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Land owned by all
The Nevada rancher refusing to pay fees for grazing his cattle on federal land is a thief stealing from the American people. Federal land is owned by all citizens of our nation, not just the folks who happen to live near federal land.
Refusing to pay the fees is stealing from you and me. The people who flocked to the area to support him are misguided. The way they openly showed their weapons reminded me of a flock of adolescent banty roosters strutting their stuff.
The courts have ruled that this rancher should pay the federal fees. The federal authorities demonstrated wisdom in not forcing a confrontation. They are to be congratulated. Why should he be able to use our land to raise cattle for profit without paying us?
The right wing, by declaring him a hero, continues its hypocritical support of welfare for the well-to-do while seeking to cut public programs for poor citizens struggling to survive.
In case you haven’t noticed, poverty and homelessness continues to rise in our nation. It is time to refocus our priorities on helping those in need help themselves.
Duwane Huffaker
Spokane