Thread by @MikeSiegelTX

Merry Christmas from Big Bend National Park!

This is one of Texas's jewels, with mountain ranges, natural hot springs, and the Rio Grande on our southern border. Being here during a shutdown—triggered by a demand for Border Wall spending—gives us a lot to think about. (1/6)

Minimal park security, no sanitation services, closed visitor centers and stores, not even rangers to accept park fees. Visitors from around the world are here, mystified that the government of such a powerful country can simply stop functioning. #GovernmentShutdown (2/6)

And the inconveniences for visitors are nothing compared to our government workers who are missing paychecks during the holiday season. #GovernmentShutdown (3/6)

We had plans to visit Las Boquillas, a small Mexican town across the river where kids can ride a donkey, and you can eat delicious food and purchase local artifacts. The Port of Entry is closed, disappointing us and surely depriving that community of essential tourism. (4/6)

Looking at the beautiful river, I’m struck by how absurd the Wall idea is. Where would you build it? What good will it accomplish? Border Patrol has a major presence here, unaffected by the shutdown. (5/6)

I have faith that wiser minds will prevail, that we won’t stake our reputation on a failed medieval security tactic. For now, I’m thankful for Big Bend, and for all of the human beings bringing the holiday spirit, regardless of what is happening in DC. (6/6)