McKenzie Hartmann- Men Desrtroy rock in Utah National Park- 4th Period

The article essentially explains the controversy surrounding the recent actions of local Utah scout leaders in southern Utah's Goblin Valley State Park.  The three scouts took it upon themselves to completely destroy one of the remarkable rock structures positioned in the part because in their, amateur, opinion it looked unsteady and posed an immediate threat.  These rocks, the central attraction with the park took millions of years to form and only seconds to destroy.  As if it weren't enough to bring about this blatant disregard to the rules of the park, or fundamental common sense, the men filmed it and posted it on facebook.  The video is rife with laughter and the event is followed with a plethora of high fives clearly demonstrating the men's lack of remorse for the damage caused.  Utah prosecutors are now questioning whether or not to take legal action against these "vigilante" obstructors.

This article directly highlights American societies growing indifference for the well being of nature.  The park had clearly outlined the rules and regulations and big shocker, the destruction of nature's art wasn't on the list of acceptable behavior.  What I really don't understand is where these men got their innate sense of entitlement and who dictated the justification of this.  If there really was a threat present that's one thing, however in that instance the correct actions to take would be to call a park employee.  Were they truly concerned with the safety of those around them, they shouldn't have gone about this on their own, further endangering the lives of those around them.  What if an unassuming person had been wondering about at the exact moment the rock fell?  Furthermore, if these men were acting on behalf of the greater good, as they claim, why were they so adamant about carrying out their actions in the most childish way possible, and why didn't they immediately report their actions to a park employee.  Any way you look at this the men were in the wrong by at least one account, they shouldn't have pursued this on their own.  However, whether or not their deeds warrant prosecution depends entirely upon an individual's belief in their claim for the greater good, or if it was just a bunch of ignorant thrill seekers looking for an excuse to act like fools.    

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/18/us/utah-boulder-destroyed/index.html?hpt=us_c2