Lost,
I am not sure exactly what you meant in your post, so I went back and read your comments in the topic of "Big Game Auction and Raffle Tags", just so I could make sure I was able to read your style of writing....
(Just kiddin' on that...)
I hope I don't sound like I am whining, and not doing anything about it. As I explained in another post, these battles are being fought in the Court Rooms by groups like Jon Marvel and Western Watersheds Project. And, although I support the WWP efforts, I have actually found a much smaller organization, that is much more effective, and more efficent users of the fund raised dollar. These guys are incredibly efficient in converting contributions into victory in the court room, so I put my money/effort behind these guys.
To reform the BLM, could happen 3 ways, IMHO, and keep in mind we also have problems with Forest Service and State Land Board lands.
Option 1 would be with an Executive Order, and my guess is Bush is a bit busy right now, and caring about public land issues is not a priority, unless it is for drilling in Alaska.
Option 2 would be for Congress to pass a new law, requiring some change, and in Idaho, my elected officials are reluctant to take on the
Welfare Rancher. Sen. Craig wil never consider it, and Crapo is a bit of a Paradox for me. One time he will do something bright, and the next day he will do something that makes me wonder... Just look at his Owyhee Initiative, with his broad cross section of groups. Hunters are represented by the "Blue Ribbon Coalition", a bunch of
fat-assed ATV Riders, and Crapo specifically EXCLUDED Jon Marvel from the discussions.
And Option 3, for reforming the BLM, is to go to court, and force them. Right now, this is pretty easy, as the Judges, being required to uphold the law, are consistently siding with the plaintiffs on these actions.
So LA, if I am whining, I apologise. I personally feel this forum is a good area to read other's opinions, and allow me to ferment my thoughts and opinions.
And as for the School's losing, that one is amazing to me. In Idaho, the State Land Board is chartered with providing the maximum income, sustainable, to the Schools. The Board is made up of the State-wide elected officials, and they refuse to follow their Constitutional mandate. And when drug before the Supreme Court, by followers of Option 3, above, the Court forces them to put the School kids before the
Welfare Ranchers.
It is just a bit cumbersome to make people uphold the Oath they took, if you have to keep dragging them to court.
Cheers,
