Of Political Correctness, The Greater Good and State Parks

As we have traveled during the last 30+ years, we have often camped in state parks.  Most, if not all of the state parks we've visited show a strong CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) footprint.

The CCC was created as a government jobs program during the Great Depression in the 1930's, building national and state park buildings, infrastructure, trails, tree nurseries, and more.  That government-led program has left a lasting imprint on the how many American and foreign visitors experience and view the varied geography and rich terrain of the United States.

On this most recent trip we have camped primarily in Texas State Parks, in each of which we have visited lodges, visitor centers, and cabins built by the CCC; we have walked trails established by men from this program in the 1930's, which have been relished by countless visitors over the years and continue to be maintained by current park staff, whose jobs are in constant jeopardy as state and national budgets cut  funding for parks.  Most, if not all, CCC park buildings were built using readily available natural materials, trails were created to cause minimum impact to the the natural habitat of any given area while still permitting ready access to the wonders of nature to all park visitors, and both signage and nature programs were developed to instill in park visitors a deep and abiding love and respect for nature.

Our country is once again mired in difficult financial times.   As we travel this country, state by state, we have seen both incredible displays of wealth and painful evidence of great poverty. I cannot help but think that government money - OUR money - rather than supporting failing "big business" could be more productively spent on something like a modified CCC, but I suspect that in 2013 a program such as the CCC was in the 30's would be scoffed at as politically incorrect, as forcing the poor to work for the government, as "make-work".

I wonder if there a way in which such a program could be created in today's circumstances and perceptions, which would be construed NOT negatively, but as a mechanism for providing many citizens in dire need with the jobs and money for sustaining their families, and skills training for future employment; something that would be seen as an opportunity to foster pride in the ability of the participants to build something that both current and future generations would enjoy, and from which both the builders and the nation would benefit.  If such a program were to be developed, I would certainly be an ardent supporter.