The Stakes (Part 3)

Cliven went on:

At this point, I started to realize I needed to mentally digest all of this. “So, ‘bottom line’ this for me. Just tell me more about why you feel the United States Constitution supports your position and its plain reading exposes the Federal Governments’ usurping of the State’s land rights and the ranchers’ land-use rights, and the citizens civil rights, jeopardizing the freedoms, liberty, and independence of the American people, and particularly, the citizens of Nevada.”

“Basically,” Cliven responded, without missing a beat—by beginning a series of applications of the Constitution to the issue at hand—“under Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, the Federal Government is given right to own 10 square miles, known as Washington D.C. (the District of Columbia), and also, with consent of the State legislature, to purchase land for military use, and other needful buildings.”

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; …

– Article I, Section 8 (Emphasis added)

“Article IV, Section 3, of the U.S. Constitution” Cliven notes, “allows the Federal Government to own or possess land as a territory, acquired by Treaty, or acquisition. The Federal Government has complete power over those lands, to make rules, regulations, and to dispose of those territories. But, as each territory becomes a State of its own, the Federal Government is to ‘dispose’ of the territorial land forming the state, and all titles cleared and given to the Sovereign State, who now becomes the owner of all lands not privately owned.”

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular state.

– Article IV, Section 3 (Emphasis added)

“However, if the Federal Government was ever to become an owner or possessor of any land again after its formation as a State, then the Federal Government would need to purchase it from the State, with the consent of the owner, and for the purposes as stated in Article I, Section 8,” Cliven reminded me.

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; …

– Article I, Section 8 (Emphasis added)

“See, the fight here is not just about me and my cows, and it’s not just about the ranchers in Nevada, or the entire West for that matter; but, it’s about the rights of all-American citizens. Because if the Federal Government overreach in Nevada is allowed to continue, then it sets the precedent to allow the Federal Government’s overreach to prevail everywhere, in every State in the Union, and destroy the division of powers as afforded by the United States Constitution and by the founders who envisioned a divided and balanced governmental approach to ensure the people’s rights. It was quite an idee they had.” He ended with a big, satisfied smile across his face.

Then, he laid out this shocker:

“As it stands now, the citizens of Nevada are being deprived of their right to local self-government. In Nevada, the State’s citizens have practically no say in the laws of 85% of their State’s land, resources, and development.” This was, perhaps, demonstrated on April 12, 2014, when Federal Agents conducted a military operation at the ranch, while local Sheriff and State Troopers were ordered to stand by and watch. It was only after pressure from the demonstrators re-asserting the Constitutional limits to Federal power over the State’s land that, as Cliven concluded: “The local Sheriff broke ranks and negotiated a stand-down with the BLM, saving lives and my property (the Bundy’s ranch).”

To be continued…

But there is much more to tell about the story of Cliven Bundy challenging the government’s authority over federal land … so, stay tuned.

Learn more about Cliven Bundy: American Terrorist Patriot or get your book copy here.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, ex-felon, and a highly sought after conference speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column (MikeStickler.com)