Monuments worth more

The action taken to reduce the size of national monuments is an absolute travesty. The only way to keep America a safe and prosperous land with a future is to promote keeping of public land in public hands.

Reducing the size of these monuments allows private companies to drill and mine for profit. Which only destroys this country the president claims to love and serve. National monuments and their funding are crucial to the inspiration and exploration of our youth, who are the brightest future we’ve got. They help inspire and educate while promoting love for our planet. After all, it is the only one we have. Taking action like this further destroys this pale blue dot in our tiny galaxy, the only place we have to call home.

We have to work together to support our outdoors. I encourage our members of Congress to take a step back and reconsider the shrinking of wonders such as the Bears Ears and the Grand-Staircase Escalante. And while you’re at it, the National Parks Service could use some funding too. Take the time to explore our country’s beautiful nature for its actual value and not the meaningless value of the dollar.

Jessi Ott

Spokane