Stupid Is As Stupid Does: The Dangers that Stupid Humans Pose to Wildlife

The following story appeared on the AP (Associated Press) wire regarding ill-advised human interaction with wildlife in our National Parks.
My comment follows the article.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Tourist John Gleason crept through the grass, four small children close behind, inching toward a bull elk with antlers like small trees at the edge of a meadow in Yellowstone National Park.

"They're going to give me a heart attack," said Gleason's mother-in-law, Barbara Henry, as the group came within about a dozen yards of the massive animal.

The elk's ears then pricked up, and it eyed the children and Washington state man before leaping up a hillside. Other tourists — likewise ignoring rules to keep 25 yards from wildlife — picked up the pursuit, snapping pictures as they pressed forward and forced the animal into headlong retreat.

Record visitor numbers at the nation's first national park have transformed its annual summer rush into a sometimes dangerous frenzy, with selfie-taking tourists routinely breaking park rules and getting too close to Yellowstone's storied elk herds, grizzly bears, wolves and bison.

Law enforcement records obtained by The Associated Press suggest such problems are on the rise at the park, offering a stark illustration of the pressures facing some of America's most treasured lands as the National Park Service marks its 100th anniversary.

From Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, major parks are grappling with illegal camping, vandalism, theft of resources, wildlife harassment and other visitor misbehavior, according to the records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

In July alone, law enforcement rangers handled more than 11,000 incidents at the 10 most visited national parks.

In Yellowstone, rangers are recording more wildlife violations, more people treading on sensitive thermal areas and more camping in off-limit areas. The rule-breaking puts visitors in harm's way and can damage resources and displace wildlife, officials said.

Often the incidents go unaddressed, such as when Gleason and the children approached the bull elk with no park personnel around. Gleason said he was "maybe" too close but felt comfortable in the situation as an experienced hunter who's spent lots of time outdoors.

These transgressions add to rangers' growing workload that includes traffic violations, searches for missing hikers and pets running off-leash in parks.

"It's more like going to a carnival. If you look at the cumulative impacts, the trends are not good," said Susan Clark, a Yale University professor of wildlife ecology who has been conducting research in the Yellowstone area for 48 years. "The basic question is, 'What is the appropriate relationship with humans and nature?' We as a society have not been clear about what that ought to be, and so it's really, really messy and nasty."

Recent events at Yellowstone grabbed national headlines:

— A Canadian tourist who put a bison calf in his SUV hoping to save it, ending with wildlife workers euthanizing the animal when they could not reunite it with its herd.

— Three visitors from Asia cited on separate occasions for illegally collecting water from the park's thermal features.

— A Washington state man killed after leaving a designated boardwalk and falling into a near-boiling hot spring.

The flouting of park rules stems from disbelief among visitors that they will get hurt, said Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk. "I can't tell you how many times I have to talk to people and say, 'Step back. There's a dangerous animal,' and they look at me like I have three heads," he said.

Inconsistent record keeping, including a recent switch to a new criminal offenses reporting system, makes it difficult to identify trends that apply uniformly across the major parks.

But the records reviewed by the AP reveal the scope of visitor misbehavior is huge. In Yellowstone, administrators and outside observers including Clark say the park's problems have become more acute. That threatens its mission to manage its lands and wildlife "unimpaired" for future generations.

Beyond incidents that lead to citations are many more that result in warnings. More than 52,000 warnings were issued in 2015, up almost 20 percent from the year before.

Washington state resident Lisa Morrow's son was among the children Gleason led toward the elk. Despite safety advisories — and numerous examples of visitors getting gored by bison, mauled by bears and chased by elk — Morrow declared herself unafraid of the park's wildlife. She said she was eager to see a grizzly up close.

"I want to see one right there," Morrow said, pointing to a spot just feet away. "I'd throw it a cookie."

The top 10 parks by visitation collectively hosted almost 44 million people last year, according to National Park Service figures. That's a 26 percent increase from a decade earlier, or more than 9.1 million new visitors combined at Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and the other national parks on the list.

Yellowstone boasts the most large, dangerous carnivores among those parks, but each has its risks. In Rocky Mountain National Park, it's elk that become more aggressive during mating season. In Yosemite, it's towering waterfalls where visitors insist on swimming near the edge. In the Grand Canyon it's squirrels habituated to humans and sometimes quick to bite an outstretched hand.

Wenk said the rise in popularity of social media complicates keeping visitors safe.

"You take a picture of yourself standing 10 feet in front of a bison, and all of a sudden a few hundred people see it, and it's reposted — at the same time we're telling everybody wildlife is dangerous," Wenk said. "They get incongruous messages and then it happens. They get too close, and the bison charges."

(Response)
These idiots--and that is a nice name--endanger not just themselves, but the animals as well. In defending themselves, their offspring or their territory, repeated aggression against humans will result in the animal being killed for fear of more attacks that result from human stupidity.
I'm sure most of these rules violators would think the killing justified, while at the same time ignoring the safety rules to get that perfect selfie that could end up in another animal death.
You just can't fix stupid, and the push for social media stardom only enhances the stupid and cancels out even the smallest inclination of safety. Oh what a moronic generation technology has created.

Early History of the US Navy

From The Wall Builders comes a bit of real US History. please read...

United States Navy

The U. S. Navy dates its origins back to 1775. It began with an August 26, 1775 instruction from Rhode Island to their representatives in the Continental Congress to call for the establishment of a navy, explaining that "every principle, Divine and human, require us to obey that great and fundamental Law of Nature -- self preservation -- until peace shall be restored upon constitutional principles."
The Continental Congress, not in session at that time, took up the issue when it returned and on October 13, 1775, the Continental Navy was created. By the end of the War for Independence, the Navy peaked at 31 ships and was disbanded when the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

This action, however, left American commercial ships in the Mediterranean unprotected. So in 1784, five Muslim nations began attacking American ships and killing and enslaving sailors. With no Navy to deter these terrorists, the United States government's only recourse was to make huge extortion payments to the terrorists in exchange for their promise to limit future attacks. President George Washington, infuriated by this policy, requested that Congress rebuild the Navy. Congress agreed and President John Adams executed that plan. President Thomas Jefferson then used the Navy to launch America's first war on Muslim terrorists, defeating them and ending their attacks against American citizens and interests.

Following this, the Navy slowly shrank in size until it numbered only 40 ships by the beginning of the Civil War (the Confederates had none). The War resulted in a naval build up on both sides, with several major naval battles. (Pictured on the right, is the Battle of Hampton Roads, the first encounter between ironclad armored ships.)

After the War, the Navy once again shrank, but during WWII, it was rebuilt. By the end of 1945, the U. S. Navy consisted of over 1,300 major combat ships (such as battleships, cruisers, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines), 90,000 mine laying ships and landing craft, with over 3.3 million naval personnel.
Military cutbacks over the last six years have once again dramatically reduced the size of the Navy, which currently numbers only 275 ships and 330,000 active duty naval personnel, with 100,000 reserves.

The pattern is clear: when we dramatically cut the military, we invite outside attacks.
So today, while remembering the origins of the U. S. Navy, let's pray for all those that serve in that branch -- and indeed, for those who serve in all branches of our Armed Forces to keep Americans safe around the world!

The Hypocricy of Those Behind Supposed Equality

In the news today, according to the Houston Chronicle, a group called "White Lives Matter" has been labeled as a Hate Group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for promoting the fact that, along with Black Lives Matter, those of caucasian decent matter just as much. However, the group promotes peaceful interaction which is opposite of the Black Lives Matter movement who have endorsed violence to get their message across. This violence includes rioting, harassing people of other races, denying passage down a public sidewalk to elderly folks walking home, and the premediated murders of our police officers, amongst other things.  As their (BLM)activities have been well documented in the news, I will not go into any of that. If you read my blog regularly, you will know that I am not racist, and look only for truth amidst the chaotic sea of rhetoric on both sides of the aisle on any subject.
In my response, I posed a question to see just where true racism will rear its ugly head.
It will be interesting to see where it goes...

"So, along this line of thinking...
Our brothers and sisters of African decent have created a Black History Month, and other events that show the unique culture their anceastors came from. If I created a White History Month, to celebrate the history of causasion ancestory, I would NOT be given fair time and representation in the eyes of Americans of other races, but would instead be labeled a racist, bigot and other defamatory names; just because I am proud of my heritage, just like everyone else?
Isn't that called Hypocricy? What one celebrates, the others should, as well. You can't scream racism, then turn around and not give others a forum.
Here's a great thought...
How about we ALL celebrate being Americans? No colors, no agendas, not hatred for wrongs committed generations ago...just pride in being American. That we were ALL blessed to be born in the greatest country in the world, and that TOGETHER we can we can grow, as a nation, to be greater in every way. How about celebrating THAT?"

Pennsylvania Legislature Sued Over Prayers

From a story in today's Salt Lake Tribune, a group of atheists is suing the Pennsylvania State Legislature over prayers that are offered at the beginning of each days' business. Of course, they are horrified by the practice--which, by the way, has been in place [in Pennsylvania] since before the United States even existed, and are seeking to instill their will on the whole population of the State.

The following is my response to this ridiculous lawsuit:

"The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

These atheist groups fail to grasp that concept. And accordingly, they fail to grasp that, just because a prayer is offered, they by no means must participate, as the lawsuit claims. They do not have to bow their heads and follow along. They are all perfectly capable of leaving their heads up, keeping their eyes open, leaving their arms at their sides, and thinking about other things while any prayer or invocation is given before the Legislature. After all, acting respectfully is not a difficult task.

How difficult is it to respect the beliefs of others? Or, are they so caught up in their zeal to eliminate religion from the public square that the rights of others mean nothing to them?

The Constitution forbids the establishment of one single religion that is endorsed by the State. How is a belief in God the endorsement of a single religion? If the Federal Government took say, the Baptist religion and said, “This is the preferred religion,” then they (the atheists) would have a case. However, the offering of the invocation from various religions is NOT an endorsement of one religion.

These atheist groups need to stop trampling on the rights of the vast majority that believe in religion and put more effort into getting along with everyone. After all, the Freedom of Speech is not just about your opinion, but about also the opinions of everyone who disagrees with your position. If you can’t accept that everyone else has an equal voice, then I suggest you move to another country."

Our National Motto

60 Years as America's National Motto

On July 30, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation establishing "In God We Trust" as America's national motto. As religious rights of conscience continue to be attacked, this is a good time to remember our national motto and renew our efforts to defend our religious rights.
The idea of America as a Christian nation has often been scoffed at by modern academia, religious leaders, and others. However, past Americans have acknowledged that America is a Christian nation and that the rights of religious conscience should be protected.
The United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling declaring America to be a Christian nation, and hundreds of other American courts have acknowledged the same. In fact, Justice David Brewer, a member of that Court said:

"[I]n what sense can [America] be called a Christian nation? Not in the sense that Christianity is the established religion or that the people are in any manner compelled to support it. . . . Neither is it Christian in the sense that all its citizens are either in fact or name Christians. On the contrary, all religions have free scope within our borders. Numbers of our people profess other religions, and many reject all. Nor is it Christian in the sense that a profession of Christianity is a condition of holding office or otherwise engaging in public service, or essential to recognition either politically or socially. . . . Nevertheless, we constantly speak of this republic as a Christian nation – in fact, as the leading Christian nation of the world."

Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase, when looking into what should be printed on the currency of the nation, acknowledged:

"No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins. You will cause a device to be prepared without unnecessary delay with a motto expressing in the fewest and tersest words possible this national recognition."

There are many reasons that America has long been seen as such an exceptional nation -- but those reasons are tied to the religious beliefs and the moral principles of the people that established America. On the anniversary of the national motto, it's appropriate to recognize these religious beliefs and moral principles.
As George Washington told the nation when he left the presidency:

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of man and citizens."

George Washington: Patriot, Leader and Founding Father

I've been wanting to post this one for some time, but with how I've been feeling [while awaiting transplant], this has not been accomplished. Here is some fascinating history on Founding Father and our First President, George Washington.

George Washington First Becomes a National Leader

On July 3, 241 years ago, George Washington took command of the newly formed Continental Army. Congress had selected him -- one of its own members -- to organize the farmers and local militia groups into an army capable of defeating the world’s greatest military power. Quite an undertaking!
One of his first orders to the new American military set a clear tone of what he expected from his troops and also told us much about his character. In that order, Washington urged that

"...every officer and man will endeavor so as to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country."

That his troops display Christian character was important to Washington, and he later additionally charged them:

"To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

He also issued orders prohibiting swearing, profanity, and gambling. He clearly set a very high moral standard for his troops, but it was not more than what he expected from himself. In fact, while just a young boy, he copied out 110 maxims concerning good behavior and manners. Called his "Rules of Civility," he lived by them throughout his life, and they were especially apparent during his time as a soldier.
Washington longed for military life from the time he was a young boy, and he got his first experience during the French and Indian War, two decades before the American Revolution. He should have been killed in the Battle of the Monongahela, but his life was saved by God's Divine intervention. As he told his brother:

"[I] now exist and appear in the land of the living by the miraculous care of Providence that protected me beyond all human expectation; I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me and yet escaped unhurt."

(Similar instances of his life being spared during the Revolutionary War are in the The Founders' Bible article, "George Washington: The Soldier Who Could Not Die").
It was as a result of what he did in the French and Indian War that he was first vaulted into the national spotlight. In fact, a famous military sermon preached in 1755 by the Rev. Samuel Davies (considered the greatest pulpit orator in American history) specifically singled out the young George Washington for special attention because of what happened in that battle.
It was largely because of Washington's experiences in that early war that he was chosen by his fellow citizens as a member of Congress, and then chosen by his peers in Congress as Commander-In-Chief. He led America on to a successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War, oversaw the formation of the U. S. Constitution, and guided us through the implementation of our new government as our first president. He is rightly honored as "The Father of His Country."
Washington fully understood that the important part he had played in America’s formation was by the direction of God, acknowledging:

“I have only been an instrument in the hands of Providence.”

As the anniversary of America's independence draws closer, let's honor one of the key individuals responsible for that independence: George Washington.

Religious Education Amongst Our Founding Fathers

A bit of history--much of this is unknown today--that is purposely forgotten by secularists who seek to removed religion from the public square as well as from our early history.

America's Founders at College

Too many indisputable facts from American history are ignored today because they impede the direction many progressives want to move culture. For example, while they claim that the Founders were largely secularists, few today know that most of them were graduates of colleges or universities that specialized in training ministers of the Gospel.
Princeton was founded in 1746, and John Witherspoon, a Gospel minister and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the college's president from 1768-1794. He trained scores of individuals who became national and state leaders. Princeton required that "every student shall attend worship in the college hall morning and evening."
Yale University, founded in 1701, had Thomas Clap as its president from 1740-1766, when many of the Founders attended school there. Clap affirmed:

"The original end and design of colleges was to instruct, educate, and train up persons for the work of the ministry."

Harvard University was founded in 1636. (Pictured on the right is the original 1650 Harvard incorporation charter from the WallBuilders library.) Josiah Quincy, Harvard's president from 1829 to 1845, noted:

"[T]he College was conducted as a theological institution. . . having religion for its basis and chief object."

Altogether, 29 signers of the Declaration graduated from religiously-founded universities. But to acknowledge this today would certainly contradict the common educational assertion that our Founders were largely atheists, agnostics, and deists who wanted a secular country. But those assertions are not true.
Gouverneur Morris, a signer of the Constitution and the most active member of the Constitutional Convention, openly asserted:

"Religion is the only solid basis of good morals; therefore, education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man towards God."

In fact, he warned:

"There must be religion. What that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish. . . . The most important of all lessons is the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion."

Take note, America! This is a good warning to remember today.

Donald Trump and Political Correctness

An article in today's Washington Post discusses the perceived missteps by presumptive Republican Party Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, in regards to his attack on the Political Correctness that has gripped this country. The article goes on the explain how Trump is offending people and groups by his insistence that PC needs to be a thing of the past and individuals need to be strong, opinionated and leaders.
The following was my response to the article...

"Like him or not, Trump is correct about the whole PC mess. People are too easily offended because they've been coddled by political correctness for too long. Yes, there's a fine line between honesty and meanness; which should never be crossed. However, when even insinuation makes people cry foul, they are being too sensitive.  Just a two months ago a movie studio had to apologize for a billboard advertising the X-Men film because a few people thought it depicted violence against women. Seriously? How completely ludicrous to jump to such a conclusion! In reality, it was a screen grab of a scene in a movie in which both men and women were being attacked non-discriminately.

Let's look at this another way...

I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. In Nov 2013 I had BOTH of my kidneys removed because they were covered and filled with cysts, and needed to have them removed in order to be eligible for transplant, which I still await. In the 2.5 years since, I have not peed one drop. Now, if I overhear a conversation by people complaining about how much they have to pee, should I get offended because they are being insensitive to my situation? 'How thoughtless of them! I'm going to be angry and demand that they conduct sensitivity training so as to NOT offend anyone with no kidneys, because doing so makes me feel like LESS of a person. Everyone MUST conform to my angst!'

Do you see the point?

In the PC world of today, there ARE individuals and groups who demand conformity from everyone else because of whatever particular offense (as they deem) is being perpetrated against them by the rest of the country. The whole PC thing was bad when it first began, and it is absolutely horrible now.

It has gotten to the point that you cannot even have an individual opinion without having to publically apologize and say that you were 'misinformed' or some such language. Just look at anyone in the spotlight for proof of that. Athletes, TV or Movie stars, Politicians, Business owners, Educators...the list goes on and on about public apologies because some person or group was offended by the opinion that someone shared with the public.

We should never have to apologize because we disagree with a particular stance or movement. Individuality is entirely about freedom. Freedom to live, worship, work, opine and discuss as we choose...even when our way of doing things-or opinions we have--goes against everyone else.

Just because we disagree with someone or something does NOT mean that we are right; or that they are. It means we are exercising our individual freedom. The whole PC movement seeks to take away individual freedom in favor of a group mentality that assures no one is offended, all feelings are sacred to the group as a whole, and that everyone who disagrees with you is hateful, or homophobic, or racist, or whatever negative connotation is bandied about these days to describe anyone who fails to fall in line with the Politically Correct way of thinking.

This country was founded on the idea of individual freedom. The PC movement has devolved to the point so as to destroy that freedom in favor of preserving everyone's FEELINGS. Trump is merely seeking to restore balance to the insanity that political correctness has wrought upon this country. How is this a bad thing? And just how are we worse off by exercising our freedoms? Yes, there will always be people who abuse their rights; but as a whole, we are stronger, more intelligent, we achieve more and become better as individuals and as a country when we are allowed to BE the individuals that we should be."