I have been an environmentalist for most of my life. I have marched, held signs, written letters and spoken to my Congressman. I have built trails and removed invasive species in National Parks. I have educated friends on climate change and donated to a dozen different groups. Countless others have done all these same things for decades in defense of our wilderness and a livable future.
It hasn’t worked. Even with a new administration, we are not on track for a livable future. This has been made clear by James Hanson, Bill McKibben, Al Gore and many others. The legitimate pathways to power have not provided us with the ability to defend the survival of our civilization. Yesterday I decided that the crisis facing us requires more critical action than has been taken in the past. When faced with the opportunity to seriously disrupt the auction of some of our most beautiful lands in Utah to oil and gas developers, I could not ethically turn my back on that opportunity. By making bids for land that was supposed to be protected for the interests of all Americans, I tried to resist the Bush administration’s attempt to defraud the American people.
At this point it appears that I was successful in my attempts to disrupt this fraudulent auction. The federal officials who took me into custody said that I cost the oil companies in the room hundreds of thousands of dollars and prevented 22,500 acres of land from being sold for fossil fuel development. I had a very open conversation with the federal agents about my motivations and values. They were friendly, respectful, and somewhat sympathetic.
What I did no doubt puts me at significant risk, including prison. But my future was already at significant risk. As we get closer and closer to the point of too late, we have less and less to lose from resisting. Accepting the true depth of the climate crisis is extremely scary, but the purpose of fear is to motivate us to action. Many of us have sat around countless times saying how much we needed someone to do something. If I am not willing to take a stand for my generation, then who will? This year I have come to terms with the idea that I might be my own best hope to defend my future. Hopefully all of us will realize that we are the ones we have been waiting for.
#1 by Don - December 20th, 2008 at 15:28
Good on ya’ Tim.
#2 by Moribund Republic - December 20th, 2008 at 15:34
Get a good lawyer Tim, and to be sure make sure it is a media circus.
However, don’t panic, you can only imagine what humanity thought when the glaciers started to melt for whatever reason, and then flooded the area where much of the Mediterranean sea now sits, and coastlines all over the world. Probably not a preventable catastrophe.
We are here to stay, and there are no guarantees of how we will stay, or what will become our problems.
Adaptation is our greatest asset, I think you proved that with your spur of the moment approach.
To be sure, they won’t be happy with you Tim. So what exactly will be your defense?
Are you positing any?
#3 by Richard Warnick - December 20th, 2008 at 17:37
I really hope that the leases you bid on will be taken off the table by the Obama administration. That includes any offers that end up being withdrawn because you bid up the price.
Your critique of the environmental movement is absolutely right. The big grant-funded environmental groups are completely ineffective, and the small ones are effective on a small scale that ought to add up to a popular grassroots movement but somehow doesn’t.
The environmental backlash has gained a lot of ground, too. Think of the GOP convention delegates chanting, “Drill baby drill!”
Keep us updated on what happens, you deserve our support.
#4 by Steve Harris - December 20th, 2008 at 19:17
Tim,
I admire your brave act of civil disobedience! Good luck to you and best wishes.
Steve Harris
Salt Lake City
#5 by Josh Sonkiss, MD - December 20th, 2008 at 19:33
Hats off to you, Tim. John Locke, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela would be proud.
You have my support. And speaking of support, if everyone in Salt Lake Valley contributed $1, or just a tenth of us gave $10, the purchase price would be paid. Just let me know where to send the check.
#6 by Krista Bowers - December 20th, 2008 at 20:07
I feel so honored to have been in the auction room to witness your courageous act. You made an otherwise dismal day brighter for me, so I cannot thank you enough. And boy were those oil/gas folks PISSED after they took you out and they realized what you had done–it was a beautiful thing to see! (BTW–check your email for a longer message from me). You are my hero!
#7 by Krista Bowers - December 20th, 2008 at 20:08
oh yeah—I’m sure that Ed Abbey is smiling in his grave at what you have done!
#8 by patrick a shea - December 20th, 2008 at 22:37
If you need a good lawyer, and final director of BLM, call me 671-9902.
Pat Shea
#9 by rae - December 20th, 2008 at 23:37
Thank you, thank you! What you did for our country is more important than most things i can think of. I am a 67 year old grandmother and I would be proud to have my grandsons be as brave as you.
#10 by Lena Gardner - December 20th, 2008 at 23:59
Tim!
You are awesome. What you did is something I know I wouldn’t have had the courage to do! If there is anything else I can do to help keep you out of jail-let me know
) You rock! Tons of Outback love to you Tim!
~Lena
#11 by Jerry Ragsdale - December 21st, 2008 at 00:46
Tim, I regard you as the most recent GREAT AMERICAN HERO.
I will follow this story with great intrest in the days to come.
Let me know where you are setting up your legal aid fund, or fund to secure your bid obligations. Good on you
Jerry
#12 by Larry Bergan - December 21st, 2008 at 00:56
I was blown away when I read about this today in the Deseret News. Whatever law allowed these bastards to go ahead and bid on our irreplaceable lands has no real basis. You did the only thing you could, and in the deal, embarrassed the thieves.
You are the man!
#13 by Jenn Stauffer - December 21st, 2008 at 02:19
DIY democracy gets it done. You’re a hero, Tim. Let us all know if you want to try to raise that money. Maybe the public at large can legitimately own that land yet.
#14 by Sarah Robbins - December 21st, 2008 at 03:38
Thank you for acting to save these beautiful irreplacable lands.
#15 by the whooping crone - December 21st, 2008 at 03:52
Well done, Tim.
You are one of the ones I’ve been waiting for the last 30 years.
#16 by Veronica Egan - December 21st, 2008 at 07:48
Tim, you are truly a wilderness hero! Thank you for your courage! You’re truly a Great Old Bro, in our book, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.
#17 by formerwriter - December 21st, 2008 at 09:18
What an articulate, thoughtful statement! Tim, you risked everything for the greater good. Someone like you comes along only once in a great while. I agree with former posters: get a good lawyer, and trust that no matter what happens, you have given your all. In a decade where pseudo-patriotism has seemed to rule absolute, your actions show that there are Americans out there who recognize the value of dissent, and who will risk their futures in order to save our collective future. You go, Tim!
#18 by Debbie - December 21st, 2008 at 10:03
I’m new to this realm but support you. It was brilliant. I need to ask a question. As I was doing the numbers it seems that these leases are only $250 an acre or less. Is that right? That seems like robbery to me. Maybe I just don’t get it, but that is dang cheap for land destruction.
#19 by Josie Kovash - December 21st, 2008 at 10:05
Thank you, Tim.
I work for a very small environmental non-profit in Moab. (We were outside the BLM office fighting the windchill while you were inside throwing a giant, beautiful monkeywrench into the whole godawful thing.) I have been trying to find words to express my experiences as a younger generation newbie activist for our newsletter, often returning over and over to the “we are the ones we have been waiting for” and “if not me, than who” sentiments.
But you have inspired me to step it up, to be bolder, to actually own those sentiments, to be more committed, and in fact to take it as my moral imperative to not just do but to do everything I possibly can to be an effective activist, and an effective member of the younger generations. To make sure that decades from now we will look back on this time and know that we faught to make things right with every single thing we had.
So thank you so much for your inspiration and for the very real effect you’ve had in protecting the prescious landscape of my home. I understand some folks from Moab are on the case in helping to make sure you have good legal support, and I know that you have droves of supporters down here ready to help you in every way we can.
Cheers!
-Josie
Moab, Utah
#20 by Jim Bailey - December 21st, 2008 at 10:11
LOL
Hayduke REALLY lives!
Well done!
#21 by Democracy Now - December 21st, 2008 at 10:13
Tim,
I am writing from the radio/tv news program Democracy Now with Amy Goodman. The show airs on over 750 public radio and tv stations. We are interested in interviewing you on the program on Monday. Please email me at mike (at) democracynow.org. Thanks.
Mike Burke
Producer, Democracy Now
#22 by Grainne - December 21st, 2008 at 10:16
Thanks so much Tim for your bold and clever mischief. The Bush admin’s dying move to leave public and sacred land to the oil industry infuriated me as it did many others. I am so glad that you had the courage and the werewithal to take action when it seems no one else could or would. I hope that you do not have to go to prison – maybe we could petition the Obama admin. to pardon you. I and I am sure many others will keep track of your case.
Thanks! – you are so inspirational!
#23 by Pat Sanders - December 21st, 2008 at 10:30
Can we all respond to Tim’s call for bolder, more concerted, more effective action? I share Tim’s sense of urgency regarding both climate change and peak oil. The clock is ticking, time is short to make change and too many of us act as if things will continue as they are indefinitely. Tim has made a great personal sacrifice and I hope this will spur more of us into action.
#24 by Dan Gilbert - December 21st, 2008 at 10:31
Incredible, Best news I have read in a long time. Speaks of nonviolent progressive action gaining result. When you set up a legal fund account I will gladly donate. Whats next????
#25 by Matt - December 21st, 2008 at 10:35
You need to set up a donation system right away for your defense fund. Hundreds of people are wanting to donate now!
#26 by Judy Cook - December 21st, 2008 at 11:20
What an incredible inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your bravery, Tim.
#27 by Nancy Walther-O’Neal - December 21st, 2008 at 11:50
YOU ARE REMARKABLE! I WISH WE ALL HAD SUCH COURAGE! WE WILL FOLLOW YOUR CASE AND HELP YOU! BRAVO TIM—YOU ARE A GIANT AMONGST MEN!
THOSE COWARDS WHO ATTENDED THIS HIGHLY VEILED LAND RUSH TO BID ARE TO BE CHASTISED AND SHOULD BE THE ONES ON TRIAL! SHAME ON THEM!! SHAME ON BUSH!!
IT AIN’T OVER YET!!
#28 by Colin - December 21st, 2008 at 11:58
I like to take great quotes, write them on stickers, and adorn my laptop with them. That way, whenever I’m working, browsing or surfing, I have something inspirational and worthwhile to read as the world around me continues to fall apart. This quote just made the cut:
“As we get closer and closer to the point of too late, we have less and less to lose from resisting.”
Keep fighting the good fight. What you did took an authentic type and tangible level of courage.
#29 by Joseph Ewen - December 21st, 2008 at 12:25
Good show, Tim. You are upholding the best traditions of our nation. I just hope that your story doesn’t get buried by the MSM. This needs to be spread by word of mouth, people. Tell everyone!
#30 by Lauren Weeks - December 21st, 2008 at 12:31
You have my respect and admiration for this inventive act of civil disobedience and for your commitment to the cause of protecting Utah’s wilderness. Perhaps had others your boldness and ambition, we would see more change on behalf of our environment. Best of luck in the struggle ahead!
#31 by david - December 21st, 2008 at 13:07
i don’t agree with your position on drilling, but i still think what you did was cool.
#32 by Brad - December 21st, 2008 at 13:43
My only hope is that you can find the psychiatric help you so desperately need in prison. Remember, don’t drop the soap.
#33 by Anonymous - December 21st, 2008 at 14:12
I threw you a couple bucks, not much… buck every little bit helps. Plus I really want to show you that you’ve inspired me to do SOMETHING, even if it’s a baby step, it’s still a step in the right direction.
#34 by The Dude - December 21st, 2008 at 14:34
That is a brave and heroic deed you have done. Thank you.
#35 by Tim Myers - December 21st, 2008 at 16:13
Tim,
You are a good man. Thanks for acting on behalf of all of us who didn’t have the courage to do what you did. Thanks.
#36 by Melissa - December 21st, 2008 at 16:34
Goddess bless you young man!
#37 by Richard - December 21st, 2008 at 18:20
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now let’s get you a great lawyer.
#38 by henry david thoreau - December 21st, 2008 at 18:26
If… the machine of government… is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. ~Henry David Thoreau, On the Duty of Civil Disobediance, 1849
#39 by np - December 21st, 2008 at 18:30
It is hard to be in a room like that – and do what you did.
May we all take a lesson from you….
#40 by Shari Robinson - December 21st, 2008 at 19:08
Thanks for standing up for our rights. Tim, you did not break any laws, the laws were thrown away 8 years ago. Thank you again for the courageous act.
Shari
#41 by Dave - December 21st, 2008 at 19:15
Tim, Well done. Interesting that some winners are willing to pay whatever price because they know these lots might never reappear again because they should never have been placed out in the open.
#42 by Ardell Broadbent - December 21st, 2008 at 19:15
You have enough supporters that collectively, even with $5 to $20 per person, we can pay your lawyer or pay for the parcels. Which would be cheaper? Hey, Obama’s campaign did it without corporate money. Send me a note and I can get a website set up for the donations. Better yet, you could get a donation option set up linked to this page. There’s no way we can let you pay time. You would be a prisoner of conscience and Amnesty International would take up your case.
#43 by Ant Jill - December 21st, 2008 at 19:26
What a guy! We had some of the same crap happen this summer in Ca. No way in hell to stop Boxer, McKewon, Feinstein et., al., from seizing our mountains and closing it off for public use. Bah Hunbug! We tried, you succeded. Proud of you Tim. Just gotta love that kind of civil disobedience. Brave. Proud of you in Bishop, Ca.
#44 by Kristin - December 21st, 2008 at 22:05
Way to go Tim! I was so impressed by what you did! I too would be willing to doante to meet the bid price, just let me know where to send the check.
Kristin
San Francisco, Ca
#45 by Jesse - December 21st, 2008 at 22:09
Tim -
You are a hero. Thank you for your bravery.
Jesse
Boston, Ma
#46 by Loran - December 21st, 2008 at 22:11
I am completely dazzled by your brilliance on this act of civil disobedience. I sent the scoop to Huffington Post. This needs to make national news!
#47 by Joan - December 21st, 2008 at 22:59
Thank you, Tim, for stepping up to protect the land, to protect the future. We are reaching the tipping point, and you may have just tipped the balance! Thank you for your courage, for your bravery, for your conviction. May we all gain strength from your action and follow your lead.
Joan
Salt Lake City
#48 by veronika - December 21st, 2008 at 23:34
Thanks for your incredible bravery and inspired activism. I have forwarded this page to friends (who will also forward). You’re making me smile for the rest of 2008 and beyond. You did it with one act!
#49 by Cliff Lyon - December 22nd, 2008 at 00:01
#50 by Delshad P - December 22nd, 2008 at 00:09
Dear Tim,
Thank you for Yes Menning your way into the hearts and minds of the BLM and hopefully the public. A fantastic act, indeed! Will help you and engage others to catalyze the necessary discussion on how we value our public lands, about global climate change, and the desperate need to fashion a renewable based energy economy.
#51 by Larry Bergan - December 22nd, 2008 at 00:14
The New York Times:
“We were hosed,” said Jason Blake of Park City, a consulting geologist who was outbid on a 320-acre parcel. “It’s very frustrating. I hope the guy is prosecuted.”
And how does being frustrated make you feel Jason? The environmentalists have been ignored, harassed, and even called terrorists by people who want to make lots of money. Tim acted out of pure goodness and you got punked in the process because you were whoring yourself out.
Shame on you!
#52 by Claire - December 22nd, 2008 at 01:00
You are an inspiration, thank you so much. Keep fighting the good fight, as I and a growing number of people will do!
You’re awesome.
#53 by shannon - December 22nd, 2008 at 05:54
Thank you so much. If more of us had the guts to ACT we could get out of this mess. I told my kids about you today. You are an inspiration.
#54 by e brooks - December 22nd, 2008 at 07:00
so many thanks for doing this, Tim! best of luck with the mess and ride you’re in for now. we’ll be watching, praying and doing what we can to help your case and our common future. this has more than just made my day; you’ve given us hope and courage!
#55 by beatlenan - December 22nd, 2008 at 08:36
That was really brave what you did! Like Ghandi said: Be the change you want to see in the world. I wish you much luck.
#56 by Jennifer Bush - December 22nd, 2008 at 09:01
Thank you! I will be asking Obama to pardon you.
#57 by Josh Trost - December 22nd, 2008 at 09:04
It’s spelled, “James Hansen”, not “James Hanson”.
Excellent work! May you be vindicated in court under international law! And may many follow your example! We indeed are the ones we have been waiting for!
#58 by Tracy B Ann - December 22nd, 2008 at 09:35
How very clever of you!
I don’t really even like the wilderness or going outdoors for that matter but I get that some people do, and even I like looking at it out of the window.
It doesn’t belong to us though, we are just the stewards of this land and you sure did just do a fine job of watching over it.
Costing the oil companies a hundred thousand or so in money is like me losing a quarter, but you bought us time.
I am so impressed with your forward thinking and actions. Way to go.
#59 by Lina - December 22nd, 2008 at 10:26
Thank you, Tim! Listening to you on Democracy Now, and very impressed/inspired by your action. This is a beautiful land and hopefully your action will help keep it that way. You’re my new hero!
#60 by Mark - December 22nd, 2008 at 10:37
Tim, you are my Christmas hero!! I only wish I could have helped with this, what a moment.
/cheer
#61 by Jerry Jian - December 22nd, 2008 at 10:45
Thank you for doing more than your share to save our future. Such efforts will never be in vain and I hope will inspire those that feel they don’t have to, are afraid or for whatever reason don’t do their part for together we can make a difference and together we must as we are all in this together! God Speed.
#62 by Jenia - December 22nd, 2008 at 10:55
Thank you so much for saving our land. I will tell everyone I can about your act of courage that protected our land from the oil companies. You are wonderful and I will donate as soon as I can to your cause. A real hero!
#63 by Chad - December 22nd, 2008 at 11:01
It’s funny that the coat that you wore was an oil based synthetic product. Thanks for your purchase that supports the oil and gas industry. You are about as stupid as they get.
#64 by Richard Warnick - December 22nd, 2008 at 11:58
The issue is not oil and gas leasing per se, or even oil and gas leasing on public lands. It’s oil and gas leasing in places where the law and regulations actually prohibit impairment of wilderness qualities.
Yes, you can drive a car and still be in favor of wilderness preservation. And the rule of law.
#65 by Jay Lininger - December 22nd, 2008 at 12:00
Best domestic environmental direct action of 2008 – deserves an Ed Abbey Award!
#66 by Karen Wilcox - December 22nd, 2008 at 12:04
Way to go Tim. Consider cross-posting this statement as a diary on DailyKos.
#67 by Emmy Thomson - December 22nd, 2008 at 12:42
Dearest Tim,
I haven’t felt this moved for decades. Thank you for risking so much for the earth and its inhabitants…and for the wake us up call. I lost 2 brothers that had the same passion and conviction as yourself and I’m sure that they are celebrating right beside Edward Abbey on your behalf. Check out the website dedicated to my brothers ( solarseries.com) One was an author who wrote ‘In the Shining Mountains’ by Knopf and Edward Abbey’s comment is on the inside cover of the book. If there’s anything I can do to help please email!
Emmy Thomson
emmy@solarseries.com
#68 by Brett - December 22nd, 2008 at 16:46
Well done, my friend. Well done.
#69 by JJ Murphy - December 22nd, 2008 at 17:05
Tim. I blogged about this when I heard the DEMOCRACY NOW interview. I’m updating my post with a link to your comment. Thank you for taking effective action and giving so many of us renewed hope.
#70 by Sarah - December 22nd, 2008 at 17:39
Thank you Tim!
#71 by Ivan Doumenc - December 22nd, 2008 at 18:18
Thanks for this act of pure heroic genius, you have me inspired and humbled.
Ivan
Vancouver BC
#72 by Erik ReeL - December 22nd, 2008 at 19:27
Absolutely fantastic! Symbolic action, civil disobedience at its best. We cannot thank you enough Mr. DeChristopher!!! Our hearts go out to you!!!
#73 by David - December 22nd, 2008 at 19:56
Hey man, I live and go to school in Tennessee and I really wish that people down here had more of an appreciation for activism like that which you have displayed so admirably.
I think you’re going to be okay, legally speaking and wish you all the best.
David
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
#74 by LJ - December 22nd, 2008 at 21:32
Tim,
Thank you so much. You may have just saved some of the most beautiful lands I’ve ever seen from oil and gas development. You’ve inspired me and countless others. Thank you!
#75 by aaron norwood - December 22nd, 2008 at 22:01
tim…good to see you out there working!!! be good and swing by and see us in AZ…
aaron
#76 by Robert Wood - December 22nd, 2008 at 23:09
To help green hero Tim and the lands for which he sacrified, I’m passing this on to High Country News. Tim’s deed and his snowballing support make a beautiful story. Spreading the word to your friends and the media can create a groundswell of public opinion that will spread like wildfire, scorching the despoilers and bringing the matter to Obama’s attention so justice can prevail.
#77 by Anonymous - December 23rd, 2008 at 02:25
Thank you Tim! If what you did is illegal it’s not half as illegal as what this administration has done over and over again. I look forward to following your story and donating either to your bid and/or your lawyer. Whatever you think is best.
Some day when I have children and take them to Utah, they will thank you as well!
Best of luck and keep fighting! We are here for you.
#78 by Beth - December 23rd, 2008 at 02:36
Tim is a hero, and I will contribute to his defense fund. I don’t think that the government has the right to give away drilling rights to lands they don’t own.. rights that in fact belong to the people of the United States. Whether or not the lands should be drilled upon is a serious question that deserves much thought, research, and attention. Not rushed through days before a new administration (who would likely never allow the sale) comes into office.
In my opinion, the only fraud that was committed was the auction itself.
#79 by Moira Govan - December 23rd, 2008 at 04:11
You’re a Planet Hero Tim – a brave, advanced, enlightened soul- – if everyone was like you the Planet would be just fine!
So incredibly grateful to you – you’ve made my Xmas – you are going straight on my Prayer List – you will inspire so many by your example!
Lots of love
Moira Govan – http://www.EVUK.co.uk – non profit campaign for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies
#80 by Moira Govan - December 23rd, 2008 at 04:19
and you’ve made me cry as I watched you on DN!
You’re just the voice we need to lead the race to save this planet!
Bless you and prayers for you – you should be given a top job to save the planet
Moira G, Gloucester, UK
#81 by Julie Trevelyan - December 23rd, 2008 at 11:14
Nicely done. No matter what all the pundits and naysayers spout, the civil actions of the few have always been what eventually bring about positive change. Thank you so much, Tim, for allowing your passionate belief to dictate your fearless actions.
#82 by Toddag - December 23rd, 2008 at 11:28
Tim, you are a hero! Thank you!
#83 by Ken - December 23rd, 2008 at 11:51
Because I think the auction is fraudulent, I am going to commit fraud myself. Yeah that makes sense?
#84 by Bob Schatz - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:01
Tim,
Having recently finished reading both Desert Solitaire and The Monkey-wrench Gang, I offer you my sincere thanks, my children’s thanks, their children’s thanks, etc., etc.!
#85 by john k - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:06
WOW…i can’t remember the last time an individual’s act has affected me like this. when u finally meet your earthly demise, i’m sure you’ll be getting them 73 virgins upon your deserved ascension to a heavenly paradise. i’m unemployed now, but if the feds do chose to go after u, i’ll be sending a contribution. u and muntazar al-zaidi are my 2 new heroes. all the best.
#86 by Brad Bacon - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:12
Tim I feel you have done the most noble action I have been alive for. To Brad whos comment on 12/21/08 is uneducated and LAME, Your the type of scum that would sell your mother out for a buck. I hope YOU get YOURS for speaking such nonsense. ALL THE WORLD MUST LIVE HERE! Thanks Tim you have greatly inspired a lot of people to get out of thier comfort zone to help the world be a better place.
#87 by Brad Bacon - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:25
How do I donate to the purchase of the land? You bought it, Let’s not give it back. We will all know you are the steward of it and the oil thugs can never have it. And I think it would be the best christmas gift to my nieces and nephews.
#88 by Brian - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:26
We live in an country of laws and proper protocol. You will be educated soon about the consequences of breaking those laws.
Anarchy will not save the environment.
#89 by Candice - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:33
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
#90 by Anonymous - December 23rd, 2008 at 12:39
This is awesome…I’m glad college age kids are getting in there and stirring things up for the better!!!
#91 by Emmett J Murphy - December 23rd, 2008 at 14:48
Tim DeChristopher is a new hero of the environmental movement, a young man who has risked a great deal for the earth, our nation, and his convictions (and mine!). He deserves awards and support from us all. Bravo, Tim!
#92 by BK - December 23rd, 2008 at 15:52
I think Tim is a hero! I have contributed to his defense fund, and I hope this story gains momentum ( I am in Europe and read about all of this from a link on Yahoo). I think Tim has alot of courage. Those who SERIOUSLY thinks what Tim did will impact gas or food prices in any way, shape, or form should do a bit more research into energy issues (Hint hint, just because Rush or Fox News say it, doesn’t make it true).
What Tim did was ensure that drilling on these lands is debated and fairly evaluated… in a very public forum- not rushed through in the final hours (Thank GOD) of the Bush administration. The only crime committed was by the BLM/whoever authorized the auction. SHAME ON THEM.
#93 by eArThworm - December 23rd, 2008 at 16:13
BLESS YOU!!
#94 by Tara - December 23rd, 2008 at 16:29
Way to go- you are on businessweek.com http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D958H33G1.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis
Now, when will CNN carry the story??
#95 by WASanford - December 23rd, 2008 at 16:36
Thank You for your courage!
#96 by Nora Jones - December 23rd, 2008 at 16:40
I am in awe of you, Tim. What an extremely brave and clever thing to do.
#97 by BK - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:25
Tell the BLM what you think of their auction:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/feedback.html
I asked them for an apology.
#98 by Moribund Republic - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:28
That will get us far BK.
#99 by Sally Rogers - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:51
As I have read about this, the thought that keeps going through my head is: “Why can’t we all contribute to a fund that actually goes toward fulfilling the 1.7 million amount that Tim has bid?!?” Instead of a legal fund for his defense, we could turn the whole arrest incident on its head, by making him a “legitimate” buyer of the oil/gas leases. Could they really follow through on any charges,then, if he paid up?
I keep thinking of all the money that Obama’s campaign raised through large numbers of small donations. A grassroots groundswell, with enough publicity, could very well raise some serious capital — and bail Tim out of his legal problems before they go any further, by rendering them moot. The big bonus: all that pristine land gets “bailed out” too.
Just throwing this idea out there. Could it feasibly work?
#100 by Cal North - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:53
Please, someone start an account to collect donations for the purchase. How much do we need? How long do we have to put up the money?