave]

During the current period, one would be wise to take mainstream news media reports with considerable suspicion until things have time to settle out as it is quite obvious many sources loath Trump and what he is setting up in his administration, thus are straining to paint anything in the worst possible light sometimes using here say, cherry picking content out of context, and other propaganda methods. Of course Trump himself makes embarrassing tweets and takes questionable actions by himself each day.

It is mainstream media that was most responsible for the Democratic loss because they had been so confident and so blind about attitudes of ordinary Americans about the probable election outcome, that many of their lazier, younger, and minority followers that might have voted in key states, stayed away from voting booths, instead engaging into their usual inane activities like eating chips watching the boob tube, playing video games, watching celebrity garbage on their smartphones, texting their friends, etc. One might expect that those now ranting and raving the most were those that voted least. Now many are desperate as the reality of their fiasco becomes all too real with each new day.

In case any are wondering, on the presidential ballot, I marked the write in field with "The Invisible Man".

[TahoeJeff]

ranting and raving

UC Berkeley is the perfect example...

[Vaca Russ]

It's allowed so long as the debate is civil.

May we call each other "Deplorable".



Just kidding!

-Russ

[sambieni]

During the current period, one would be wise to take mainstream news media reports with considerable suspicion until things have time to settle out as it is quite obvious many sources loath Trump and what he is setting up in his administration, thus are straining to paint anything in the worst possible light sometimes using here say, cherry picking content out of context, and other propaganda methods. Of course Trump himself makes embarrassing tweets and takes questionable actions by himself each day.

It is mainstream media that was most responsible for the Democratic loss because they had been so confident and so blind about attitudes of ordinary Americans about the probable election outcome, that many of their lazier, younger, and minority followers that might have voted in key states, stayed away from voting booths, instead engaging into their usual inane activities like eating chips watching the boob tube, playing video games, watching celebrity garbage on their smartphones, texting their friends, etc. One might expect that those now ranting and raving the most were those that voted least. Now many are desperate as the reality of their fiasco becomes all too real with each new day.

In case any are wondering, on the presidential ballot, I marked the write in field with "The Invisible Man".

Define mainstream media?

[Hobbes]

May we call each other "Deplorable".

Sounds like a code word to me. According to the mayor of Berkeley:

Using speech to silence marginalized communities and promote bigotry is unacceptable. Hate speech isn't welcome in our community.

https://twitter.com/JesseArreguin?ref_s ... r%5Eauthor

I wonder if Eric will accept that standard of conduct for this 'community'?

[dave54]

...
Define mainstream media?

Alt media and fake news are any source you do not follow.

Isn't that the new normal, the new acceptable now? Demonize everyone with an opinion different from yours?

What ever happened to 'I may disagree with what you say but I will defend your right to say it'?
Where has we agree to disagree but remain friends gone?

I am disgusted with the whole nation now -- left and right. A pox on both their houses.