I really don’t consider quoting the Constitution to be stomping my feet, but if that’s what you think it is, then so be it. In fact, I thought the post was fairly well reasoned and polite.
Now, as to the arrangement you mentioned, it is also mentioned in the Northwest Ordinance. I imagine that same understanding is what encouraged states to cede territory to the Confederate government operating under the articles of Confederation. I say that because the Ordinance preceded the US Constitution.
I’d be curious about dating all of this about Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.
Nonetheless, it still is not reasonable to see the Federal Government as the property owner of all unclaimed land. They are stewards of it on behalf of the people, the first branch of our government.
“We the People of the United (sovereign nation-)States in order to form a more perfect union “
First branch of Government: the People
Second branch of Government: the States
I think that it’s very useful to have a discussion about federal land policy and how it has been warped in the past 20 years. But, such a discussion ought to begin with an understanding of the evolution of that policy and legal and historical roots.
This incident offers an opportunity to do something about the corruption that has taken hold and to put law and regulation back into their proper role. You’ll have to bone up on it on your own, however, the media and much of the commentary here won’t help much.