sI usually don't post a new article right after having just completed a post but, the unusual events of this election have stirred my concerns. It is difficult to predict what will happen but, the unprecedented reporting of happenings following this election have peaked my concerns. This is the first time in my lifetime, I can recall that large protests against the elected President are occurring nationwide. I have heard local news reporting that for the first time many voters cast their vote for all but the presidential candidates. Once again we have experienced a candidate winning the Electoral College vote but losing the popular vote. The media consistently are reporting on the division that is apparent within our country. We have just experienced 8 years of a do nothing Congress where political power has been more important than the American citizens needs, and the day after the election we experienced a significant drop in the stock market signifying concerns of investors. I am not sure what all this means but, I hope somehow this confrontational politics will be pushed aside and we will find a way to come together for the benefit of our Nation.
My major concerns have to do with the Republican Platform for the next administration. I am very concerned with the proposal to transfer the administration and financial responsibility for many federal programs to the States, to reduce federal spending. This requires careful analysis of the magnitude and cost of the program being transferred prior to determining at what level do we have the resources to administer the selected program. The last time we tried this transfer process, the federal government cut taxes and thereby, had to cut spending. Reduced spending was accomplished by eliminating federal grant monies to the States, leaving them in an untenable position. Many States are now having to reduce services or raise taxes, and some are near bankruptcy.
The other item within the Platform which scares me is the support for the transfer of federally administrated public lands to the States. In my estimation, this would be a devastating mistake for humanity. It will require significant investments in proper management to maintain the human contribution these valuable lands provide to our natural world we depend upon for life. Our States simply can not and will not, be capable of financing the cost of this responsibility. The most likely scenario will be for the States to sell off these lands to private companies and individuals to help balance the State budgets. The last time States sold off infrastructure, some elements were even sold to foreign counties. I truly believe, following this coarse of action will result in one of the most devastating adverse impacts on the human environment that could possibly occur. Natural resource managers and scientists need to take a strong stance against this proposal before it is to late!!!!
My major concerns have to do with the Republican Platform for the next administration. I am very concerned with the proposal to transfer the administration and financial responsibility for many federal programs to the States, to reduce federal spending. This requires careful analysis of the magnitude and cost of the program being transferred prior to determining at what level do we have the resources to administer the selected program. The last time we tried this transfer process, the federal government cut taxes and thereby, had to cut spending. Reduced spending was accomplished by eliminating federal grant monies to the States, leaving them in an untenable position. Many States are now having to reduce services or raise taxes, and some are near bankruptcy.
The other item within the Platform which scares me is the support for the transfer of federally administrated public lands to the States. In my estimation, this would be a devastating mistake for humanity. It will require significant investments in proper management to maintain the human contribution these valuable lands provide to our natural world we depend upon for life. Our States simply can not and will not, be capable of financing the cost of this responsibility. The most likely scenario will be for the States to sell off these lands to private companies and individuals to help balance the State budgets. The last time States sold off infrastructure, some elements were even sold to foreign counties. I truly believe, following this coarse of action will result in one of the most devastating adverse impacts on the human environment that could possibly occur. Natural resource managers and scientists need to take a strong stance against this proposal before it is to late!!!!
