Death-Valley.us

I think the discussion of road closures and openings has to be taken in the larger context. The closures, in my opinion, is one small spoke of a larger wheel.

Look at how closures occur: enviro groups file suit against the BLM or the Park Service, and rather than fight the lawsuites, they cave in to the enviro's demands, or in the midst of a fight, implement the recommended closures anyway while the fight ensues (Surprise Canyon).

Never mind the lack of science or detailed studies that should be done prior to any mention of closure. And keep in mind that enviro groups' members maintain regular contact with public employees in an effort to influence policy, even though this is against rules within those organizations (public agencies).

Based on my scant research, there are literally thousands and thousands of enviro groups that cull large amounts of money from corporate sponsors. So, they have enormous resources to influence elections, government agencies, and the public. Contrast that with us, the off-roading enthusiasts, who only want to go out for some spiritual renewal. We are scattered, not as organized, and we do not answer to a "calling" the way the enviros do. They have the California Desert Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and a host of other regulations all to protect the environment against US. What do we have?

What is the larger wheel this is a spoke of? I suspect the larger wheel is undisclosed push to erode personal property rights. For example, why don't the enviros go after personal property within cities and counties to protect species? Because they are not quite ready for that fight yet. Not on a full scale, at least. On public lands, it is easy to influence the few who are charged with administration, since we the public are around infrequently, and after all, we have to work to make a living. For the enviros, it is a full time job to run us off the public land if they can. And if they can do that, our private property is next.

Maybe this sounds extreme, and I hate to say it myself. But the writing is on the wall. If Endangeres Species become more important than their stewards, then you will have to abandon your land because some beaurocrat says so, and get a pittance for it if they so choose. Don't have one million$ to fight it? Too bad, goodbye!

Private property rights are the foundation of capitalism and democracy. When that is gone, then the "state" in reality owns your land. And you have nothing. If you can't protect your land, then where will you store your property? Where will you raise your families? Is it too alarmist for you? Then please do your own research and see for yourself. At the very least, register to vote, and vote for candidates who respect your views, whatever they are, because right now that is all the power you have.