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:
Its called Civil Disobedience which is legal nowadays. Even judges can be stupid
Ryan Bronson They haven’t. This all stems from Bundy saying that they would not start anything, but would defend their lives. Pretty simple, really, but some, like Debby, can’t understand it.
Go Back Off in Your Own Jack yard you stupid rednecks!!
Jane Emery Defending themselves from being arrested for committing a crime.
I would feel safe taking my children to this wildlife reserve right now. My children were not safe during Ferguson, Baltimore or the occupy movements.
The judge can’t do that. The land belongs to Oregon and the govt is trying to steal the land for The New World Older because it has gold and other minerals and they want it!!!
Charge the judge!
Angel Toro what crime have they committed? Being on land that was stolen by the federal government? Because as the bootlickers can show me where the federal government has the ability to own that ground, then maybe I will start to change my opinion, but this piece of paper we like to call the Constitution forbids it. So good luck. I know you liberals have a tough time understanding the Constitution. And again you have the right to not be burned alive like those at Waco.
This is unAmerican, Unconstitutional, and tyrannical political hijacking of our laws by the federal govt. First its not their land to start with, it belongs to the state.A coward of a Sheriff. And a town that has 60%of its people employed by the federal govt. Starting to get the picture.
where does this ‘judge’ get this authority?