BLM Needs VIP treatment as well.

[maladroit]

They still try to jack up their cumshaw every year though.

Just HOW long have you been waiting to use that word??!

[The Rod]

Corruption of a government agency. Shock! Outrage! Something must be done! If you let them get away with it now they'll do it again!






Edit: Cumshaw? Nice one.

[maladroit]

[media]

[Simon of the Playa]

Fuck em'.

Lets just do it at Fly, on the "other", non BLM playa...

1997 was just as good as any other year.

[Corvus]

BLM is now Caravansicle?

Actually, no. Caravansicle brought their own stuff.

Congratulations, BLM. You're making JT look good!

[Corvus]

They've stopped JUST short of demanding that someone pick through their M&M's and remove all the blue ones.

Actually there was a specific reason Van Halen had the no brown M&Ms rider in their contracts:
http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/vanhalen.asp
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/232420

Come to think of it, if Burning Man is going to become a spectacle, maybe the Borg should be the one putting in riders.

[Simon of the Playa]

retrocausality.

bitches.jpg

[DrYes]

Fuck em'.

Lets just do it at Fly, on the "other", non BLM playa...

1997 was just as good as any other year.

I wasn't there in 1997 but I gather having it on Fly Ranch was not something the Org loved. Clean-up was reportedly a major bitch due to the scrub grasses on part of the site and I guess the Fly Ranch owner kicked the BM staff out at one point.

[GreyCoyote]

I guess the Fly Ranch owner kicked the BM staff out at one point.

That'll teach Larry to let the owners ice cream machine run out.

History repeats.

[some seeing eye]

Before we go message board/message-sending pitchforking the BLM...

This is all a beautiful situation but there is still risk. BM exists on a knife edge of being canceled permanently at any time. Because everything has escalated, due to controlled leaks by BMORG, their relationships and media hype, the average burner may not have an impact on how this plays out, but could sabotage it.

Probably better to stress BM as a wise recreational and educational use of Western BLM lands. It is the first camping trip for many young people, the next generation, who can go on to support public recreational use of remote areas. The event has an educational component provided by the permit applicant (BMORG) as the Earth Guardians. It is a model of cooperation in planning and coordination which could be applied to future group events on Western BLM lands.

This event is the highest use of that particular land imaginable, thus worth study. So should upper Department of Interior executives wish to visit, and we would encourage that, it would be better for them to experience the event under the same primitive conditions, and shortage of water and energy the participants do.

And I would have to say that each personal interaction I have had on playa with BLM has been very positive! So be nice to them when you cross paths.

I'm not in favor of the Blue camp or its expenses. But it is a rational proposal by a federal middle management employee. It's been shot down by Reid (!!!). Better to give that individual a graceful retreat. The federal government is weird, you can't be fired, but no one takes risks.

[AliCat903]

When I wrote my letters I tried to stress that it isn't that we don't want people coming to check the place out, but that there's no way to grasp a real understanding of the event if they are staying in luxury VIP trailers away from everyone else. And that it would basically be a complete waste of resources to provide such things if the actual purpose of their visit is to gather an understanding of the event.

I can also see how this might have been written by someone who has experience with other festivals or events but not so much with Burning Man and has no idea how unreasonable some of it is.

[Bless]

I say, let 'em eat cake! Why's everyone trying to harsh the BLM's burn? If I were them, I'd want flushing toilets and ice cream buffets as well.

[Lonesomebri]

When I wrote my letters I tried to stress that it isn't that we don't want people coming to check the place out, but that there's no way to grasp a real understanding of the event if they are staying in luxury VIP trailers away from everyone else. And that it would basically be a complete waste of resources to provide such things if the actual purpose of their visit is to gather an understanding of the event.

I can also see how this might have been written by someone who has experience with other festivals or events but not so much with Burning Man and has no idea how unreasonable some of it is.

Hey Plug and Play enablers, could you explain to me again how different the two issues are again? Note how interchangeable the above post is.
One begat the other. But I can understand the importance of clearing your name from being associated with opening that festival resort door.
And, hey, didn't a bunch of you claim that because it was the Bmorgs party, they can do as they please, and you were all happy with that?
It's BLM land, chumps.
"But it's our government, our land...."
Yeah, well it was my/our Burn until all you told me otherwise.

[some seeing eye]

I don't see PnP and BLM Operation Blue are related. PnP is display culture crossed with Fest300. BLM Operation Blue is regional budget balancing and shining-pleasing superiors. Really BLM as part of the larger state are the ultimate BRCCP players.

[Elderberry]

For the record, I don't think there is any reason to "clear my name". I believed everything I said at the times I said it and my thinking evolved with the information as it became unavailable. Whether you agree with that or not, I don't care. My conscience is clear.

When I wrote my letters I tried to stress that it isn't that we don't want people coming to check the place out, but that there's no way to grasp a real understanding of the event if they are staying in luxury VIP trailers away from everyone else. And that it would basically be a complete waste of resources to provide such things if the actual purpose of their visit is to gather an understanding of the event.

I can also see how this might have been written by someone who has experience with other festivals or events but not so much with Burning Man and has no idea how unreasonable some of it is.

Hey Plug and Play enablers, could you explain to me again how different the two issues are again? Note how interchangeable the above post is.
One begat the other. But I can understand the importance of clearing your name from being associated with opening that festival resort door.
And, hey, didn't a bunch of you claim that because it was the Bmorgs party, they can do as they please, and you were all happy with that?
It's BLM land, chumps.
"But it's our government, our land...."
Yeah, well it was my/our Burn until all you told me otherwise.

[AliCat903]

I have no name to clear...

I am not a fan of 'plug and play' camps. (Although it's difficult to say that since there isn't an exact definition for that phrase.) Haven't ever been.

I also don't think the people who run BM are perfect. They're making this up as they go along. Lord knows we've tried some things with our theme camp that turned out to be a bad idea. And in retrospect we wondered why the hell we didn't see the problems coming, but hindsight is 20/20.

[GreyCoyote]

I don't see PnP and BLM Operation Blue are related. PnP is display culture crossed with Fest300. BLM Operation Blue is regional budget balancing and shining-pleasing superiors. Really BLM as part of the larger state are the ultimate BRCCP players.

I understand this line of thinking, but consider this: when it came to PnP's, The Hat was all about accomodation and tolerance. "Let them have their sherpas" was his ethos (until the peasants started sharpening their pitchforks, of course, then he sent his mouthpieces out to test the waters, and they came back in their shields, after which his PR hamsters penned a missive that remains to this day his darkest hour. We finally got his attention after that one).

Now, as we sit here today, suddenly Sir Lawrence The Tolerant has heartburn about the Blue Pit. Lets ask "why". What is the essential difference? Answer: NOW HE IS THE SHERPA. And perhaps most tellingly, instead of him getting a cut of the PNP action, he now has to pay for something that wasnt in his budget. In other words, now we found an issue that matters to him. Someone further up the food chain just took a dump in his financial Post Toasties . This is where it truly matters: his bottom line. Someone else commodified "his" event by saying "fuck your Burner Ethos. We are the 800 lb gorilla, and we want hookers and blow and ice cream just like First Camp and Caravansicle, or you dont get a BLM permit".

Ya know what? I vote we quote all of his platitudes back at him. Lets all counsel Larry about how its for the greater good, how "Radical Inclusion" means the BLM too, etc.

Bring on the Blue Pit. Larry shouldnt have a problem with it. And hey: it wont harsh MY burn at all! In fact, I suddenly feel much safer with all those badges and guns powered by choco tacos and salad bar fixins. Wait! Dont hang up!!!!

[jneilvindy]

What with the State and Federal government agencies all grabbing a piece of the burning man largess I fear we shall be seeing 760.00 base ticket prices very soon

The Hat must continue to live in the style to which it's become accustomed after all.

[GreyCoyote]

As you read the various bits, you keep seeing the name "Daniel Love" come up. This is the guy stirring the pot who cant shit in a can like everyone else. So a key question is "Why is Dan Love still on the BLM payroll"? This asshat is nothing more than a jack-booted thug. He's been bitter ever since all those ranchers stood him down. (Yeah, that was him! LOL!)

I'll leave this right here. Make sure to listen to the audio of this moron during the BLM/rancher standoff (he's the deep voice with the small brain and big attitude): http://sofrep.com/34874/objection-blm-a ... al-forces/

Google this guy. Lots of stuff out there. None of it encouraging.

So tell me again about these benevolent, intelligent, true-blue BLM guys who just want to look after our "safety"?

[DrYes]

Now, as we sit here today, suddenly Sir Lawrence The Tolerant has heartburn about the Blue Pit. Lets ask "why". What is the essential difference? Answer: NOW HE IS THE SHERPA. And perhaps most tellingly, instead of him getting a cut of the PNP action, he now has to pay for something that wasnt in his budget. In other words, now we found an issue that matters to him. Someone further up the food chain just took a dump in his financial Post Toasties . This is where it truly matters: his bottom line. Someone else commodified "his" event by saying "fuck your Burner Ethos. We are the 800 lb gorilla, and we want hookers and blow and ice cream just like First Camp and Caravansicle, or you dont get a BLM permit".

Great, meanwhile, it's Burners who will end up paying for it, not Larry, and not the BMORG. The cost will be passed straight along to us, which is not even an unreasonable thing to do from my perspective (taxes on businesses usually do get passed along to consumers). It's reality though.

PnP camps have nothing to do with this. I can't imagine that anyone on our side would care if the BLM wants to set up a luxurious camp off the playa (the proposed Blue Pit is miles from BRC) with their own funds, unless that be to complain as a general taxpayer. I

It pisses me off purely because approximately $60 of our ticket price already goes to the BLM, and they're asking for another ~$15 for a handful of managers and "VIPs" to have 24 ice cream freezers and flushing toilets. Not the ~150 BLM line employees - they will be staying in the same accommodations they have in previous years, presumably without issue, like in previous years.

And yeah, it probably does piss off Larry and Marian and Harley, but whatever your beef with them is, it's not them that's going to end up paying for it - it's us.

[GreyCoyote]

Dr Yes: Nope. THIS year, those costs will be carried by Larry & Company. The tickets have been sold and are now shipping. Good luck charging a new gate fee in addition. That'll get the BMORG sued, and well it should. If BMORG didnt budget for this little problem, its their problem. Or they can cancel the event and refund all the tickets... except a fair amount has already been spent, so that wont happen either.

Of course, NEXT year, your prognostication will be absolutely correct. Sad, but true. Daniel Love's little entitlement issue becomes OUR problem. You and I get to fund a PNP camp! How funny is that!

[Simon of the Playa]

image.jpg

[maladroit]

http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainmen ... urning-man

[Elderberry]

A lot of interesting reading, but at the core they still are not the same. Regardless of how you feel about Larry, the BMORG, or PnP, this is about GOVERNMENT ABUSE OF POWER, AND POSSIBLY IS ILLEGAL.

To me, that is the only issue here.

[Elderberry]

http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainmen ... urning-man

Erred by saying VIP my ass.

[Meat Hunter]

Do I read that someone has had their ear "whispered into" and is beginning to try and peddle their bicycle slowly backwards just a tad bit? Naaah........

[AliCat903]

Erred by saying VIP my ass.

That's exactly what I thought when I read that.

"The number of Bureau of Land Management personnel on hand at the festival has doubled to 160 over the last five years as the peak crowd size has soared to nearly 70,000..."

That sentence is bugging the crap out of me. It makes it sound like the population has doubled so they had to double the number of personnel. They've doubled personnel, but the population has only gone up by ~20,000. If it had doubled, we'd be at the 100,000 person population that the org has requested instead of 70,000.

No where have they explained why they need so much personnel out there. You'd think they were out there to quell some sort of violent riot.

[Meat Hunter]

what AliCat903 said, + That dog won't hunt...

[FIGJAM]

Well, their BLM staff doubled in 5 years, but the cost went up to 5X what it was 5 years ago.

Fire that accountant.

" Actually, it would only be for 15 to 20 top state and national Bureau of Land Management officials charged with ensuring safety and security and environmental compliance at the festival, he said."

THEN THEY DON'T NEED A FUCKING MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GreyCoyote]

Lets talk about this snippet, because it's really the crux of the whole thing:

Gene Seidlitz, the bureau's Winnemucca district manager, said Sunday that the cost of the portable units is being "robustly exaggerated" by organizers. The compound will offer basic amenities only for top agency officials who oversee the quirky art and music festival event held on public land the week leading up to Labor Day, he said.

In that paragraph, the BLM admits it's asking for this stuff, so we can get past the whole "authentication" aspect. BLM wants it, and they want Larry & Co to provide it. That much is clear. The discussion now turns to "who is lying to us about the PRICE of these things".

So here is how to optimally test the "reasonableness" of this these BLM demands (and if you've ever been on a corporate expense account, you're gonna recognize these metrics instantly): The BLM should feel free to buy, and to provision, all of this stuff. All of it. They get to do it on their own nickle with the understanding they have to keep the receipts, and these receipts are going to be reimbursed subject to an independent audit later. (In other works, if Douchebag Daniel Love buys a Home Depot hammer for $500, when in fact the fair market value is $15.95, he shouldn't expect to be reimbursed for the difference. He eats it, just like you, me, and the guy in the cubicle next door have to eat it when we go off the reservation and try to expense something woofie). Next, when BLM tenders the receipts for this approval, it goes via a special independent committee who will audit these receipts. If the BLM really does "need" this stuff, they can have it! But they must:

1). Show that it was reasonable, necessary and prudently incurred and actually paid for.

2). Show the amounts charged to BLM were consistent with the amounts charged for similar services, by similar vendors, elsewhere.

Is this asking too much? I think not. Once they meet that test, they get paid. In the meantime, a couple of things will be realized:

1). Larry and Company's contention that this is a $1,000,000.00+ problem will be shown to be completely false by a half an order of magnitude. It doesn't matter how you slice it, The Hat is lying to us about the actual costs. Heck, even Larry's love-child "Caravansary" could do it for less than the BMORG wants us to believe these "accomodations" would cost in the "free market". Put another way: If the accomodations are good enough for tech giants, I'm sure it's good enough for the BLM "specials".

2). DDan Love's contention that all of these things are "necessary" will also be shown to be completely false by a equal order of magnitude. (You want ice cream, 24/7? And a menu that looks like you copied from a 4-star BBQ? Oh puhleeze...) It's just really clear to me that DDan wants to feather his bed when his superiors come calling. You see, he got his tailfeathers singed by a bunch of ranchers not too long ago, and the Powers That Be didn't like that. Not one bit. Poor old DDan has an image problem before his superiors now, so he wants to give hookers and blow to his Washington handlers. And naturally, he wants Larry to pay for it, which means YOU AND ME next year.

The bottom line here is we're all being played as chumps. Larry wants to start the conditioning process whereby exhorbiant fees will be charged "due to unexpected needs of law enforcement", and DDan Love wants to assure his continued employment with the BLM by getting some dodgy pictures of Congressmen with hookers and blow and maids of merriment. Meanwhile, me, Ethel and the chickens are suppose to pick a side? Pardon me while I puke...

There are no heros here. Not Larry ("Mr. Tolerance") Harvey, not Daniel (the db) Love, and certainly not (the soon to be former politico) Hon. Harry Reid (who, incidently, until Danno went off the reservation and threatened to shoot a bunch of unarmed civilians just because his ego got in the way, was one of Dan's biggest supporters!) This whole episode is contrived and the subject matter was posted here on eplaya for one reason only: to try to channel the new-found rage (ala CommodityCamps) to accomplish a BMORG agenda. In other words, Larry got smart. He realized that all those howls that were aimed at him could be used to great effect as an offensive weapon against anyone who didn't like the aftertaste of his KoolAid.

And here we all thought he wasn't that smart....

I'm not having any of it, and you shouldn't either. I call bullshit, and I suggest we all stop being a tool for Larry and DDanno and all the other Idjits. Lets let this thing get resolved behind the scenes. I do NOT for a moment believe it will not be resolved. There are millions at stake here. This is a business transaction for both sides. The Special Use permit SHALL issue once these two fools figure-out how to screw each other. (and if it doesn't, what do you suppose DbDan is gonna do when 70,000 burners show-up in the middle of "his" desert and start camping? Ya gonna shoot us, DDanno? Maybe we should bring a dozen ranchers along to protect us from our own government?).

Honestly, if this costs Larry & Co another million, then fine. Fuck it. Our event has already been commodified by the very people who were supposed to be protecting it.

end rant