It always amazes me how many Europeans and Asians one finds at America's national parks. Ask a couple if they'd like you to take a photograph of them together, and they are likely to answer with an accent French or Italian. Be it the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone or Yosemite, there will be Germans who have seen more American wilderness than you have. There will be Asians who have crossed to a different continent to see what many American families won't drive four hours, or two days, to enjoy. Yes, they'll take the time to visit department stores and amusement parks, and they'll spend money on IMAX and roller coasters and video games.
Manufactured experiences are the rage.
Thrills trump wonderment. These modern attractions are all well and good, but they can't leave the visitor with the sense of awe at this other life that our great land lives, another country where buffalo roam and geysers erupt and bears run madcap through the night. Would you like to see them add this columnist to their newspaper. Use this form to find your local paper's email address and recommend this columnist. Member Groups Accuracy in Academia Accuracy in Media Acton Institute Association of Christian Schools American Conservative Union American Family Association Amer.