Wyoming long has had an independent streak in its right-leaning politics, but a position on federal lands staked out by a Republican gubernatorial candidate still might cause some in the state to catch their breath: Taylor Haynes would open Yellowstone National Park to mining and grazing.
Mr. Haynes, whose diverse background includes degrees in urology and mechanical engineering and time spent ranching, said if elected one of his first tasks would be to send letters to the federal land-management agencies telling them to turn their lands over to the state and get their operations out of Wyoming.
“Then, in whichever county they attempt to have any official activity, they will be arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer in Wyoming,” he told the Casper Star-Tribune last week.
The 68-year-old Republican bases his plan on the grounds that the U.S. Constitution allows the federal government to own just 10 miles of land, in Washington, D.C., for offices and operations, and that the state could do a much better job of managing the federal lands.
How successful would Mr. Haynes' proposal be in terms of the state's tourism industry? Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks likely would fare well for their iconic status. But other park units in the state? Do you remember Shoshone Cavern National Monument? The site outside Cody, Wyoming, was designated in 1909 by presidential proclamation, and given to Cody in 1954. Have you heard of it?
Before Mr. Haynes can put his plan to work, he has to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination next month (current Gov. Matt Mead, a Republican, is seeking re-election), and then the general election in November.
Comments
Rambler, I am with you on this one, I realize it is a terribly complicated situation, goes back many years to interference in these nation's internal affairs, supporting right wing dictators, etc. Quite complex. I do think that time should be given to insure each refuge some type of hearing to determine if they have immediate family members here in the US legally (or otherwise), and if they are truly escaping unspeakable conditions (as it appears they are listening to the UN refuge experts). Other nations are dealing with refuge situations in much greater numbers than this, we need to approach this as a human crisis, not with hate and racism. I think the President is trying to deal with the situation, he is following the laws passed by Congress and in the case of the need of a hearing, signed into law by President George Bush. Lets us not repeat the mistake of the jewish refuges trying to flee Germany before WWII, lets deal with the situation according to our laws. The President has been trying to do something about immigration for 5 1/2 years. The Senate passed an immigration bill, it has been sitting in the House of Representatives for a year and half, with no action in sight. Thank you Rambler, I share your empathy for these people.
At 20:42 is where Haynes starts talking about Yellowstone. At 21:00 he talks about Northwest Power renovation project in YNP would be harmful to the parks's ecosystem. He then goes on to say that someone should be looking into using small geothermal units to power the park's buildings instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWDCXdoDGlk#t=1096
I guess this must be the Northwest Power project , he is talking about.
Thanks Sara - Now the rest of you can call off the dogs.
"I have no intention of drilling in Yellowstone"
Case closed.
Rmackie - ask yourself why this is happening now. The President isn't dealing with the situation, he is creating it. And the use of the law you cite is a total perversion of that law and in many (most?) cases is being misapplied.
http://www.cis.org/2008-trafficking-law-inapplicable-current-border-crisis
If you want to help these kids, go to Honduras or Guatamala or Equador and help them in their homes with their parents. These kids aren't seeking asylum. There are seeking to be put on the dole. We already have enough people in our country on the dole, we don't need to encourage more to come.
Case closed?
Perhaps on his gubernatorial aspirations. Candidates who make outrageous comments, and then come back with a "Gotcha! Just wanted to see if you were listening," have short political careers.
And perhaps his will be as well. The fact remains, his position is that he would not drill in Yellowstone. Period, case closed. Perhaps in fairness to Haynes your article should be updated to reflect that fact.
Nice analogy, Alfred. At the very least, a crackpot like Haynes perhaps reminds everyone to be vigilant in their protection of the parks. (It's no less plausible to imagine him saying next, "I did state that I had no intention to drill in Yellowstone, and I will admit to you all: I made that statement to draw everybody’s attention to Yellowstone. Of course, I'm going to stick to my guns and drill in Yellowstone.")
Justin - you can imagine all you want. But it would be just that, your imagination. Fact is, the man has stated his position. You will have to find some other strawman to fight.