CA: Bush's land giveaway

Sac Bee ^ | 2/2/03 | Bee Editorial Staff

[NormsRevenge]

The Bush administration has hijacked an 1866 law intended to help open the West. The uses that the administration now envisions for this law has the potential to ruin vast portions of the West.

Many of the state's signature landscapes -- Death Valley and the Mojave National Preserve -- could soon face claims from local governments demanding rights-of-way over these federal lands for new roads. On the Mojave preserve alone, San Bernardino County is pressing claims to 2,567 miles of rights-of-way, according to the Los Angeles Times.

[JSteff]

FRom what I see from this article it looks like it is just a way to give SOME government entity land that is currently off limits to everyone. So where is the good in that?
I hate the enviro weenies but distrust government just as much.
At least the way it is now the no-nothing local governments can't use it either.... or so it appears from this article.

[Carry_Okie]

I don't think they wanna hear what you've got to tell 'em...

Really? See #16.

[Dog Gone]

Hurray for the Bush Administration. Can anyone imagine a Gore Administration doing this?

Was the the fight we fought in 2000 worth it?

[John Lenin]

The liberals would rather we all live in 400 story skyscrapers to make it easier for the terrorists to kill us with one plane.

[okie01]

"Really? See #16."

You might get a more positive response than you suspect. Especially if you suggest that the McClatchy family might be able to buy into Yosemite at a rockbottom price...

[NH Liberty]

"

"On the theory that whatever gets the enviro-whackos lathered up is a good thing, I applaud the Bush administration. "

Heh, heh, heh... Agreed.

[EBUCK]

Somehow, I agree.....prolly a good conversation if a bit one sided.

www.azfire.org

It's up and running on all 7 cylinders. Press release for heber board is posted as is the FAQ.

Ping your buddies to take a look.

[farmfriend]

Come take a look at what EBUCK has done.

(Fighting Irresponsible Radical Environmentalism In ARIZONA!!)

[dixiechick2000]

WTG, EBUCK! That's great! Ping me if you have another fundraiser.

Thanks for the ping, farmfriend! This is terrific!

[Peaches]

Agreed!!!!

The enviro-wackos want to keep everyone except themselves out of the forests and National Parks.
Save the trees ??? have you seen any of the redwood decks these people enjoy? They have two sets on rules; one for themselves and one for everyone else!

[TigersEye]

The Clinton administration sought to limit this loophole by prohibiting the conversion of an unpaved Alaskan dogsled path into an asphalt highway.

Oh yeah! The Clintons "let them eat cake" style of governing.

[Grampa Dave]

Such a pity when a government is so fickle that it doesn't stay bought! How are holders of competing mines at home and abroad going to make an ill-gotten buck through artificial shortages if the American people can maintain access to their property?

Zing goes the arrows of Carry right into the enviral Bee writer.

So much for all of the closed roads the past 20 years.

[Carry_Okie]

Zing goes the arrows of Carry right into the enviral Bee writer.

Lol, not quite. That one wasn't aimed at the Bee but at their customers. Here's a stinging shot aimed at the Bee:

The Nerve! A mere President pretends that he can ignore THE PRESS and blow off deals sold by the opposition! He think this gives him influence for sale? The nerve stepping onto our turf! How is the Bee going to sell its power to influence public opinion, if it can't intimidate the politicians into staying bought?

We'll show him!

[Grampa Dave]

Yes, this is much better to insert into the squealing Bee pigs playing like journalist:

The Nerve! A mere President pretends that he can ignore THE PRESS and blow off deals sold by the opposition! He think this gives him influence for sale? The nerve stepping onto our turf! How is the Bee going to sell its power to influence public opinion, if it can't intimidate the politicians into staying bought?

[Carry_Okie]

Or to put it more scuccinctly...

How dare a mere President do such a thing!
This is OUR democracy!

[marsh2]

" It will be up to the federal Interior Department to say yes or no to these rights-of-way requests. Given the interest of San Bernardino County alone, the department will soon be barraged with thousands upon thousands of them once the rule formally takes effect on Feb. 5. The more these rights-of-way easements are granted, the more it complicates the management of public lands."

I don't think they get it. The grant was made in 1866. A "claim" or "application" is not needed. The Interior has no right to "approve" the right of way. It has ALREADY been granted. Use and establishment through use constitues acceptance of the 1866 offer. Any passage established and used after 1866 and before 1972 (FLPMA repeal)- or before withdrawal from public lands as a Park, Refuge or National Forest- constitues acceptance of the original 1866 Mining Law (later R.S. 2477) offer of grant.

Also, State law governs rights of way NOT federal.

[lewislynn]

Why not auction National Parks? Why should the government hold a monopoly in the land entertainment business?

Well, because That devalues all land for its natural value and helps set it up for development.

Name for us the private, profit driven company you'd like to see owning Yosemite. Maybe then you could get a 3rd story time-share on the banks of the Merced near the new shopping mall.

[lewislynn]

FRom what I see from this article it looks like it is just a way to give SOME government entity land that is currently off limits to everyone.

I think you see it right...I can't believe everyone here puffing up, pounding their chests attacking the messenger without knowing the obvious. It was actually a big deal at the time.

The scam: Senator Dianne Feinstein - The California Desert Protection Act

The reason: THE GREAT GOLD HEIST

[Princeliberty]

Even if your concerned about the enivornment,
the lands could sold off with contracts
to cover any valid environmental concerns.

The federal government should not own nearly
half the land in this country.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..in practical terms, he has declared open season on federal lands....