>I am one of those AARP folks too.. I think the AARPers get a discounted
>pass but not free.  Our most popular National Parks are crawling with
>foreigners.  Do they get cut a deal on taxes in the parks?  I personally
>feel very proud when I see them ohhhing and ahhhhhing our natural
>wonders. The parks do a lot to soften our image as a country of violence.

Yea, I know what you mean. I am very proud of our parks, and its nice to
show off how we were smart enough to try and preserve some of the great
parts of our country.

I think I was a bit out of line with my comments in the first place. I
meant no harm, just frustrated.

I was of the impression that retired folk, meaning some nebulous age that
I am fast approaching, got free access to all the parks. Hey, I have been
wrong all day, so I'm not surprised if I put my foot in my mouth with this
one.

Every taxpayer in the country pays some money to the national parks, and
so we get a fair deal at the gate. People who come from out of the country
do not subsidize the parks, but they pay the same fee as those who do.
When I am there, and they are pouring out of the buses, I get a little
peeved. On the good side, all those people drove me deeper into the back
country where its much more pleasant and enjoyable :-)

Again, it was an off-hand comment and not well considered and if I
offended, I apologize.

Best Regards from Utah,

John