not feeling it this year

Today is the 4th of July and I am supposed to be feeling good about living in this country, but right now, I don't. I'm siding with the Native Americans on the issue of not wanting to celebrate the holiday at Mount Rushmore: https://abc11.com/politics/protesters-blocking-road-to-mount-rushmore-before-trump-event/6296294/

My only hope right now is that the forest around the Black Hills doesn't burn down like the desert around where I live just did.

[Larry Steager]

I agree with what you said. Truly sad, come November Vote!

[Krista Marson]

@larrysphotos Oh, I'll be voting! Always do.

[Dustyloup]

Fire leaves space for growth!

[J A Byrdlip]

Was up in the Grand Tetons, walked the trail around the south end of Jenny Lake, nice lush forest, had to wait for a moose crossing. Came back three years later, no forest. Forest service was mandated not to fight fires, or some such thing at the time. Pine Bark Beetles had thrived in the underbrush, leading to the demise of the forest. Some recovery has taken place.

[Krista Marson]

@dustyloup Yes, but the only problem with that is that the forests in the US have been mismanaged for so long with the policy of fire suppression that the forests have all reached a tipping point that when they burn, they burn unnaturally huge.

[kali]

lots of dismayed and heavy hearts in your country nowadays, the system is very sick!

[Milanie]

Again I agree. And we've got to speak up to get like-minded people to get out in November. We know the others certainly speak up.

[Diana]

I feel your sentiments about your country, it is in a pretty sad state. You are not alone there, our country is going down the drain too.

[Dustyloup]

@blueberry1222 hmm, that fire suppression policy is an interesting metaphor for the US over the last 40-50 years.

[haskar]

I know what you're feeling! Sorry to watch this strange dance of politicians. We can do very little but that is why we have to do it.

[*lynn]

"sad" picture for sad times

[KazzaMazoo]

It seems so much of the world has been or is on fire this year, both literally and figuratively. Our bushfires here were ferocious, but maybe in a way it’s the universe saying we need to burn off the excess to make room for fresh new (and healthier) growth. Who knows what the remainder of this bizarre year will bring?