The Government Shutdown (1 Viewer)

[TheIronSheik]

On my way home last night from work, I drive through Valley Forge and they have those construction horse things blocking the parking lots AND the trails. I think it's hilarious they are "shutting down" the outdoors. Are people really looking at those orange and white blockades and thinking, "Damn. There's no way into the park now."

And for those not aware, the park is not some secluded area tucked away in a remote corner of the county. There are major state roads that travel right through the park. It really is comical.

 

[spreagle]

That just makes it way easier for the Diggers to get away with plundering shutdown national parks without being seen. The Diggers have been waiting years, perhaps decades, for this chance.

 

[NCCommish]

On my way home last night from work, I drive through Valley Forge and they have those construction horse things blocking the parking lots AND the trails. I think it's hilarious they are "shutting down" the outdoors. Are people really looking at those orange and white blockades and thinking, "Damn. There's no way into the park now."

And for those not aware, the park is not some secluded area tucked away in a remote corner of the county. There are major state roads that travel right through the park. It really is comical.

Those are up because most of the employees that provide security and services are furloughed.

 

[[icon]]

On my way home last night from work, I drive through Valley Forge and they have those construction horse things blocking the parking lots AND the trails. I think it's hilarious they are "shutting down" the outdoors. Are people really looking at those orange and white blockades and thinking, "Damn. There's no way into the park now."

And for those not aware, the park is not some secluded area tucked away in a remote corner of the county. There are major state roads that travel right through the park. It really is comical.

This isn't about saving money. In "shutdowns" the govt still is as inefficient as ever... they shut down things that are the most painful to standard citizens without actually allowing chaos to rule. The national zoo shut down the pandacam. Really? Turning off a webcam is going to save money? It's the same reason local governments threaten cuts in schools and fire/police whenever taxes need to be raised. It's all a game and they electorate is holding the populace hostage.

They're all jackwagons.

 

[NCCommish]

On my way home last night from work, I drive through Valley Forge and they have those construction horse things blocking the parking lots AND the trails. I think it's hilarious they are "shutting down" the outdoors. Are people really looking at those orange and white blockades and thinking, "Damn. There's no way into the park now."

And for those not aware, the park is not some secluded area tucked away in a remote corner of the county. There are major state roads that travel right through the park. It really is comical.

This isn't about saving money. In "shutdowns" the govt still is as inefficient as ever... they shut down things that are the most painful to standard citizens without actually allowing chaos to rule. The national zoo shut down the pandacam. Really? Turning off a webcam is going to save money? It's the same reason local governments threaten cuts in schools and fire/police whenever taxes need to be raised. It's all a game and they electorate is holding the populace hostage.

They're all jackwagons.

It's not about saving money. It's about how things get financed. The panda cam is funded by the congress doing it's job and keeping the money flowing. Those dollars are gone so the panda cam goes.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

 

[NCCommish]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

It's CYA.

 

[Arizona Ron]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

Typically with those orange and white blockades

 

[TheIronSheik]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

Typically with those orange and white blockades

I just can't figure out how all those joggers on the walking paths got into the park this morning. I guess they could have scaled those blockades and rappelled down the other side. Seems like a lot of work just to go jogging.

 

[[icon]]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

Typically with those orange and white blockades

Or a complex system of motion detecting laser beams.

 

[Mjolnirs]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

 

[E-Z Glider]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

One of my favorite places in the world is Portsmouth Island, NC. You take your vehicle over on a ferry, drive up the beach, park wherever you want, and go surf-fishing. Since it's a national park, all "recreation" is now closed. There are people staying on the island, many on vacation for the week (or longer), that have been told they are not allowed to set foot on the beach. They are basically trapped in their cabins because other than the beach, there really isnt anywhere else to go. The park rangers are all still there, enforcing the shutdown. Seems ridiculous.

 

[shader]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

One of my favorite places in the world is Portsmouth Island, NC. You take your vehicle over on a ferry, drive up the beach, park wherever you want, and go surf-fishing. Since it's a national park, all "recreation" is now closed. There are people staying on the island, many on vacation for the week (or longer), that have been told they are not allowed to set foot on the beach. They are basically trapped in their cabins because other than the beach, there really isnt anywhere else to go. The park rangers are all still there, enforcing the shutdown. Seems ridiculous.

freedom!

 

[NutterButter]

I'm not talking about the politics or money of it at all. I'm saying putting up signs at a 3,500 acre piece of land and saying it's closed is stupid. Again, this isn't some secluded place. It's a 3,500 acre field. How do you close it?

Typically with those orange and white blockades

I just can't figure out how all those joggers on the walking paths got into the park this morning. I guess they could have scaled those blockades and rappelled down the other side. Seems like a lot of work just to go jogging.

I'm surprised they didn't send the paddy wagon. Round em all up. The outdoors is closed.

 

[timschochet]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

 

[Varmint]

Somebody was running around Mt.Rushmore yelling to everyone around..."avert your eyes....the monument is closed....you can't look!"

 

[NutterButter]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

 

[Henry Ford]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

 

[Black Box]

Somebody was running around Mt.Rushmore yelling to everyone around..."avert your eyes....the monument is closed....you can't look!"

I zoomed in really close on Google maps.

 

[timschochet]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

 

[NutterButter]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

Yeah, people pretty much suck.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

I get that. I don't agree with the lawyers thing (not what you said, but being able to sue),

But when it comes to the outdoors, what does being open and being closed have to do with public safety? If I break my ankle walking through a field that's a park, can I not sue if the park is open?

 

[timschochet]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

I get that. I don't agree with the lawyers thing (not what you said, but being able to sue),

But when it comes to the outdoors, what does being open and being closed have to do with public safety? If I break my ankle walking through a field that's a park, can I not sue if the park is open?

You can sue for anything at anytime. But I'm betting that if a park is "closed" and there is no indication that the park is closed, you have a far better chance of success in your lawsuit.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

I get that. I don't agree with the lawyers thing (not what you said, but being able to sue),

But when it comes to the outdoors, what does being open and being closed have to do with public safety? If I break my ankle walking through a field that's a park, can I not sue if the park is open?

You can sue for anything at anytime. But I'm betting that if a park is "closed" and there is no indication that the park is closed, you have a far better chance of success in your lawsuit.

Why?

"I twisted my ankle in a ditch in a field in a National Park."

"Sounds like a weak case. Sorry. I'm not going to take it."

"Well the park was closed."

"Parks close all the time at night. Sorry. There's no case."

"But no signs were posted saying it was closed."

"You, sir, are going to rich when we win this open and shut case!"

 

[Scoresman]

Just remember that the GOP is willing to #### working people over and even put your entire future in jeopardy with debt limit brinksmanship so that old white people can vent their frustrations without having to look at people who aren't like them.

You probably shouldn't vote for them.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Just remember that the GOP is willing to #### working people over and even put your entire future in jeopardy with debt limit brinksmanship so that old white people can vent their frustrations without having to look at people who aren't like them.

You probably shouldn't vote for them.

OK

 

[timschochet]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

I get that. I don't agree with the lawyers thing (not what you said, but being able to sue),

But when it comes to the outdoors, what does being open and being closed have to do with public safety? If I break my ankle walking through a field that's a park, can I not sue if the park is open?

You can sue for anything at anytime. But I'm betting that if a park is "closed" and there is no indication that the park is closed, you have a far better chance of success in your lawsuit.

Why?

"I twisted my ankle in a ditch in a field in a National Park."

"Sounds like a weak case. Sorry. I'm not going to take it."

"Well the park was closed."

"Parks close all the time at night. Sorry. There's no case."

"But no signs were posted saying it was closed."

"You, sir, are going to rich when we win this open and shut case!"

"But it was during the day, on a day it's normally open. There were no signs to indicate that it was closed to the public. It wasn't roped off or anything. And the park is owned by the federal government."

"Hmm. I suspect you have a case here that we may be able to win."

And you probably would.

 

[TheIronSheik]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

 

[Henry Ford]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

I get that. I don't agree with the lawyers thing (not what you said, but being able to sue),

But when it comes to the outdoors, what does being open and being closed have to do with public safety? If I break my ankle walking through a field that's a park, can I not sue if the park is open?

You can sue for anything at anytime. But I'm betting that if a park is "closed" and there is no indication that the park is closed, you have a far better chance of success in your lawsuit.

Why?

"I twisted my ankle in a ditch in a field in a National Park."

"Sounds like a weak case. Sorry. I'm not going to take it."

"Well the park was closed."

"Parks close all the time at night. Sorry. There's no case."

"But no signs were posted saying it was closed."

"You, sir, are going to rich when we win this open and shut case!"

"But it was during the day, on a day it's normally open. There were no signs to indicate that it was closed to the public. It wasn't roped off or anything. And the park is owned by the federal government."

"Hmm. I suspect you have a case here that we may be able to win."

And you probably would.

I'm going to go ahead and just say that, as a plaintiff's attorney, I disagree with your analysis.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

That just makes it way easier for the Diggers to get away with plundering shutdown national parks without being seen. The Diggers have been waiting years, perhaps decades, for this chance.

Like the guys with metal detectors or the underground actors guild from the 1960s?

 

[timschochet]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

OK. You and Henry Ford disagree. And maybe you're right. I'm not an attorney.

But this all still relates to your original question, because I'm betting that the federal government has decided that it doesn't want to take the risk.

 

[NCCommish]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

OK. You and Henry Ford disagree. And maybe you're right. I'm not an attorney.

But this all still relates to your original question, because I'm betting that the federal government has decided that it doesn't want to take the risk.

The park is closed. There is no security. There are no workers to clean it up. And finally there is CYA because great case or not someone will sue.

 

[TheIronSheik]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

OK. You and Henry Ford disagree. And maybe you're right. I'm not an attorney.

But this all still relates to your original question, because I'm betting that the federal government has decided that it doesn't want to take the risk.

The park is closed. There is no security. There are no workers to clean it up. And finally there is CYA because great case or not someone will sue.

This I can get behind.

The suing part is just ludicrous, though.

 

[NutterButter]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

OK. You and Henry Ford disagree. And maybe you're right. I'm not an attorney.

But this all still relates to your original question, because I'm betting that the federal government has decided that it doesn't want to take the risk.

The park is closed. There is no security. There are no workers to clean it up. And finally there is CYA because great case or not someone will sue.

This I can get behind.

The suing part is just ludicrous, though.

Yes it is. And it probably happens all the time.

 

[Henry Ford]

There's no way. That makes no sense. How would a park being closed or open have any bearing on stepping in a hole in a field? I totally buy your argument for a kid playing in a fountain that is shut off, but a section of vast open land is completely different. A gopher hole in the ground will be there regardless of whether a park is open or closed. If the park is labeled closed, does that mean he can't sue? I'm guessing in this sue happy country he'd still win even if the park was closed.

OK. You and Henry Ford disagree. And maybe you're right. I'm not an attorney.

But this all still relates to your original question, because I'm betting that the federal government has decided that it doesn't want to take the risk.

I agree wholeheartedly. But "you'll probably win" isn't a part of any conversation involving an attorney with the facts you've listed above. At least not with an attorney who doesn't have a billboard.

 

[Mjolnirs]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

So, it is just stupid is the right answer. I hate people.

 

[Arizona Ron]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

 

[(HULK)]

If I was a teen living near Valley Forge or a similar area, I'd be in the midst of planning a giant field party right now. National Parks are typically outside of the local PD's jurisdiction, and with no park police/rangers there to enforce rules, basically you could throw a massive party and face no consequences.

Don't know why that was the first thing I thought of while reading this thread as I'm 36 and not interested in field parties at this stage of my life.

 

[(HULK)]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

How long you in town for?

 

[E-Z Glider]

If I was a teen living near Valley Forge or a similar area, I'd be in the midst of planning a giant field party right now. National Parks are typically outside of the local PD's jurisdiction, and with no park police/rangers there to enforce rules, basically you could throw a massive party and face no consequences.

Don't know why that was the first thing I thought of while reading this thread as I'm 36 and not interested in field parties at this stage of my life.

Wrong, there are park rangers enforcing rules. Just not doing their regular jobs, whatever that is.

 

[Arizona Ron]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

How long you in town for?

I live in NOVA now.

 

[Henry Ford]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

She's a little old for you.

 

[(HULK)]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

How long you in town for?

I live in NOVA now.

Need to update your user ID imo.

Welcome to the area

 

[Kid_kong]

The NTSB can't investigate the plane crash in Santa Monica but can keep the jiggers out of Valley Forge? Fail.

 

[Phil Elliott]

On my way home last night from work, I drive through Valley Forge and they have those construction horse things blocking the parking lots AND the trails. I think it's hilarious they are "shutting down" the outdoors. Are people really looking at those orange and white blockades and thinking, "Damn. There's no way into the park now."

And for those not aware, the park is not some secluded area tucked away in a remote corner of the county. There are major state roads that travel right through the park. It really is comical.

You must be referring to the Barrycades.

 

[NCCommish]

The NTSB can't investigate the plane crash in Santa Monica but can keep the jiggers out of Valley Forge? Fail.

Pretty sure the NTSB isn't responsible for anything that happens at Valley Forge. Further they are securing the plane for when they can resume the investigation. If it had been a commercial flight the investigators would have been considered essential and stayed on the investigation but that doesn't apply to private aviation is my understanding.

 

[Fennis]

My secretary is on vacation in D.C. right now.

I she hot and does she need someone to show her around town?

How long you in town for?

I live in NOVA now.

shouldn't you change your name?

 

[T Bell]

It ranks right up there with the story about the WW II monument being "closed".

I've been there, it's a wide open area you walk through. Turn the power off that works the fountains, but putting up tape to keep people from it is just stupid. The same goes for any of the monuments on that end of the mall.

There's probably some insurance issues involved.

It always seems to come back to insurance.

Really what it comes down to is lawyers.

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little kid jumps into the fountain, breaks his leg. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why their kid got hurt.

This is basically why it's roped off.

Good thinking. I'd never really looked at it that way.

Speaking of which, I need to go to have a word with my doctor. Seems like every time I visit him it coincides with me being sick, the *******!

 

[TakiToki]

If I was a teen living near Valley Forge or a similar area, I'd be in the midst of planning a giant field party right now. National Parks are typically outside of the local PD's jurisdiction, and with no park police/rangers there to enforce rules, basically you could throw a massive party and face no consequences.

Don't know why that was the first thing I thought of while reading this thread as I'm 36 and not interested in field parties at this stage of my life.

Because any cool 36-year-old can immediately relate anything to Dazed and Confused.

 

[-fish-]

Let's suppose Mjolnir's suggestion is taken up: turn off the power, but no tape blocking off visitors. Family visits the WW memorial. No government workers are there, the fountain is turned off. Little Timmy jumps into the fountain, starts to drown. A dog jumps in after him, but can't swim either. 200 bystanders all choose to save the dog. The family hires a lawyer, sues the federal government- the argument is, that if the monument was closed, they should have not allowed anyone to enter. By not putting up tape, they allowed the family to believe the monument was open, and that's why little Timmy drowned.

This is basically why it's roped off.