Reader comments
Activist raises $45,000 for BLM bids

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?

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

>screech like he ran over your dog

No, that would be okay.

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.

"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.