Deseret News | Reader comments: Activist raises $45,000 for BLM bids

Reader comments
Activist to buy BLM leases

He'd better pay | 1:03 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

and better yet, why isn't there a registration process before the sale to make sure that only parties that can actually improve the leases that are being sold can participate?

Anonymous | 1:05 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It's refreshing seeing a Utahan that has values that aren't preceded by dollar signs. There are people in Utah that care about saving America's natural heritage. This shows that there are American who will come up with the money to do what's right.

The story said | 1:05 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

that he had enough to pay for the land, but later that it was just enough for the initial payment. Put him in jail until he raises the rest and can put it into production as the lease agreement states.

Comments continue below

Fraud! | 1:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

He still committed fraud whether he now after the fact is able to raise the money.

He bid with the intention of not paying--this spells FRAUD!!!

Dan | 1:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Anarchy is what got us into the environmental problems we have now. So, tout this guy as a hero, but realize that if everyone acted like he did, things would be much worse.

I agree | 1:43 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

With the comment of put him in jail until he raises the rest of the money, and hold him to the contract to produce or pay hefty fines in the amounts of the
millions of dollars in losses!

in disbelief | 1:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Um, how is his bidding on the land a bad thing? PUBLIC lands should be open to all of us, including ranchers and hikers, not just to the oil and gas industry. I am going to venture a guess that if he actually ends up with any of the leases, he'll do much less harm to the land than they will.

K | 1:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

He should go to prison. You can't go back and undo the crime.

If he gets off it will be like saying money can buy the judicial system.

Re "Anonymous | 1:05 p.m." | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Hey Anonymous | 1:05 p.m.

How do you know this Utahan doesn't have "values that are preceded by dollar signs"?

He was bidding at an auction (hint... that involves $$$).

Now he's asking for donations (hint... He's asking for $$$).

How do you figure $$$ isn't important to this guy?

Well maybe other peoples $$$ isn't important to him. He cost innocent people (legitimate businesses) $$$ by driving the bids artificially high with his bogus-bidding. If people like him and you are successful in blocking all oil exporation who knows how much that could raise prices for everyone (hint taking more other people's $$$). He committed fraud by promising the $$$ to cover his bids($$$) when he had no intention of keeping his word... And HE's your hero?

If he's your hero, you have a bogus set of values. I agree our values should not be based on $$$, but they should also not be based on fraud, deceit, lies and disregard for the law and placing an admited lier and law breaker on a pedistal while vilifying the law abiding people and businesses who were bidding legaly and in good faith at the auction.

Oh Please | 2:06 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Tim's a hero. He stopped the Bushies cold when they tried to sell OUR lands without due process to a bunch of opportunists who would steal the gold out of their grandma's teeth. Tim is far less guilty of a crime than the Washington criminals who want to destroy our public lands in the interest of their wallets.

Geezer | 2:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

BLM State Director Selma Sierra knew these were controversial parcels and should have taken them out of the lease sale. Tim DeChristopher's selfless, risky act gives BLM's new leaders a chance to correct the mistake.

Paul | 4:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

He should be treated no differently than any other bidder in the past. Apparently the BLM has allowed others to delay payments or pay in installments. If that is the case, then it sounds like this guy has lucked out, as long as he keeps making his payments.

And, as far as I know, there were lawsuits in place at the time of the auction that would potentially invalidate all of the leases in question. So, it seems like his bidding might have been irrelevent.

(And, yes, Sierra should be looking for a new job, come January 20th)

Dan | 4:54 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Remember that the BLM was formed for the very purpose of selling off the land that the Federal Government had to sell. The BLM, just like any other Government Program should have done their job and disbanded by now. It was never intended to stay around for as long as it has! The BLM is just doing their job here and this person that attempted to run up the bids is a fraud.

Get it Straight | 6:41 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

First, the bLM was not selling Public Lands, they were leasing the mineral rights.

Second, I hope the IRS makes sure this guy pays taxes on all that donated money, because it is income to him.

And I think I'll put it on my calander to file IRS form 3949-A next year in regards to TIM, just to make sure if he forgets to claim the donations on his taxes then the IRS will come remind him.

I mean I want to do my part to make sure the American public get there fair share from Tim.

A wolf in sheeps clothing | 7:28 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

This guy is a born trader. He's wasting his time in college. Get him an etrade account, give him $45k and let's see what he can do.

I get the feeling he is not going to part with his collection of dough. This guy is just a little too risky and smoothe.

Why | 7:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

are you guys so hostile toward him? Rather than calmly stating, "Yes, I think he committed a crime," you guys screech like he ran over your dog or something.

Anti-PC Infidel | 12:13 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Why is this guy out in public? Aren't environmentalists and other crazy people supposed to be in mental institutions?

Anti-PC Infidel | 12:14 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

>screech like he ran over your dog

No, that would be okay.

You guys crack me up | 2:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

This is small potatoes compared to the pillaging done by executives for the last 8 years (I personally know, I'm a lawyer in a very large law firm who does the deals), yet THIS is what you all focus on?

HAHHAHHAHAAHAHAHA. I have to laugh so I don't cry.

Ing | 3:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

"If he gets off it will be like saying money can buy the judicial system."

It can, and has been able to for as long as there's been money and a judicial system. It buys political influence and policies that are favorable to the people who have the $$$, too.

acquiring leases on BLM | 5:19 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Buying leases on BLM land gives the new owner absolute control of the land. It can be closed off and restricted from any other use. Has anyone noticed that Kennecott has acquired all the BLM land around its pit and closed off all the access roads through the canyons? The canyons, Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, and Parleys are also leased land that has been devleoped with homes and businesses. Leases last for 99 years on these lands then are supposed to be retutned to the BLM. Speculators and developers can do whatever they want with land they lease and don't have to mine it or drill for oil, just make improvements to it. How many of you out there would be willing to go to jail to stop the abuse of public lands? He should apply for a waiver for payments as many do because most don't know what they will have to pay and have limited supply of money when they bid. Meanwhile, most developers sell off parcels to develope to raise the money to pay for their bid. Lands close to national parks are prime for developement (buildings) so think before you criticize.

Ends Justify the Means? | 6:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

We are a nation of laws and order, and when one person or "group" thinks its goals and viewpoints are so much more enlightened that the rest of everyone elses', and begins to believe that they are justified in committing fraudulent and criminal activity in order to achieve the "greater ends," (i.e., fill in the blank), then we are heading down a very slippery slope towards anarchy and civil breakdown, indeed. It undermines our entire civilized society. Throw the bum in jail where he belongs! He certainly had the CRIMINAL INTENT requisite for criminal prosecution. Why should he be special and not face prosecution? Where are our law enforcement officials? Oh, and when the rest of us are paying $4, $5, $6 a gallon or more for fuel this summer when supply cuts from foreign suppliers catch up, let's remember that people like this guy and his groupies share much of the blame.

GWB | 6:22 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

"Get it Straight" when you say "Second, I hope the IRS makes sure this guy pays taxes on all that donated money, because it is income to him" I guess you are making some assumptions.

First, do you know he didn't set up a non-profit corporation to accept the donations and to be the legal entity that receives the lease?

Do you know that he didn't set up an LLC that makes the donors limited partners, thereby making the donors owners of the leases too?

Finally, do you not think that a man who was smart enough to out think the Bush strategy of subverting the normal legal process for selling these leases isn't smart enough to outsmart your attempt to report him to the IRS for tax evasion?

Ultimatley, it sounds like you are just mad that someone beat the Bush Administration at their own game.

There is one other piece of reality, if the BLM refuses to accept his money, then how can he be charged with a crime?

Anonymous | 7:08 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Let him use the 45K for his court fines... All you donating environmentalists were a bunch of suckers who just gave cash to a felon.

salute | 7:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I salute you sir! You messed up the fine dinner for the oil and gas companies. You pointed out to the sleeping general public what a corrupt system we have to work with our public lands.

Yah got guts, kid, and I for one salute you,

Neato. Bout time someone had the courage to do this.

Makes me happy. Yes, some money is on the way.

Dave | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I wonder if Tim is also planning to re-imburse the local Gov and school district for the property taxes he is cheating them out of. I guess we can just cram more students into each classroom.

Bonnie | 8:04 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am appreciative for what Mr. DeChristopher had the fortitude to achieve. Many of us who think and feel as he does, do not have the courage to actually do something. When govenment acts contrary to the interests of the public it serves, I believe citizens ought to be grateful to those who who will stand in opposition. This act of civil disobedience is one I admire.

I admonish those who believe otherwise to watch their backs, lest the government encroach on what they hold dear.

Not OUR land | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I'm not taking sides for or against Tom, but I want to make a general comment about ownership of the land. Federal lands are not OUR lands. Yes, we pay for them through taxes, but the lands are owned by the government as a corporation. We, the people who pay the taxes, do not own the land.

healthybiosphere | 8:47 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am not willing to donate because the auction was tainted by his bidding. He may have driven up the price on the very parcels he is attempting to buy.
As for punishment, Tim made an impulsive decision to act, and his actions didn't harm anyone. A light slap on the wrist would be much more appropriate than prison.

Red-Tailed Hawk | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

He is a criminal...I think he should run for office. He epitomizes our current political environment. He lies, he cheats, he can get donations, and now he has name recognition. He will most certainly appeal to the lowest common denominator of the populace that watches small snippets of TV and allows the modern media to make up their mind.

He should become friends with the anti-Christ George Soros and start his political career.

Some on this blog, and in society, are calling him a Hero...He is no where near a hero and now that he is in trouble he is begging for money.

Heroes are Military, Fire, Police, EMS, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers...he is a "non-productive to society" student at the age of 27 and all he has done is cause the tax-payers and productive businesses more money.

I hope he gets his dishonest pants sued off of him in civil court as well as criminal charges.

Anonymous | 9:05 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

"near sensitive lands"?? So now, designating certain lands as wilderness areas are not enough? Meaning adjacent, or nearby, lands also cannot be developed? What kind of idiocy is that?

The whole point of "wilderness designation" is to cordon off that land deemed "sensitive" (whatever the heck that means) so that the other lands "nearby" can be developed?

These environmental people are close to insane. Their value system belongs in the USSR, or North Korea, where they can get all the power and dictate to everyone else what THEY will and will not do.

Another Dave | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Dave just above me wrote: "I wonder if Tim is also planning to re-imburse the local Gov and school district for the property taxes he is cheating them out of."
-------

Oh please.

Like any budgeting entity in our state is going to use any extra money to decrease class size.

Our state leaders don't see public education as a priority regardless of how much money they have to work with, they effectively proved this when we had a huge budget surplus.

(They did, however, vote themselves a big fat raise, let's not forget.)

Which means, history proves that adding that tax base into the budget would do nothing for Utah's woeful education system.

Which also means, your pathetic attempt to blame the failure of Utah's education system on one man's activism is also an EPIC FAIL.

Clare | 9:59 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Has anyone who is informed considered the impact these things has on public education? This money is used by the school's community council to pay for field trips, update our computer labs, and pay for other important items which the school needs. The money from these leases are a great boon to an already struggling system. Are you willing to pay more taxes? I agree that they shouldn't be leased near any sensitive areas. I adore national parks. I have all of them memorized and want to visit them all, but some areas in the Escalante/Staircast Natinal Monument are just plain ugly. I think an oil derrick would improve the view.

Got it. | 10:11 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Tim DeChristopher = DoughHead. Got it.

Oh Please | 11:11 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I suggest all sane people reading this thread send Tim $10 to defend himself. He's the bravest man in Utah.

What A Loser | 11:48 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I hope they send this piece to jail. Do you realize that people jobs are at stake here. I hope they lock losers like this up. We need to drill it provides income to the state of Utah and will help our state be better off economically speaking so quit supporting low life idiots like this they don't know what they are doing and all you environmentalists out there try hugging a person instead of a tree you might like how it feels.

HERO? | 12:08 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Writers Winslow and Speckman always mention in their writing what a hero he is considered and promote his cause by listing his website to raise money. their bias never covers the other, the majority here at least, that considers him the anit-hero. Papers are going out of business all over the place and i think alot has to do with writers, which are vastly liberal, reporting their opinion rather than laying out the entire situation.

To DeChristopher | 2:20 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You're a moron. In a time when the economy is already struggling, you want to prevent oil companies from drilling more, so we can have more expensive gas prices? Does anyone on here want higher gas prices? Because that is what DeChristopher is doing!

Who Cares? | 2:32 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Who Cares?

Paul | 3:34 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I don't see how any drilling in Utah will impact Gas prices. The Utah refineries are using all the Utah oil they can handle. So, what is the point in more drilling for oil, if it will just sit idle? As for natural gas, that's just being shipped out of state as fast as it can be piped, so again it makes no impact on our prices.

Hey Paul | 3:53 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You add refineries to process more output and export, but your facts are wrong we get alot of oil from Canada

Citizen Tim | 4:31 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

One of the most important parts of Tim's brave action, not to mention the nonviolence and no loss to personal property, is that he has proven to a whole generation of citizens the power of civil disobedience.

I hope he inspires the thousands of people in Utah who agree with Tim's observations that our planet is in peril, but heretofore felt that their was nothing they could. We write our elected officials, we give funds to NGO's who advocate on our behalf, but we see few results.

We cannot wait any longer to reverse the trend of our senseless gluttony. Can't wait to start wearing my "Way to go, Citizen Tim!" t-shirt. He is a true patriot.

Thinkin' Man | 7:59 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

To be just, this guy should be banned from using ANY oil or gas the rest of his life--or plastics, many medicines, and anything else that is made from petroleum.

And he should be made to live in Saudi Arabia where he prefers to send his money.

Drilling near Arches wouldn't hurt anything.

Anonymous | 10:56 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Drill baby drill who cares it should all be atv land anyway!

Anti-PC Infidel | 11:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Karma dictates that this environmentalist kook (sorry for the redundancy there) will be eaten by a bear.

0802 | 11:58 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

RE: Not OUR land | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

"Federal lands are not OUR lands. Yes, we pay for them through taxes, but the lands are owned by the government as a corporation. We, the people who pay the taxes, do not own the land."

Alright genius, it took me a while to calm my nerves before typing this response. ARE YOU CRAZY OR JUST PLAIN STUPID!!?

WE THE PEOPLE do OWN these lands and we entrust, albeit misguidedly, a government for the people and by the people to manage them for us.

Who Owns The Land? | 11:32 a.m. Jan. 11, 2009

Remember: Nobody can own the land. They can only take care of it (or destroy it, as so many are wont to do).

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