I had almost given up letter writing concerning Utah politics, B.L.M., and public land use, but the more of their antics that come to light about what these decision makers plan to do to our public lands and the myriad species that are dependent on keeping these lands intact, keeps me digging in my heels.
Known for years are their plans to chain, chainsaw and grind up tens of thousands of acres of primordial native forest land and rid it of all plant and animal life to be seeded for the cattle industry, forcing me again and again to voice my opposition. While they use wild horse herds as a distraction by blaming them for lack of food and water for deer herds, they have also become an excuse to use their giant crushing machines to further the capitalist venture of big agriculture, a venture rife with monetary diversions in the way of subsidies and taxes.
The cattle industry is the largest of all agriculture businesses and yet gets the lowest possible grazing fees allowed as well as government subsidies from our local, state and federal governments for losses incurred. It’s actually a form of double dipping the system while practically a welfare system to boot. Most businesses do not get these privileges and have to make it on their own in lean times. Seems to me these guys want more and more. More land, cheaper grazing, more water and clear our public lands for more profit. This is where organized lobbying is paying off, but it’s a mindset that leaves many of us wondering how far this organized greed will go.
Horses are not near the problem as is the rampant greed amid the powers that be. When I go out to enjoy public lands, as I search where to place my feet without stepping into cow dung, I’m reminded why I like horses more than cows and the wild freedom they symbolize for us.
Hugh Culley, Murray
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