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:
What happened to for the people by the people the government does not own the land, the people Does!
crooks
Agreed. Where’s the equality here. Baltimore mayor gave protesters free reign to pillage and destroy. In Oregon they were making a point.
Regina Kadow well your post has some lies in it because I know for a fact that quite many people were arrested in Baltimore !
J Scott Pittman lol…So, anyone can use and do with land owned by “we the ppl” as we see fit? Can i go into a nature preserve and start cutting down trees?
The federal Government is acting more and more like a dictatorship then a democracy .. What in hell is the big deal to the government ?? What is so important about a bunch of dirt and weeds ????
Did you ever hear the chant ” Pigs in a blanket, what do we want to do? Fry em” ” listen Angel I love Neil Young as much as the next person. I respect your liberal opinion – we will just have to agree to disagree on this. 🙂
No
Jon Rios Whats your point? You want someone to die? They will. When they come for your crib.
Take it out of the judges paychecks!