Friday 27 November 2009

Another strange sign from across the pond . . . .


This was situated at a viewing point on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. No doubt they can be seen elsewhere in the States but this was the only one I noticed.

The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

I don't know exactly what the The National Park Service is afraid of but notice how it differs from the kind of sign that might be expected in  National Parks in England. These would be full of prohibitions; no litter, no picnicking, no barbecues etc.

I like the font they've used. Very 'Art Deco'.

3 comments:

  1. We saw one of those at Muir Woods -- it was near the bathrooms and in a boring font :-)

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  2. I found my photo, and the sign at Muir Woods is longer. It says "First Amendment Area. This area has been set aside for individuals or groups exercising their constitutional first amendment rights. The National Park Service neither encourages nor discourages, or otherwise endorses, these activities, and receives no funds in relation to these activities." So, do my rights decrease the farther away I get from the sign?

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  3. They are probably concerned about some old time pagan religeous activity that would make someone of your beliefs uncomfortable. If you ever got to stand there and look out on that canyon you would easily see why people start having spiritual thoughts.

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