Once again, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) makes astonishing statements. He calls our public lands elitist and exclusionary, akin to royal forests of European kings. Preserved for the enjoyment of the very few.
Really, Mr. Lee? I was camping last weekend on these lands. I saw no elitists. How would I know if someone were "upper crust," as you described? If they had a nicer backpack, it could have come from a yard sale. At the end of the day, these "elites" and I are all dusty, packing out our own poop and peeing in a vault toilet if we are lucky.
He continues, "Our long term goal must be the transfer of federal lands to the states. It will take years and the fight will be brutal." Lee calls it returning these lands to the state. They never belonged to the state. If there is any giving back to be done, it is to the Native Peoples. While you are at it, give them fair representation in their voting districts, too.
Tourism and income derived from public lands are well-documented. The pure enjoyment and soul-filling experience cannot be quantified. How can one call himself conservative, but conservation is not in his vocabulary? Expecting a brutal fight, Mike? Our numbers are many, our armor is strong and our shields are ready.
Take a hike, Mr. Lee. Really, have you ever tried it? It may fill your soul and clear your vision.
Becky Yih, Park City