Could Christmas Mountains become part of Sul Ross State?

[SHANEA]

Could Christmas Mountains become part of Sul Ross State?

Interesting...   

[SHANEA]

   Don't like it, don't like it at all.  It's an attempt at "circumventing" the intent of the Mellon Foundation.  Some time I'll have to go back and read through the terms and conditions.  I'm a para-lawyer you know...     It needs to be either given to Big Bend National Park OR returned to the Mellon Foundation.  I'd just return it to the Mellon Foundation and let them decide who gets it.  That would settle it once and for all.  Sul Ross is a state supported university and like any state agency these days in Texas, they are strapped for cash.  The last thing they need is to take on this and then they would probably restrict access to only the university.   

I often  when the GLO sells off other land parcels, etc. across this great state, or does a trade with another state agency, do they mandate that hunting must be allowed on that land?  If I purchase a tract of 5000 acres from a GLO bid process, does the GLO force me to allow hunting on the property I just purchased?

Guns are already allowed in National Parks due to the recent Supreme Court ruling.  You can legally carry a gun in a National Park.  Of course, hunting is not allowed in National Parks.  The way I understand it right now, the Christmas Mountains are not open to hunting under the lease terms with Terlingua Ranch.   

If Sul Ross were to "get the property", then would Sul Ross be required to allow hunting?  If it becomes University property, then even with the Supreme Court ruling, guns are still forbidden on state of Texas University property - just like you can't carry guns on airplanes, in airports, in most Federal buildings, on public school grounds, etc. 

Sull Ross State University Weapons Possession Policy

The possession, use, or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major or minor explosives, or any illegal weapon is forbidden and subject to university discipline as well as criminal sanctions. Weapons are not allowed on campus except for transporting directly to and from the University Department of Public Safety for storage in the UDPS storage facilities for weapons belonging to students living on campus who wish to use the weapon for lawful hunting or sporting activities off-campus while attending Sul Ross State University.

The Constitution is a living document and there are not absolutes.  The first and most important amendment, that's why it's first, is not an absolute.  One can not falsely yell fire in a crowded theater and then claim protection under the first amendment.   Thus, with this line of reasoning, the 2nd amendment is not an absolute either - the carrying of firearms can be prohibited in certain instances as the court has ruled.

[SHANEA]

What I think needs to be done is to petition our representatives in Austin for redress on this issue for the upcoming legislative session.  I'll get in touch with Pete Gallego and Carlos Uresti.  I'll also get with Luke at Environment Texas.  It's time to put this issue to bed and form a massive coalition and get bills introduced in the Texas House and Senate to transfer the Christmas Mountains to Big Bend National Park and be done with this once and for all.   They all get together again January 11, 2011 for the 82nd session.  Maybe we could have a "Save the Christmas Mountains Day" at the capitol and get everyone to show up, of course, guns in hand and slung over our shoulders  , and have a show of support outside. 

If you are not a card carrying member of Environment Texas, who has a lot to do with the Christmas Mountains and other State of Texas environment issues, then may I selflessly promote them?      http://www.environmenttexas.org/
https://www.environmenttexas.org/donate  of which I am a proud monthly supporter.

Regarding firearms in Big Bend, see:  http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/firearms.htm and for guns in Texas see what Jerry Patterson has to say about carrying guns down Congress avenue, on the Capitol lawn, and in the Capitol.  http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/capitol-plan-is-a-far-piece-from-firearm-565796.html?srcTrk=RTR_504016

[SHANEA]

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
From the Big Bend Gazette.

Texas General Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson dismissed recent press
accounts regarding a possible land transfer of the Christmas Mountains
from the GLO to Sul Ross State University.

In an exclusive interview with the Big Bend Gazette, Patterson said that
while the idea was discussed recently and very briefly with state
Representative Pete Gallego, the news accounts were inflated. "This is
amazing, [news accounts] especially when it comes to the Christmas
Mountains." Patterson described the recent accounts as exaggerated and
added, I have a lot of ideas, including ideas about nuclear waste and
nudist colonies. "

More soon on our website www. bigbendgazette.com


John Waters, Publisher, The Big Bend Gazette 432-837-5755 432-837-5755 PO Box 466,
Terlingua, TX 79852 www.bigbendgazette.com

[OldJeepr]

Now that's an interesting concept.
Nudists operating a nuclear waste facility.