The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

MoonHowler

yosemite

As Yosemite National Park stands in grave danger of fire, it is time again to enjoy Ken Burns’ The National Parks:  America’s Best Idea.  I never tire of the National Parks and the genius of making America own them.  How many countries have these kinds of parks available to the common man?  Most beautiful spots are owned by the rich and elite in other spots around the world. Yellowstone National Park was the very first (1872)and it just happens to be my favorite.  It isn’t the prettiest by far but the animals and geysers and geological uniqueness make up for what it lacks in beauty.   Perhaps the best thing about it is that the American buffalo was preserved and kept from extinction.

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The National Parks: America’s Best Idea –A Film by Ken Burns

MoonHowler

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea begins tonight. Ken Burns, film maker for 30 years has created the series. So I dedicate this weekend to film makers.

I am a huge proponent of the National Parks and I have waited for today with great anticipation. The series starts tonight at 8 pm on PBS.

National Parks preserve that which is best of our country for our posterity. They are a great source of national pride. They require protection and preservation. They can cause controversy. They protect us from ourselves and from our greed.

Ken Burns exposes the difficulties the national park system has had since its inception and gives us beautiful film footage of the wonders of our nation, along with a good dose of history. The previews are on now and will be repeated throughout the day. Each episode can be viewed online and will be repeated for about 2 weeks on PBS. You can create a scrapebook of pictures as well as other things. You will be able to buy the dvd and book at some point.

http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

This series will probably renew a huge interest in our national park system. Plan to go soon, early and often, before the throngs get there. My wish is that we, the Anti crowd, will be able to put aside some of our rancor and discuss this series.