Trump's "snitch" system to root out negative potrayals of American history flooded with criticism of Trump admin [View all]

https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/national-park-sign-reports-22279486.php

The Interior Department’s effort to root out “negative” portrayals of American history at national parks has instead become a forum for criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the National Park Service.


This week, the agency published more than 35,000 public comments to its Freedom of Information Act library that were submitted through a nationwide reporting system created to flag content at park sites that the administration said disparaged Americans. Instead of receiving tips on historically inaccurate signs or trail issues, the agency was bombarded with visitors badmouthing the administration and the reporting effort as a whole.

It is totally unAmerican to ask our fellow citizens to report on each other for anything that might not be glowingly laudatory toward our nation’s history or current leadership,” read one comment. “This is a sad parody of what the USA stands for, and makes it look like our country is led by a bunch of delicate snowflakes that can’t stand the idea of anyone suggesting we are anything but totally perfect.”

“History is supposed to be uncomfortable. It is supposed to be difficult and raise conflicting feelings,” read another. “The mere fact that the Secretary of the Interior would seek to erase history because it doesn’t conform to his and the current administration’s desires is disgusting and reprehensible.”

Hundreds of commenters also singled out Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, blaming him for politicizing the Park Service and attempting to sanitize American history.