Bad Politics

As my husband always says, the Dems should fight and die on the issue of hunting, fishing, public access. Maybe they heard you, dear.

Max and Brian are standing up for YOUR access by opposing a completely bullshit addition to a budget reconciliation bill currently being considered by OUR Senators. These "Miscellaneous Amendments Relating to Mining" would allow the federal government to sell of public lands in order to make some quick cash and reenergize mining in the West. This makes sense at first, but when you read further into it, it is bad, really bad. First of all, it will lift a moratorium (all hail Clinton) on allowing companies or individuals to patent or buy a mining claim on public land, under the 1872 Mining Act. There is no requirement that these patents have mineral verification and it does not mean that these patents can not be turned around and sold to developers for resorts, golf courses or for subdivisions. Essentially cock blocking thousands, nay millions of acres of public access. They did raise the price of the mining patents from a $2.50 per acre to $1,000 per acre. That is a good price considering the locations of many of these mining claims (pristine forests).

Western governors are banding together to get this piece of crap removed from deficitecit bill and save our public lands for the public. But hey, if it passes, can I borrow $100,000 from anyone?

What can you do? E-Mail Max and say "thanks" for stiking up for Montana's best interests by eliminating Subtitle B from H.R.4241.

Call up Brian and tell him how much you appreciate him.

And if you still feel spicy, get Conrad on the horn and tell him that you are going to start voting for Democrats if he doesn't stick up for access to public lands. Oh and while you are at it, tell him to give Abramoff's money back.

You could try getting a hold of Denny to tell him disappointednted you are in him for voting for this kind of crap, but I am afraid it will be to no avail.