I can see there has been a lot of discussion about the adverse impacts ocurring towards mining. It is one that has bothered me for many years now as well. The concept of "Picket Fence" is taking a little piece of mining freedom every day, If you don't understand the picket fence theory I can explain at a latter time. I assume everyone knows the concept the anti-mining people use to shut down the small miner. It happens at both the State and Federal Level.....(possibly County etc).
Speaking from many (15) years of experience fighting a similar battle; testifying at Congressional Hearings, being asked to speak at USFS public meetings, being appointed to State government comittees, and wildlife agency committees..........ONLY IN THE END TO LOSE THE BATTLE OF PUBLIC LAND FREEDOM; I can honestly say I understand the frustration and anger felt by many a miner like myself
It would be my humble opinion that the Term "United We Stand" needs to be broadened beyond the mining entity to include many other user groups who are fighting similar battles.....user groups who are being locked out as well.
The NRA has a huge amount of clout in Wash. D.C.. Unfortuantely the NRA is not allowing its' clout to broaden into OTHER user group(s). It would be interesting to see what pressure the other groups could have ON the NRA. It would be my observation that most miners are NRA supporters and possibly members.
Some how either the "mining group" becomes So large; like the NRA that it obtains the great clout. Or SOMEHOW many smaller user groups unite to become as large as the NRA. As an independant entity the mining user group will fight a long battle only to have the "picket fence" process lock it out from the public lands
Just an opinion......not to say we don't fight
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