West Virginia daily

Many people are deeply impressed by the concept of public lands. For some it is an awesome thing to view several million acres and say, "Wow. I am a part owner of all that."

It works especially well on folks accustomed to real estate measured in city blocks. I have heard of such an effect on a writer who moved to Colorado. I am reminded of it each time people argue about "our lands", "the people's land" or "public lands".

The federal government is the biggest landlord in the nation with about 28 percent of the land. That government had no land at all until two states donated ten square miles of land for a new federal city. Virginia later got part of that back. The rest of us aren't that fortunate.

The United States Constitution gives to Congress the power: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings.

The second obvious limit is that the land purchased from the state must be needed for forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards and other buildings.

So, when a guy from New Jersey comes out here and demands that all the cows be removed from "his federal lands," remember that not everyone agrees with his premise.

This is cache, read story here