FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OWNS LAND - WHY?

WHO OWNS THE WEST

http://www.freedom21.org/Newsletters/NL-2012/nl-041412-1.pdf

Freedom 21 -- Henry Lamb – 4/14/2012

As you read the article (which  includes two articles and links to additional documents), remember WE THE PEOPLE. 

When the federal government “owns” public lands, real estate tax revenues shrink to local governments, families cannot exercise their right to make a living off their local lands and federal bureaucrats restrict America’s freedoms.

In eleven western states, the federal government claims ownership of more than 50% of the land. Utah intends to get its land back. Utah’s HR148, recently signed into law by the Governor, tells the federal government that federal land in Utah, other than specified national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas, will be taken by eminent domain by the state of Utah if it has not been transferred to the state by the end of 2014.

In recent years, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and other federal agencies that have jurisdiction over federal land have tightened regulations to the point that ranchers, such as Cliven Bundy and Kit Laney, are now a dying breed. It is nearly impossible for what once were thriving ranches to even survive. The Progressives – Democrats and environmentalists – have once again taken control of government.

The U. S. Constitution clearly states what land the federal government may possess, and the procedure for acquiring it. Article 1, Section 8 requires the federal government to purchase land from states with the approval of the state legislature “…for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings.”

The Constitution provides no authority for the federal government to own more than half of Utah and 10 other western states.

Moreover, there is no logical reason for the feds to continue their ownership of land within particular states. State governments can do a better job of utilizing the resources and protecting the environment than can the federal government. Private owners can do a better job at utilizing the resources and protecting the environment than can the state government.

It is high time for the federal government to get out of the real estate business. It is high time that the land and resources of America be returned to the citizens.

Since 1976, the government has not been content with the land it retained from western states. The U.S. government signed a U.N. document that completely reversed the Founders’ view of property ownership. This document declares that all land use should be controlled continually expanded both its control and ownership of private property. This is a policy that must be reversed.

Northwoods Patriots - Standing up for Faith, Family, Country - northwoodspatriotscomm@gmail.com