(cw: ecocide) Happy 4th of July.

City spends $80k+ on a parade and fireworks show.

The parade has multiple right-wing groups so it's basically a MAGA rally.

The fireworks show takes place in a bird sanctuary and costs $30k for a disappointing 20 minute show. Prepping it requires two weeks of dedicated overtime labour from dozens of people at the expense of the rest of the parks system, all in 30C+ weather.

The day after requires more overtime labour from dozens of people to clean up that bird sanctuary. It was filled with beer cans, broken bottles, dirty diapers, and everything else people could think to throw on the ground. The nesting grounds, vulnerable habitat, ornamental beds we spent two weeks manicuring, a two block radius around the sanctuary. The wildlife in that sanctuary had just spent the night gorging themselves on food waste and plastic/glass if they weren't scared off by the explosions.

Our budget is being cut by 25%+ next year and most of the staff don't receive health insurance benefits. Cost-cutting is the major theme of the year with major pullbacks on plans for biocentric gardens, the only thing we received compliments on at a recent public event. What remains is going to massive grass lawns, pickleball courts, and the next 4th of July event.

My hate is pure.