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Activist defends his lease tactics

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curious | 2:22 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

How does this young man travel to Colorado? Does that method entail the use of any fossil fuels? How is his home in Colorado heated? The water used to wash his clothes or bathe? What powers his computer that has received so many e-mails? Will his "legal team" use any gas, oil, or carbon based energy during their work on his defense? My guess is that he enjoys many of the benefits of energy produced from land like that he sought to "protect". It's a pity that he is driving up the prices for all of us.

Marky | 3:59 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Well done Mr. Christopher.

Now I hope you are convicted of a felony and that you get to spend the next 8-15 years discussing environmental philosophy with "Bubba" and "Lester" in federal prison.

Choices have consequences.

Trust the media | 5:33 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

to make a criminal into a hero.

Comments continue below

3arwax | 5:36 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I call somebody who does something like this a dishonest liar. I hope that he faces proper consequences for his dishonesty. It is OK to disagree but don't sacrifice your integrity over it.

Silent Majority | 6:00 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

There is no way the general public supports this man. He has been brain washed into thinking that mankind in general is evil and that we will ruin our planet. That will never happen despite what Disney (Wall-E) and other liberal media sources try to tell us. Drill here and drill now.

Throw Book at Him! | 6:07 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Environmentalists are anarchists. For them, who cares if laws are broken in the name of saving the world . . . and for what?

They try to save our forests by spiking trees that hurt loggers, delay or stop timber sales that drive up our forests fuel load and then what happens? . . , the elevated fuel loads drive forest fires that destroy the very forests they are trying to save!

They try to save mountain lions from hunting by banning it in California and now pets, children and adults are atttacked often because the animals have no fear and their numbers are exploding there.

I could go on and on about things they try to save that end up being destroyed or cause unnatural events in our every day lives. Until environmentalists understand and deal with the fact that man is part of the natural development of the environment and not exclusive from it, they will continue to only be the eco-terrorists that aren't much better than common criminals.

This guy is only disrupting his own life by spending some time in jail where the only environment he can hope to save is his own personal space!

can't wait | 6:21 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

It will be interesting to see how many environmental hypocrites log on with their mineral based technology in support of this economic terrorist.

Where's the Prosecutor | 6:27 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

THis should be a crime --- why isn't the guy in jail?

Nothing to Admire | 6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

An anarchical society is nothing to celebrate. Just because we may personally disagree with any governmental policy doesn't give us the right to abuse law and order just because we think our individual views are more enlightened than others. THat's societal breakdown and anarchy. It's disgusting that this guy has been beseiged with so many reporter calls... as if he's some brave guy doing some noble thing. He ought to be in jail. A domestic terrorist.

JMT | 6:31 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Jail time would be wonderful for this incredibly dishonest person.

There is conservationism, which believes in smart use of God given resourses.

Then there is radical evnironmentalism, which is about destruction of all things mankind; hatred of man. The methods include lying, cheating, stealing and even killing. The killings are rare but happen and get covered up quite nicely. About 6 years ago a radical environmentalist shot and killed the driver of a grader working on a county road down near Moab. It was reported by the media as just a random act of violence. The truth is the person was a radical environmentalist involved in the RS477 Road wars.

This idiot is a radical environmentalist and by throwing his marxist carcas in jail we may save lives down the line.

Just a Thought | 6:37 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Shame on the BLM and on the company hired to auction off the leases. When I go to an auto auction, the auctioneer verifies I have enough funds to at least pay a deposit. Tim negotiated contracts with us through the BLM. I don't care if the entire enviromental movement passes the hat in his behalf, or if the BLM garnishes his income for the rest of his life. Tim it's time to show a shred of integrity, pony up and pay for your purchases.

Can You | 6:42 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Believe?

Observer | 6:50 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I think this is great. Now I think he should be sued for the amount of money he bid and forced to pay it. I think it will be great that he bought them and refuses to do anything with them, but he played the game and should pay for his play. The same means that would be used if he purchased anything else of value and refused to pay should be used.

Anonymous | 6:57 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Interesting. You'd think the auctioneer would vet the people bidding a little better. It seems like you have to be preapproved to even bid for a used car at auction from private sellers for a few thousand dollars. Its amazing they'd let someone bid on millions of dollars of leases that has no way of paying for them. I assume things will change quickly in response to this-funny they didn't see it coming.

ChainSaw Harry | 7:06 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I see two defective parties to this deal. One is BLM for allowing an individual to participate in the auction without proving he has the financial wherewithal to pay for his purchases. As a former banker, I have never seen such sloppy business practices, but OH WELL, it is a governmental Agency.

Secondly, this young man put his thumb in the eye of THE MAN, now he should stand good to pay for the costs of re-auctioning these leases. He should be personally liable for these costs. I will personally donate my time to collect the bill.

Finally, if he is allowed to walk free without taking responsibility for his behavior then the taxpayers should be outraged. The incoming Secretary of the Interior, Salazar, will probably give this kid a medal for his bravery.

Put him in prison | 7:08 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Dumb environmentalists like him will and have been our countries demise.

No Honor There | 7:15 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

A dishonest man who causes economic harm to others? This man's actions were disgraceful.

jond | 7:18 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

It is true that he is liable for the $1.7 million. He is also required to show due diligence on the leases, [drill], if he does not he will be guilty of cheating the U. S. again and the leases will be lost and auctioned again.

Nice Work Tim | 7:35 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Civil disobedience is a time-honored tradition. You were Rosa Parks for a day, and I salute you.

hc | 7:46 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

If the FBI has nothing better to do than an "investigation" of this incident maybe we can save some tax dollars by laying some agents off. i doubt if he did anything illegal. If there were no prequalifications for bidding there are probably no laws with regard to closing on the bids. He just upset the good old boys game a little. For all of the semi-literate redneck comments above, I wonder if they are mostly from one person? This action doesn't hurt us as a society. It might cut down on the profits a little bit for the speculators and oil companies who paid a higher price for some of the leases. They willingly made their bids. The money goes to the government- state, local and federal. This guy's action actually benefited us!

Be careful ... | 7:48 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

While I don't necessarily agree with the tenets of many extremists, some of the comments above would be considered sacrilege if you applied them to the CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE practiced by Jesus Christ, Brigham Young, and Martin Luther King. We do need to consider our impact on the earth. While God gave us these resources, I don't personally believe that he would have us exploit them indiscriminately with no thought of the future. That is contrary to the pattern of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For those of you who consider yourself disciples anyway ...

jorge | 7:47 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Why call him an activist. That is a sugar coat if I ever heard one.

By his actions he is a thief at best.

Anonymous | 7:57 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Such thoughtful and diverse comments on this site.

Razoo | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

He's willing to go to jail for his actions. I'd say that about 10 years seems appropriate. Make it a facility in AZ so he can get some work done and it's not just a free ride.

What a baby | 7:56 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Send this punk to jail for 20 years or let him work for 10 years on an oil rig.

Johnny Bravo | 7:59 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Don't do the crime if you can't do the time. Mr. DeChristopher wanted to make a point to society, and he made it. He should now let society make its point to him.

Jackson | 7:57 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I'm not sure who is monitoring these posts but to call Tim DeChristopher a terrorist or anarchist is "abusive, offensive and off-topic," and ought to be deleted. Of course, this is the kind of hyperbolic drivel and outright propoganda that the right wing seems to perpetuate through the media. Come on News subscribers! Lets get some more comments from people who understand the proud history that civil disobedience plays in American history from civil rights to anti-war and union movements. Lets not forget Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Many other approaches have been tried to stop the outrageous actions of the Bush administration during the days of its final gasps. What sticks in the craws of unwitting supporters of oil and gas industry is that this American hero succeeded stopping a lot of needless destruction around our national parks. He is our "Chinese tank man" in a sense and his actions will be remembered in legend. One of the first things that the Barack Obama administration should do when coming into office is grant Tim DeChristopher a full pardon.

stevo | 8:01 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Well done Tim, Hayduke would be proud! The BLM givaway is the last gasp of the most corrupt presidency in our country's history. I will give to any defense fund!

Moondoggy | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The writer of this story calls this little boy of a person an "Activist". If you disagree with a policy, you should challenge it legally. It does however give us insight into how these people think. Any method they can use to get their way, and disrupt the process.

little guy | 8:04 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

So the little guy fought back against the bullies. Good for you. When business does things like this we call them "brilliant leaders," but when an individual figures out how to poke the bear, oh... the consequences are high!!!

GOod for you. Good for you.

Make us stop and THINK about the raping of our lands for the profit of the few, under the disguise of helping all of us. horse pucky!!!

Supportive | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Is he really any more dishonest or disingenuous than a Bush administration that tries to auction off some of the most critical and sensitive lands when he is a lame duck and he knows that the Obama administration (which got the support of 52% of Americans) will take power in less than a month and would NOT auction off these lands for short term gains?

Go ahead and condemn him. But your children will call him a hero in 20 years or less. Just like the old guard condemned Martin Luther King, or even Susan B. Anthony, in their day.

Dave | 8:12 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Its people like this who give environmentalism a bad name and environmentalists a tarnished image. Who would trust them after pursing dishonest means. If you live by the motto that the means justify the ends, when will the rest of us ever know when to trust the green people. Never. It is a sad day. Its no longer the green movement. Its the black eye movement. Shame on you green people. Climb a tree and leave the auction alone.

I think it's great | 8:14 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The '08 version of civil disobedience. Thoreau would be proud. (and to can'twait: why do you assume all energy sources are mineral based? That's so last century)

Paul | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I don't support the guy at all. The existing lawsuits will take care of the issues that need to be addressed.

Still, it is interesting that companies seem to be will to pay more for those leases that are offered. Apparently they are being sold at a discount.

Johnny Bravo | 8:26 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

*** "Civil disobedience is a time-honored tradition. You were Rosa Parks for a day, and I salute you." ***

Civil disobedience means a willingness to suffer the consequences of breaking the law to prove a point, in the hopes that society will change its mind (and laws) to agree with you. It does not mean breaking the law and getting away with it to prove a point.

There is a term for a society where everyone breaks the law so that each person may prove his or her own point - anarchy. I have a hunch that anarchy won't be good for the environment.

Hope he goes to jail | 8:29 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I'll be happy to write about the myths of man-made global warming. Carbon dioxide has increased as a result, not a cause, of global warming for millions of years and the data proves it.

Grant | 8:43 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

re: supportive "some of the most critical and sensitive lands"

You've never been to the land they are auctioning off. I'm not sure what you mean by critical and sensitive, but the land they are auctioning off is best used for the development of oil shale and natural energy. It is good for little else.

The property taxes on these lands will go to pay for our pathetically underfunded education system. Currently 70% of Utah is owned by the federal government. Education in Utah and other states is mostly payed from revenue raised from property taxes. Since the federal government has taken away so much of Utah's land (see Grand Escalante Staircase) Utah has been left with little private property to be taxed and thus we spend the least $ per child for our education system and thus our children are crammed into classrooms with 41 of their closest friends.

Protect the environment, but let's protect the future of our children first.

Robby? | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I think Robert Redford should pay the bill for Tim.

Dave | 8:49 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I'll let others comment on the protester's behavior, because there seems to be no shortage of those willing to do that, but I will say that because the companies already have a huge surplus of leased land in Utah, it seems that a sensible approach would be for the BLM to abstain from leasing the most controversial parcels for the time being. Regarding the BLM's current approach, here's what BLM Price Field Office Recreation Planner Dennis Willis has to say, as posted in journalist Keith Kloor blog on Mother Jones Magazineï¿½s website:

ï¿½It is like we are playing in some reality game show where deceit is just part of the game,ï¿½ Willis wrote to Kloor, criticizing the BLM. ï¿½Right now, BLM would make an omelette with California condor eggs if the oil and gas industry asked for breakfast. Everything including people, places, flora, fauna, art and history are mere impediments to energy production and most importantly corporate profit.ï¿½

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the folks who are supposed to be carefully managing OUR public lands.

Interesting | 8:54 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Thanks for letting us into his mind. He may think he's started a revolution, but I'm afraid it will end badly for him, unless his aim was 3 squares a day and a place to sleep. Counter to his thinking, lawlessness will further sink this country rather than build it. I expect BLM will adjust to safe-guard against this type of attack.

lord-emsworth | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

make him pay for the lease then take away his right to use any petroleum for the rest of his life. That is in effect what he was trying to do to others. I call that justice.

Dani | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Bravo Mr. DeChristopher!! I'm by no means an environmental activist but I do believe we should ALL do our part and to leave this world in a better condition than when we got here. I know I want my children to have a better world than I've been provided. This planet was a gift from God so isn't it all our responsibility to make it a better place and take care of it?

I don't see how this young man did anything wrong. He stood up for what he believed in. Kudos to him!!

To Deseret News | 9:08 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The man has got his fifteen minutes of fame and now let us not read about him anymore until he gets his fifteen years in prison for fraud.

Professor | 9:13 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Simply another publicity stunt from the anarchistic "It's all about me!" generation that refuses to grow up.

Surprised | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I'm surprised at some of the ignorant and hateful comments posted here. Some people stopped short of saying we should have a good ol' fashioned hanging. I admire the guy for what he did and I'm not sure what could be considered illegal. And are there really people still claiming global warming is untrue? Are these the people that claims it's false because today it's 34 degrees? Yes we do need oil (hopefully less and less as we move toward renewable energy sources) but let's be smart in where we get it so we don't mortgage our kids' future (their health, their enjoyment of the land, etc.).

Brian | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

In this current age of "Chicken Little" the ends naturally justify the means.

irony | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

To the fool who said CO2 in the atmosphere has increased because of global warming, check your facts. It is well established that CO2 has gone from 275 ppm to 385 ppm in the last 200 years, an increase of 40%. There is No 40% increase on mean global temperature prior to or during this time to explain that. Those numbers are verifiable all over. Google `350' for more information - that's the ppm that we have to get Back to to hopefully prevent the planet from becoming uninhabitable to humans (think Venus) pretty soon. The people here raging against environmentalists are going to, and already do, look pretty pathetic.

Bob Pomeroy | 9:26 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

What is it that spawns the philosophy behind so many of the comments herein? What is wrong with "bidding up"? Is it patriotic to sell our heritage for the lowest possible price so that Robber Barons can steal it and continue thereafter to compound their theft by adding exhorbitant "profits" like we all saw over the past few years at the gas pumps? What are you thinking? The auctions are just a giveaway. Did they give time for people to save up money to compete, or was it part and parcel of the creation of a plutocracy to replace the democracy hoped for by the founding fathers?

Geezer | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Bless you, Tim, for standing up for this beautiful land of ours. You acted on behalf of millions of people who want it protected. I've been there. I first saw the Arches lease area when I was doing range research there on behalf of the Bureau of Reclamation, and I saw the Dinosaur tracts in my duties as a BLM employee. I'm now retired and can say what I think. Let's save some of God's country.

Confused? | 9:33 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Why is it I can always count on the ugliest, nastiest and most short-sighted comments to be on the Deseret News and KSL blogs? They're usually anything but Christian-like.

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