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:
This is ridiculous! They don’t charge mobs or rioters for their behavior !
Them occupying an empty building doesn’t cost the county a dime.
How much do the Feds owe Oregon for their occupation of state land?
The government out to break you no matter how right you are they got military and print the money so what kind of change do you have
Give them,their land back
That building was abandoned, so why should he pay?
shoot that fuckin judge and the next one will think otherwise
yes, they better save that land for the illegals……
need to see an itemized bill
I though us American citizens owned the building !!!!!