Reflections of Week #6

This week was a very special time for myself and those who work for the National Park Service. Ken Burns released his much-anticipated "America's Best Idea: The National Parks" this past Sunday on public broadcasting networks all over the country. The documentary accounts the creation of America's national park system, the first of its kind in human history.

For those who are not aware, Ken Burns has produced many other documentaries about American life and culture in the past two decades. His work on Baseball, Jazz, and the American Civil War have won him countless awards and praise. His most recent work recounts the history of conservation in America, beginning with John Muir and Gifford Pinchot in the mid-19th Century.

So, why all the excitement? America is truly a great place to live. Regardless of all the ignorance and greed we see from Americans on television, there are many who live here that offer much to the human race and are respectful to themselves and others. America is a unique place, but is for the most part built on ideas that are not unique. Democracy, capitalism, and French Fries all came from other places in the world. But for some reason we Americans are able to take something old and make it new again. There are many reasons for this. The most prevalent, I think, is because of the diverse composition of the American population. We have so many nationalities and races that have so much to offer the world...

Ken Burns' series that has debuted this week celebrates something that we Americans can truly call our own - the national parks. After the dust has settled hundreds of years from now, future civilizations will look back and attribute the world's first national park to America. And what a great Democratic idea! Land set aside for all to enjoy, regardless of income, race, or nationality. This gesture by our forefathers is, in fact, the most democratic notion of all! I hope some of you have the chance to tune in this week (8 pm every night this week on your local PBS) and enjoy this truly America legacy :-)