Government Injustice: My Own Woeful Tale

The Bundy Ranch showdown reminds me of my own BLM association.  I have my own stories about tyranny and injustice.

From 2001 to 2008 my work was mostly independent contracting for the government. Including Forest Service and BLM jobs.  Several years I won a bid for herbicide spraying on public lands to control invasive species like this one, Onopordum acanthium, the Scotch thistle.

In 2008 something changed.  Introduced in the bid process was a provision they called "SBA 8(a)".  After that was implemented I never won another contract.

The last big job we won involved weed spraying at the site of the Milford Flats fire, with other fire-damaged areas around Beaver County in southeast Utah.  It covered about 90,000 acres of BLM land.

We started work in May and worked through the summer and into September.  My partner and I worked really hard, and the BLM supervisor from Beaver indicated that he was pleased with our efforts.  Based on our performance, he promised to help get us the contract again the next year.

When the next spring arrived we were expecting to have the contract renewed.  Instead, we learned that it had been given to another company that was 8(a) qualified.  The other company did not participate in bidding.  They had no performance history.  But they were placed at the head of applicants because of the 8(a) status. The local supervisor had no say in the matter. Apparently this company filed SBA documents that certified that the business was owned by a woman.  They were hired on that basis alone.

We never won another contract bid.

Anarchy is Not Freedom - for Anyone

Is this how we assert our rights?  Is this how we protect freedom?  There just has to be a better way.  In the Bundy Ranch conflict, everyone seems to see their own favorite cause represented.

What I saw depicted in the popular media was a confrontation provoked by acting out, anger, and threats of violence from both sides.  It would have been difficult to tell, judging by which side was doing more screaming and threats, which represents traditional values of justice and freedom and which was just a screaming mob.

Why must the proponents of "freedom" engage in a violent shouting and shoving match?  Some of the scenes bore uncanny resemblance to two playground bullies striving against each other to assert their dominance.  The frenzy of uncontrolled rage was the most obvious characteristic of the "militia", who in many photos and videos of the incident appeared to be bristling with fierce looking weapons, many with the substantial bulges of personal body armor.

In the scenes I witnessed, there were no black helicopters from embattled government forces hovering overhead.  No sharpshooting snipers appeared to be zeroing in on their assassination targets.  Many of the BLM guys appeared to be intimidated and unprepared to confront the screaming mob, their six-shooters holstered against the threat of facing many wielding semiautomatics and high-power hunting rifles.  I heard one member of the Bundy family promise that they had a shotgun, and knew how to use it.  It looks like the BLM "thugs" were outnumbered by the screaming protesters, and were most anxious to get the heck out of dodge.

Witnessing the prudent retreat, many of the protesters were apparently emboldened, screaming dire imprecations and making derisive and rude gestures at the government "thugs" as they sped away.

If that is the appearance of freedom vanquishing tyranny, I'm pretty sure I'm not favorably impressed.  I'm trying to grasp how all this reconciles with counsel from General LDS Church leaders.

Our whole society really rests on the capacity of its citizens to give 'obedience to the unenforceable.' (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

Citizens are not free to choose which laws they consider themselves not subject to, and which they opt to obey.  This rationale to justify disobedience to the laws of the land is not far removed from justification for disobeying the laws of God.  (Elder Dallin H. Oaks)

I don't really care to argue further about "liberty" and "freedom".  Those who have appropriated this event as some sort of symbolic cause, fine for them.  Believe whatever you please.  But I think I am pretty clear on the relation between land and money.

Like most western cattle ranchers, I understand that the Bundy Ranch has title to holdings of just over 100 acres.  This is what traces back to family tradition.  All of the rest of the more than 7000 acres being claimed for grazing land has always been owned by the state.

Bundy has no title or deed of ownership for this extensive area.  But like many others, the Bundy Ranch happens to be a strategic location that controls most of the available water in the area.   With range cattle, this is the primary difference that controls whether the land can support the big herd of cattle, or is just more burning sands.

Snopes comments about the Chinese conspiracy theory and other such misinformation. Both sides of this controversy have tossed in so much irrelevant information now, it is impossible to separate.  It makes me uncomfortable to see so little difference in methods used by either side.  I think they're both losing.

Utah Places: Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is a great example of the unique geological formations found in Utah.  In the valley, there is an unusual concentration of bizarre sandstone formations commonly known locally as "hoodoos".

Sunset in Goblin Valley

According to geologists, the formations resulted from erosion of a softer stratum of the supporting column, while the more obdurate caprock resisted weathering.

Whatever the reason, the weird gnome-like formations abound in this particular locale to make a showplace unlike anything else found on earth.  Not specifically the formations by themselves, which are spectacular enough.  But just the sheer numbers of them in concentration is impressive.  Goblin Valley enjoys some degree of obscurity, being so out-of-the-way and unknown.  So there are relatively few visitors, and you may find, on a casual visit, that you have the place pretty much to yourself.  If peace and solitude is what you seek, this is a good place to find it.

 Goblins galore

Not only that, but Goblin Valley State Park sits like an oasis in the desert, with camping facilities and all kind of modern amenities.  For those wandering souls who have been braving the desert sands for any length of time, it may be that the nice clean restrooms and public showers are the main attraction.

Goblin Valley location and nearby attactions

In addition, the allure of the San Rafael Swell country beckons to the bold.

In the immediate vicinity are a number of stunning slot canyons, some of the most spectacular places on earth.

 Pothole in Little Wild Horse Canyon

 

 Little Wild Horse narrows

 Crack Canyon trailhead

twists and turns in Crack Canyon

driftwood lodged high up in Crack Canyon

 Crack Canyon narrows

 

If 4wd exploring is your interest, the "Behind the Reef" trail and some of the many other dirt trails that wind through the desert may prove attractive.  Many other unique geological formations characterize the San Rafael Swell area.

characteristic "hogback" ridges in the San Rafael Reef

4wd tracks and Factory Butte

The Factory Butte area has become the focus for many wilderness preservation arguments.  The area is a popular destination for 4wd enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, ATV operators, and mountain bikers.  Erosion and vandalism of historic mining works have become common.  Some wilderness preservationists have objected to the use of sensitive desert areas for such abusive and destructive traffic.

BLM report on Factory Butte use

Utah Places: Virgin River

The Virgin River cuts across southern Utah like a meandering giant knife. It leaves deep scars across the land from its passage as it carries the burden of silt and rock ever southward. Some of the scars of passage have left behind the most fascinating chronicle of passage. Twisting and tortuous, the Virgin River Gorge guides the north/south avenue of Interstate 15, which many travellers pass over, never stopping to consider how the passage was crafted. One grain at a time, the river has worn away at the rock an eaten the river bed down. The wind and rain have worked their part. Every bright sunbeam in the merciless heat, all the long nights of frost and freezing, even geological disturbances like fault shifting and earthquakes have done their work on this twisted, alien moonscape, producing such a blasted hades of rock and sand that even desert-adapted struggle for a bare foothold in the most inhospitible barren spots. Not even hardy lichen venture onto these rocks in the savage, baking heat of the full sun.

The easiest way to see the marvel of desolation is from the comfort of your air-conditioned car. For the hardy and boot-leather restless, try the Virgin River Recreation Area campground as a base of operations. Hosted by the BLM, it is virtually empty all year round, and give convenient access to explore the marvelous desert surroundings.

While you are there, take note of the fact that you are within the region now known as the ¨Arizona Strip¨, so notorious among those who battle against the raging wildfires that spring up in the area so frequently.

Utah Places: Topaz Mountain

Ruth, did you ever hear the saying that all that glitters is not gold? How about topaz gemstones?

Topaz Mountain is easy to get to, and is one of the world's leading source of these fabulous gems. The area is administered by the BLM, and the have adopted a very liberal multi-use policy for the area, which basically states that you are free to carry away whatever you dig and pick up with your own two hands. Under the proper motivation, for me, that can amount to quite a bit. And remember, with gemstones, a little can go a very long way!

You guys have been with us to Topaz Mountain before. We just spent enough time to get a little taste for it. If you're serious about finding good wine-dark colored topaz, you need to spend some serious time working it, at a good site. There are lots of good reference materials on the web. Like a few to start you off here and here. Have fun prospecting!

Utah Places: San Rafel Wedge Overlook

Utah's Grand Canyon is easy to get to. I don't know why more people don't go. I'm not leaving good places out, just because they are easy. This is one of the most spectacular scenery's I have ever been to anywhere, and I have toured the Grand Canyon extensively, winter spring summer and fall. Does not even compare with the unique beauty of the San Rafael.

BLM manages this land. Perhaps they don't want too much tourism. I just know that I love it.

AAA has brochures on this place, or Carbon County can provide, or BLM offices. Nice spot for Sunday afternoon drive, long as you remember to bring deet. Here is a link to a nice YouTube film on the Swell, and other related.

Utah Places: The Wave

The Wave is a few hundred yards across the border into Arizona, but you have to start in Utah to get there. I went in from Wire Pass Road.  The location used to be actually kinda secret. Now the BLM admins this land at the rather shaky permission of the local Navajos. Only small groups can travel there. Cannot disturb delicate ecosystem, or sacred ground, or something like that depending who ya ask.

Anyway when I went there I sneaked in off season. The area was closed for winter and all the teepees were rolled up for the winter or something. I hiked in across the top of the mesa off trail, not supposed to do that. Found some nice wood and arrow points along the way. No tracks or people, very nervous about that. Lots of desert ravens. I think they know something. But not telling.

Anyway, I came into the Wave formation from the side, and hiked out on the little trail.

It's beautiful, like nothing you have ever seen. I had quite a time finding a down-climb.

Long way to travel. Between Kanab and Page. Near Buckskin Gulch on the Paria Canyon.  Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness/Coyote Buttes area.

For those who prefer a legal visit, the BLM hands out the permits.

Utah Places: Little Wild Horse

Ruth, this one is further away, but a lot easier to hike. Your kids will speed thru it like a nintendo game. It is an actual slot canyon that you can walk into that looks just like the picture or better, you don't have to kill yourself getting there, and it will be FUN!!!!!

Let's try it.

Wait til the weather warms up a bit. The Canyon starts down near Goblin Valley State Park

Might even want to camp out there. Goblin Valley is somewhat of a wonder in itself.

Pointers here and here.

Utah Places: Black Box

Ruth asked me to tell about some of the spectacular places I have been in Utah. This is one. But I don't show it with light recommendation. You might just want to admire the pictures. It is one of the most danger hikes I have done.

Ruth, the entire San Rafael is so close to your home, it is like your back yard!

Here are some pointers.

(Anyway, I am trying to tell about some of these special places I have been before they slip away from me altogether. Sorry if I might have told some of the stories before. I do not remember. Please bear with me.)

(Ruth -- another note about hiking in Utah's desert, while I'm thinking. You are not likely to encounter too many nastys, but best be prepared. Slathers of 100% deet for clouds of biting bugs of all kinds, a very large first aid, cell phone, tell some one where you are going, when you expect to be returning, and when to start searching. Any other measure of safety within reason, like carry water, and stop to help ones who might be in trouble, even if they are not. You meet nice people that way...)