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The American people can send loud and clear messages to the government, and when they do, officials are often responsive. Last August, a draft of policies and rules for National Parks was leaked that emphasized commercialization, tourism, and motorized recreation within the parks. In response, more than 50,000 people commented on the proposed changes in the management style of the National Park Service, including a petition from Care2 and The Wilderness Society that was signed by over 11,000 people. These outcries put an end to the possibility of any radical changes.
Through this experience, Americans now realize not only that they cannot take their parks for granted, but how powerful they can be within our democracy when they have a consensus opinion and take action.
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