So we can reasonably conclude that too much government help might actually hurt the plant. Perhaps if the government would only keep their hands off our land, species like Keck s checker-mallow will again flourish. Before the federal government denies someone the right to use their property as they wish, they should make sure the information they use is scientifically accurate and compelling. Here, there is no proof that government action will save Keck s checker-mallow. The plant seems to have left Tulare on its own, and it has returned on its own.
Good intentions don t always make good public policy.
And when a person s property rights are at stake, the government must be that much more careful. The United State Supreme Court once remarked, Legislators represent people, not trees or acres. While the case was not regarding the environment, it still evoked the truth. The problem is that no one seems to represent the people anymore. When left alone, species can make a comeback.