While browsing the New York Times online, I stumbled across a familiar picture, Deception Pass, a State Park in my fair state of Washington. I was excited to see our beautiful park featured on the Times, but then I began reading the article:

In State Parks, the Sharpest Ax Is the Budget’s

Tillamook State Park, OR

In Washington state, the government has been able to keep our state parks free and open to the public for visit. However in a majority of states across the country, it costs a fee to be able to enter parks. It looks like Washington's state parks have held out as long as they could. Starting July 1st, it'll cost $10 for a daily visit, or $30 for an annual pass.

Another victim of budget cuts. Blah.

First of all, I despise the phrase budget cuts. Being a student at the University of Washington has made me all the more aware of how reckless government spending, overly beefed-up defense spending, and tax cuts cause suffering to the most important sectors of our country, like higher education.

I suppose in the grand scheme of things, state parks don't have the same clout as higher education. However, state parks are important nonetheless.

In today's world, I really have no idea how many people really make a point to visit state parks. To me, being in nature, removed from the city, cut off from technology, cooking dinner on a fire, sleeping outside, is simplest form of happiness. I know camping isn't what a lot of people consider fun, but I think everyone could benefit from reconnecting with nature once in a while.

Mt. Rainer Nat'l Park, WA

At the risk of sounding like a raging hippie (trust me, I'm not, I just live in Seattle), a no technology allowed camping trip could make the country a happier place. Learn to enjoy nature for what it is, void of the constant stimulation of our computer screens and cell phones. State parks are the perfect catalyst.

Now that Washington state parks are going to charge for entrance, I foresee a greater decline in their usage. That makes me sad.

All I'm saying is, go camping. Support your state parks. I promise, if you give it a chance, you'll leave a happier person.

Here's the article