Closed Parks

Much has been said about the closing of various federal institutions across the country due to the budget stalemate. In particular, complaints have been voiced about the economic and cultural costs of closed national parks and museums. Disregarding for the moment the long-term economic effects of burdening my generation (being now 26 years old) with a huge federal debt, the short-term solution seems pretty clear.

The National Gallery was opened temporarily with private donations (Dec. 28). I have heard that the state of Arizona had plans to ensure that the Grand Canyon has funds to continue functioning. It is clear that the admission costs to these national treasures can be raised to the point where they are self-funding for this period. Then patrons can continue to enjoy and support these operations. The states, which benefit most from any economic activity related to the operation of federal parks, can provide temporary funds. The fact that few federal agencies seem to have discussed it merely reinforces the notion that these agencies cannot respond to real world problems in any flexible way.

BRIAN BANISTER

Rancho Palos Verdes