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Public Properties

Of all the silliness in America there are a couple of institutions that do wonders for its people or anyone who cares to visit.

First on that list would be the public libraries across all states, counties and towns.  Funded by taxpayer money they have seen a slow degradation of service in terms of open hours or staffing levels (both physical and mental) but nonetheless they serve as a vast treasure for someone just hungry to read.  You will be surprised at the content they carry - in some geographies in several languages.

Inspite of the lack of enthusiasm on part of the staff, that I too (inspite of dulling of the senses) remember from two decades ago on our first encounter with this system; the librarians are largely a friendly bunch with the information desk glad to assist if you had a specific query.

The library also provides a place of refuge in times of local crises, fires or displacing events.  They serve as a shelter in case of extreme weather and for people who could not afford a clean environment that could harbor them for a few hours till the inclement event has passed.  Not to mention the availability of clean restrooms and drinking water.

A lot of today's public (the very same for whom this service remains available) take things for granted and does not pause to think what it means to have access to such a resource.  With their 'face's buried in their virtual 'book's they ignore or remain unaware of places on the planet that do no such thing for their citizenry.  Shame.

The next set of wonderful properties come in the form of large tracts of OUTDOOR space with amazing vistas reserved for public generations to come.  They are the NPS or National Park System under the Department of the Interior.  Not sure if there is a Dept of the Exterior but the naming seems convoluted.

Be that as it may the former thinkers and presidents, specifically Teddy R and Woodrow W played the crucial role to formulate the concept and sign laws that allow such amazing vistas to be preserved for us to enjoy.

So I say - Enjoy while it lasts!
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