Statehood: The Territorial Imperative

Author: Bill Howell & Bill Redd | pp: 524 | Cover: Softcover It is said that the United States hold the public lands, which reside predominantly within twelve western states, "in trust." In 1976 the United States Supreme Court stated that the power of Congress over these lands is both "complete" and "without limitation." In that same year, Congress stated its intent to hold these lands in permanent federal ownership. The people are expected to accept and, in the main do accept, that "complete" and "unlimited" federal power and permanent federal ownership are legitimate characteristics of this public land "trust." The public lands make up some one third of the nation's land mass. Thus, whatever its characteristics may be, this "trust" is one of tremendous import and great significance. Since trusts are usually matters of law written in detail between trustors and trustees, it is reasonable to expect that the terms of this massive "trust" must be thoroughly documented. We then ask: W