McCain claims he listened to and worked with people on all sides–but ultimately he didn't respond to the overwhelming majority that opposed the bill. For six years. And to the point that, when he called a “town hall” meeting to mollify citizens (who'd asked for a field hearing), 600 people showed up (McCain waived the fire marshall's regulations because the h.s. gym was overflowing). 97 percent of those who were allowed to speak were against the legislation. They wanted an environmental impact statement–the same process a non-connected person who can't afford lobbyists would need to go through if they want to do an exchange with the government. Many of us will never understand his stubborn refusal to respond to that desire–he probably would be a hero in those towns (all other issues aside) had he done so.

I think your suggestion of having an experienced real estate broker involved is a very good one, BTW.

In general, the giveaway of federal lands should be a crime. Here's a little personal experience with that. My Aunt Martha had a huge wooded property in California. She allowed a logging company to harvest trees from a portion of her property. She got to dictate the manner in which it was taken (selectively) and was paid very very well for the trees they took. Meanwhile, right next door, the U.S. Forest Service was not only allowing the same company to take trees for free, the Forest Service built the roads, allowed them to clear cut it, allowed them to leave their trash and lost a huge amount of money.

That's a perfect example of managing our public resources for private gain. I know exactly how much the timber was worth, and what concessions a lumber company would make in order to get at it. But as far as our federal government is concerned, it's OK to just give our public property away, and even spend taxpayer money to facilitate the taking of our public property. Yeah, those trees are MINE, as much as anyone's. If they're gonna be offered up, then first, I want us to have a choice in the matter, and second, I want someone who works for me (say a USFS negotiator) to insist on the best possible deal we can get. To fight for it like it's his own money.

So, if McCain's deal was a shabby giveaway of public property, then may the flames of his pandering consume him. If not, then let the issue subside. But this may or may not be just dirty politics as usual (as Neocon suggests). It may or may not incite my righteous rage, depending on the details.

The lack of trust is poisoning our well right now.
Restoring trust iis more important than the particulars of any single occurrence or legislation, IMO.

I think it unfortuante that McCain didn't consider the importance of appearances in that regard,

Let their minions call out the other guy, dig up the trash and do the trash talking while they themselves stand back, condemn it and try to pretend to move on?

McCain is a quick study. He saw what trash talking has done to Hillary and is trying the Obama approach.

Gonna be one strange election this year.