Originally Posted by
RustyC
The yawning gap between costs for seniors and everyone else is a good example of what's politically wrong in Washington. Giving a lifetime pass for a one-time $15 vs. $50 (or $80) a year is hard to view as fair given the fact that many pass recipients can better afford the costs than ones who don't qualify.
I agree that it's unconscionable that Seniors pay $15 for life and everyone else pays $80 a year. Every study shows that, on average, seniors are the wealthiest group in America. And, of course, the seniors visiting our national parks are wealthier than average (think the RV set). Because they have the time, they also spend many more days in the Parks than your typical passholder.
Everyone knows this, of course, but just try taking away benefits from Seniors -- especially when you've given them a lifetime pass. It would be nice for someone to have some courage in this regard, however. Heck, I would suspect that a good percentage of the Seniors using the pass benefits are embarrassed by the obvious inequality. I would be.