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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Magazine�s website:
�It is like we are playing in some reality game show where deceit is just part of the game,� Willis wrote to Kloor, criticizing the BLM. �Right 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.�
Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the folks who are supposed to be carefully managing OUR public lands.
�It is like we are playing in some reality game show where deceit is just part of the game,� Willis wrote to Kloor, criticizing the BLM. �Right 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.�
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!!
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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Environmental activist Tim DeChristopher speaks with a Deseret News reporter on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
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