Good history lesson, VP. I am certainly someone who respects the rights of local populations to determine what they want in their areas within the limits of the Constitution if in the U.S. or U.S. territories, even when I disagree with those decisions. I think the populations that you referenced chose unwisely, but it was their right to do so.

Pebble is a somewhat different animal, though, in that it is largely Washington placing the roadblocks instead of allowing the process to play out naturally.

Yes I know, there are some local groups that oppose it, but there are plenty that are in favor of it as well. This issue should be decided on the state and local levels and the federal government (EPA) should get the heck out of the way instead of trying to short-circuit the due process rights of those involved.