Michael Allen; Read the constitution. State resources belong to the people. Therefor resources sold belong to the people. Equally. Our disagreement is over whether the State is utilizing my share of the money to benefit me. For me the answer is no. I remember when the debate was over whether the State pays out equal shares to each resident yearly (and everyone would pay State and Federal taxes on it) or if we allowed the State manage it on our behalf. I say that if we had taken the money  each year and paid taxes, we would have better banks accounts and smaller State government and a balanced budget. An even better way would have been to put all the money into a permanent fund for eternity and then start with a small PFD check immediately.  But no, too many people thought they deserved more than their share. This State has spent like a drunken sailor. The booze has run out. And the bar tab is coming due. An those that drank for free will want the rest of us to pay the tab.