Washington’s proposed plan to kill off the Magnificent 7 may seem completely antithetical to their role as America’s protector, but in truth the issue is much more complicated.
America’s Magnificent 7 consists of seven national monuments, acres of pristine land which are home to a host of unique and protected species. Each monument has its own distinct identity, from the solitudinous Wyoming Devils Tower to the meandering waterways of the Rio Grande’s Big Bend.
The spectacle of theses monuments have served as a reminder of America’s rugged beauty for centuries, inspiring poets and artists alike. However, this beauty has come under threat in recent years, as demands for oil, gas, and workers for the industries they employ has risen steadily.
The Washington administration has decided that these monuments, however magnificent, must make way for potential development. In addition to the environmental repercussions, such as the destruction of wildlife habitats, there is also an economic argument to consider. The minerals, ores, and gas that are harbored within the walls of the Magnificent 7 could provide an important source of revenue to the American public for years to come.
Of course, there have been counter arguments, as well as protests against this decision from conservationists and environmental action organizations across the country, but the process of determining the Magnificent 7’s fate is likely to continue. All we can do is wait and see, and hope that these stunning remnants of American natural beauty are not lost to the whims of progress.