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National Parks: More Popular than Food Stamps

Submitted by jersu on December 23, 2005 - 2:19pm
Harris Poll asked 1,718 adults recently about how strongly they support some government services. And guess what? Of the 14 different services polled, the National Park Service was by far the most popular, with 85% of people giving it a "great deal" or "fair amount" of support. Here are a few other selected services from the list, and their level of support:

  • 85% National Park Service
  • 76% Medicare
  • 76% Social Security
  • 71% Defense
  • 59% Food Stamps
  • 40% Foreign Aid

This data backs up a recent claim made by NPS Director Fran Mainella in a letter defending management policies. She wrote: "Our national parks are the soul of America. (The Park Service) mission cannot, and should not change". I think she's right!