The Federal government does not like to be challenged, and it has the resources and the power to make citizens yield, and does so when it cannot win the argument. If you have been following the conflict in Oregon recently between ranchers and the Federal government, you will know that the government, which owns over 50% of the land in eleven western states, is willing to jail you for unintended trespass of undeveloped, unoccupied land.
Two ranchers who did some brush clearing of their own ranch, but inadvertently burned some of the adjoining federal land, are now in prison for a long stay, based on a charge of arson. It is worth pointing out that the fire they started was put out by the ranchers without outside help, and the land itself is actually now healthier and more productive due to the reduction of brush and overgrowth. But the government wants to make sure that everyone understands they are in charge and they have the power.
A small group of ranchers, led by Ammon Bundy, are occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge building in protest of the unjust sentence and the overbearing government position. Fortunately, no violence has developed, but Bundy and his group have vowed to stay until the two ranchers in question are freed. But the government still wants to make a strong point, and they have enlisted a judge to help them.
Huge fine threatened, page 2:
True patriots. god bless you guys
the federal government is a bully, they can burn a mans cows killing them then send him a bill
How much did BLM get billed for Ferguson & Baltimore
Horse$#%&!@*.
Did the county make any money? Did they produce anything to bring money into the community?
ahhhh yes….it all boils down to money…this gov’t. is as corrupt as hiarry is and only has concerns in turning a buck…they have no other case….what a farce…the gov’t. has no scrupples and is the downfall of this nation
Well P**S on that judge. Bundy should ask for a jury trial to be found guilty of anything. If that judge followed the constitution he would not and could not fine anyone.
Send that bill to the judge that unjustly convicted them for arson
Your traitorous government at work. Hopefully a new administration will clean up these horrible treatments of honest productive Americans.
Judge must be corrupt and needs some money.