Breaking News
Oregon Is Battleground For Constitutional Rights
- Armed protesters stormed the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon on Saturday
- The protest is due to Dwight and Steven Hammond being order back to prison for 4 years.
- The protesters are run by brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy who want “to restore the rights to the people here so that they can use the land and resources.”
FBI officials tried to calm the anger in Oregon by calling for a “peaceful resolution” to the standoff at a national wildlife refuge that dragged on for a third day Monday.
Still, the bureau did not give any specifics about its response in a statement Sunday, citing “safety considerations for both those inside the refuge as well as the law enforcement officers involved.”
Armed protesters, who police say are coming from outside the area, took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns on Saturday after participating in a peaceful rally over the prison sentences of local ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond.
The Hammonds were convicted of arson three years ago for fires that burned on federal land in 2001 and 2006. Though they served their original sentences for the conviction — Dwight serving three months, Steven serving one year — an appellate judge ruled in October that the terms were too short under federal minimum sentencing laws.
Both men were ordered back to prison for four years each. They have said they plan to turn themselves in Monday.
Brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy are among those occupying the refuge. Their father, Cliven Bundy, was involved in a 2014 standoff with the government over grazing rights in Nevada.
“The end goal here is that we are here to restore the rights to the people here so that they can use the land and resources. All of them,” Ryan Bundy said. That means ranchers can graze their cattle on the land, miners can use their mineral rights, loggers can cut trees and hunters and fishers can recreate, he added.
Ryan Bundy said they planned on staying at the refuge as long as it takes. If the situation turns violent, he contends it will be because of the federal government's actions. “I mean, we're here to restore order, we're here to restore rights and that can go peacefully and easily.”
Ammon Bundy said if the government did use force to retake the refuge, “they would be putting lives at risk.”
Dwight Hammond Jr., 73, and his 46-year-old son, Steven, have claimed that they lit the fires in 2001 and 2006 to reduce the growth of invasive plants and protect their property from wildfires. However, prosecutors said the fires were set to cover up poaching.
The decision generated controversy and is part of a decades-long dispute between some Westerners and the federal government over the use of public lands. The issue traces back to the 1970s and the “Sagebrush Rebellion,” a move by Western states like Nevada to increase local control over federal land. Critics of the push for more local control have said the federal government should administer the public lands for the widest possible uses, including environmental and recreation.
On Sunday, armed protesters decked out in camouflage and warm winter gear and holding walkie talkies guarded the entrance. They allowed some news reporters through for interviews with members of the Bundy family. Pickup trucks blocked the entrance and were pulled out of the way to let select cars through.
Supplies were seen Sunday being delivered to the refuge area, which is remote even by rural Oregon standards. The wildlife refuge sits in a wide snow-covered valley rimmed by distant mountains. A high lookout tower sits over the refuge headquarters buildings, which has several stone buildings and garages.
Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward said the protesters were no patriots.
“These men came to Harney County claiming to be part of militia groups supporting local ranchers, when in reality these men had alternative motives to attempt to overthrow the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States,” Ward said in a statement. “We are currently working jointly with several organizations to make sure the citizens of Harney County are safe and this issue is resolved as quickly and peaceful as possible.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
75 Comments
Its time we all stand up to the unlawful federal government
I agree. This administration lets 60,000 criminals out of jail early=back onto our streets. Then they send hard working ranchers to jail. The federal gov. has no business owning any land or buildings.
We all need to get our train ticket and go join them
If we the people dont stand up there will be no rights left.
They are right that the land the Federal Government thinks they own belongs to the Sate of Oregon and it’s citizens period. Follow the U.S.Constitution.
Is it true or not that as the States joined the Union part of the Contract was that the US would turn the Public Lands over to the States? It seems that the US decided instead to break the contract and maintain control over Huge amounts of all lands in the West.
Is it not true that the Constitution allows the feds to purchase land for Forts, Armories, Ports and Necessary buildings? I don’t think Necessary fits the description of the occupied facilities.
The Federal Government never claimed to own anything.
The feds manage the public land, who owns this land? Natural persons who are citizens if this fine nation.
Sagebrush Rebels lost their uprising, worse yet, corporations who lick their lips at easy profits must follow management rules before they get their pound of flesh.
IT’S TIME FOR PRESIDENTIAL IMPEACHMENT
Everyone has rights by birth but they must be exercised and claimed to exist. There is no inherent right to use Federal land unless there is a contract which stipulates the terms of that use. From what I can tell there is no proof that any violation of contract exists but I would agree that the penalty which has been handed down appears to be quite excessive considering that no real damage was done and no person harmed. This use of force to set excessive or punitive punishment is what I agree should be protested. I could also say the same about drug penalties and many other victimless so called crimes. From my perspective there are many people using public land for commerce and the Constitution requires the Federal Government to regulate interstate commerce or commerce within their jurisdiction. People can use the land as “men/women” but for personal use only.
Take a look at Karl Lentz’s YouTube missives to understand how to stand up to these encroachments and how to finally assert your authority as a “man/woman” in a common law venue and learn how to fight back using the same system they use to subdue the public. You might be surprised at how much power you actually have as a “man/woman” living in a common law state. This is powerful information and should be exercised honorably and with respect. The information that Karl shares should be learned by every United States of America sovereign. If people begin to study and practice these powers then we can begin to take back our country. Regards.
Violation of Constitutional Rights in USA; private property. Same case basically with Clive and Ammon Bundy property. The federal government along with many States are out of control when it comes to cases like these. It is time for owners/ranchers and others to stand up for their property rights.
JJM
We the people need to take our country back. Vote for NO incumbents
It seems the dispute is over blm land and the fact that the bundy’s have been using this land for quite some time along with alot of other ranchers. I’m not exactly sure of all the details but the bundy’s set fire to 100+ acres of land for weed control and now the feds want to put them in jail for 5yrs. Seems like the feds are going all out to prove a point here just as the bundy’s are. I think both sides should sit down and debate this whole mess out before it gets more out of control. I stand with the bundys on this.
The District of Criminals were supposed to be “A small central government”. The last I heard they owned over 50% west of the Mississippi River. Our Founding Fathers would have gone to guns!! The conmen: http://corbettreport.com/
Absolutely
Its time we all stand up for our God given rights.
We need to take back what the federal government has illegally taken from us
Stand and fight
Stand up for your constitutional rights
Yes, it is time to stand and fight
Band together and stand up to this unlawful governmet that is trying to take away all our rights
Another revolution is coming down the road
Take back what is rightfully ours in the first place
The 10th Amendment says’ it all!!!
It is the Patriotic thing for a true American to do
Stand Firm! Listen to Jefferson when he said the reason for citizens to own guns to go resist tyranny from the government.
It has to start somewhere.
If we do nothing our country and our way of life is over!!!
Every Oregonian should read the Constitution of Oregon, Article I.,
Section 1. ; and, so should anyone interested to preserve our freedom
from the Federal government and the United Nations the Obummer
supports.
These people have the guts to standup for our rights God Bless them.
The constitution does not authorize the feds to “just” take land from the states. so, the feds are the ones breaking the law. How do we stop an out of control government?? Can’t call the government for help!!!??
Before you castigate the brave folks in Burns, Oregon please read the
Constitution of Oregon, Article I., Section 1. and the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution and Article IV, Section 8 of the US Constitution.
gov is getting out of hand. we have to stick to our guns or be run over
Their rights have been stomped on and they have been told how things are going to be done no matter what . This is not the country I grew up in or have defended for so many years .
In almost every western state, we see similar overreaching by the fed. govt. where they are doing things to take even more land away from the states and the people.
Because the Constitution of USA is clear that the Jurisdiction of the Federal Govt. ends at the boundaries of the 26 square miles of the District of Colombia. Additionally; the District of Colombia is a foreign corporation to the Several Sovereign States in the Union of our Constitutional Republic. The Federal Govt. is outside it’s Constitutional Box using corporate de facto code passed off as law that supersedes the Supreme Law of The Land. This Treason and Tyranny has gone on for far too long and the corporate de facto Administrative Law subversive angle of it all dovetails into the hostile enemy corporate Oligarch United Nation’s World Govt. System.
I’m telling you the Natural Law, and Common Law, Magna Charta, and Constitution along with the Holy Bible are the Legal Foundations of our Republic, and are the basis for our Christian Culture. Corporate Govt. based on Administrative Law is evil to it’s core. It is the same system practiced by King George and was the Pagan remedy to reverse the overthrow of thousands of years of Rule by the Perogative of Kings. The royals were so angry that our Founding Fathers overthrew their system of slavery and indentured economic servitude that they the (British Lawyers Guild) established the American Bar Association which allowed them to be the Agents of the Royals that bribed off enough of the Congress to pass legislation in 1791 to
incorporate the Federal Govt. This is exactly what our Founding Fathers were against-If you don’t believe me just read what Thomas Jefferson said about it, and the result of a central bank. Face reality there would not be a police state if there was no Federal Reserve to finance it, and the jerks working for corporate de facto police departments have no educational IQ in the Constitution. Most of them have degrees in Marxist Sociology and will do anything that gives them power over other human beings for a pay check. They are all brainwashed. The 10th Amendment Center is the place for you to redeem your inadequate reprobate pagan brainwashed mind. Just look at what James Woods is doing to fight this corporate de facto evil bloodthirsty tyrannical treason- go look at 10th Amendment Center online, and look at the Associate web sites of CSPOA.org, and view James Jaeger’s new documentaries: “Midnight Ride”, and “Molon Labe”, on you tube. The alphabet soup of federal agencies created by the Unconstitutional corporate de facto govt. are also unconstitutional in violation of the Separation of Powers Clause and 10th Amendment and many other structural pillars of freedom in our Constitution. Educate yourselves at The Republic for The United States of America web site. Just take a look at the Notice of Sovereign Intent posted there and go their archives for the education of your lives. The 2nd Amendment Committee, Bernadine Smith web site will blow your mind with the truth and you will have a nervous breakdown once you study those archives of chronology on Treasonous legislation. Look at Freedom Force International’s web site. The federal govt. must be brought back under the Constitution, and all who violate their oath of office arrested for treason. Nullification is the rightful Constitutional remedy. Do you read Imprimis from Hillsdale College??? Just look back in 2014 when Professor Philip Hamburger wrote an article stating it is time to dismantle Administrative Law because it opened the door to corporate tyranny. The John Birch Society has published proof of this Globalist Tyranny since the 1950’s and before. A good book for all of you to read is:
“Set Up And Sold Out”-find out what green really means. You shall get a patriot IQ and you shall make yourselves valuable to the cause of liberty. What have you done lately for the “Holy Cause of Liberty”, and What good are you as an American anyway????????
There I Told You Why, Now I expect all of you to get your heads out of your asses and help us do something about stopping Tyranny.!!!Feudalism-Marxism-Socialism-Fascism-Nazism are all Evil From The Get Go as they VIOLATE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS ie…
“THOU SHALL NOT STEAL”. Additionally; watch “The Overview of America” on you tube to aid in your Patriot IQ Enhancement!!!
this is not about constituional rights. This is a egoic battle from the right to prove a point. It is a disgrace period.
I do not think the men should go back to jail again, which is a separate issue. That is unnecessary
the same things happen to the Indians?
Every instance when people stand up for their rights as guaranteed by the Constitution, it becomes a battleground between the citizens and the federal government which has overstepped its bounds.
This is not the first time in the last 30 years that events like this have occurred and they are NECESSARY if we would remain free. It is clear that this faux president is nothing more than an agent of Agenda 21 ; the United Nations plan to redistribute Wealth, land resources and everything else of worth from every nation on earth for the sake of an Oligarchic World Government but, which would void American Sovereignty, the right to VOTE, for self -determining government and would effectively devolve into the greatest dictatorship and the most oppressive; BAR NONE, the world has ever known. We, here in the United States have always REPRESENTED the greatest threat to any such plan because we are dedicated to the principles of tolerance and the right of all for them to go as far as their talents will take them. If there is to be a redistribution of wealth, it will be decided by Americans and for Americans, not from Americans to people all over the world at the expense of those born , raised and who have served in its military to KEEP ourselves free and maintain CHOICES . The U.N. , this leadership of fools,. incompetents , outright TRAITORS and foreign felons infiltrating us at all levels MUST be stopped and, As the 2nd amendment begins and justifies: ” a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a FREE STATE, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall, not be infringed.” I cannot think of a more appropriate use or exercise of that right than the case in which it is being applied in Oregon. Obama is not an emperor though he acts like one with delusions of Godhood. Those in Oregon are but the tip of the tsunami that will groundswell him into prison for High Treason if he tries to use U.N. Agenda 21 to implement what he has always wanted for his evil personal agendas and the subversion of OUR constitutional republic. And, I believe EVERY honorably discharged veteran and active duty enlisted personnel will abide by their sworn oath to defend and uphold the Constitution against all enemies , foreign and DOMESTIC as they have sworn to do for generations. Obama has fired or retired all those Admirals and Generals opposed to him and his policies but, some remain, I am sure with moral consciences and as true PATRIOTS: something few if any in our criminally complicit and foreign compromised Congress can claim. God bless America; God damn her enemies to perdition. period. And, I say these things with conviction being a 71 year old HONORABLY disabled by service Vietnam Veteran who had a degree in government in 1968 when he served in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and then, upon his return to the U.S. for his last 18 months of active duty in the Army, was assigned to the Combat Traumatic Multiple Amputee Wards at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I witnessed firsthand, the disgusting and preferential treatment given to Congress cretins across the hall! Apparently, some things NEVER change unless through lack of common sense, concern and professional competence, they are managed to be WORSE; and by DESIGN!
its time to arrest these thieves, pirates, posing as government. Hang them by jury for treason. Restore our nation.
GOV -POWER CONTROL the USA citizen
I agree that the Federal Govt. owns or is in charge of way to much land in this country.
I wish the states would take back their rights over the land, which I think the people would
go along with if there were some thing to vote on
Good for them fuck the feds!!
The BLM relies on the RFPA, (Rangeland Fire Protection Associations made up of ranchers to fight fires)
The volunteer ranchers have a keen understanding of the lands and combat wildfires very well.
The Hammond’s set a successful back fire to help extinguish the 2006 “Krumbo Butte” fire that was started by lightening, the back fire burned one acre of federal land…for this they are charged as domestic terrorists. The other fire they were involved with was where they had land use rights, was extinguished by them and never put anyone at risk but themselves.
In the article below the BLM’s fire cooperative coordinator Steve Acarregui praised and welcome ranchers that fight fires.
August 14, 2015 7:39AM
Courtesy of Sarah Grossman
The Soda Fire burns near Marsing, Idaho. Dozens of ranchers from Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon are helping fight the blaze, which has burned tens of thousands of acres of grazing land and is threatening ranches.
A large fire in Southwestern Idaho has destroyed tens of thousands of acres of grazing land and is threatenening ranches and cows.
HOMEDALE, Idaho — Dozens of ranchers in Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon are helping battle one of the nation’s largest wildfires.
In many cases, they’re fighting to defend their own livelihoods.
The wind-driven Soda fire had reached 200,000 acres as of late Aug. 12 and was spreading rapidly, driven by high winds, temperatures above 100 degrees and low humidity.
It’s burning mainly in Owyhee County but jumped across the Oregon border Aug. 12, where it has scorched at least 25,000 acres.
According to U.S. Bureau of Land Management officials, several breakout fires moved as fast as 1.5 miles in 8 minutes and some spot fires grew to 1,000 acres in 10 minutes.
The fire has destroyed tens of thousands of acres of grazing land and is threatening ranches that are scattered throughout the region.
Rancher Tim Mackenzie, who runs cattle from Homedale to Jordan Valley, Ore., said the fire has destroyed all of his spring range and it has destroyed all of the spring and summer range of eight other ranchers he knows.
He’s one of about 50 ranchers from two Rangeland Fire Protection Associations — one in Oregon and one in Idaho — who are helping fight the fire.
“It’s had a huge impact on me,” Mackenzie said. “It’s the worst one I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
The fire started close to Paul Nettleton’s ranch near Murphy but he has escaped unharmed so far because winds drove it away from his operation.
He said the fire has been devastating to some of his rancher neighbors.
“This fire is pretty scary,” Nettleton said. “Not only have they lost some ground, but probably a lot of cattle grazing in that area as well.”
BLM officials said protecting lives and property are their top priorities and after high winds caused the fire to explode the night of Aug. 11, firefighters fell back into defensive positions to protect ranches and other structures.
Steve Acarregui, BLM’s fire cooperative coordinator in Boise, said the volunteer RFPAs, which consist almost entirely of ranchers, have proven helpful in fighting the Soda fire.
“The (RFPA) program has exceeded my expectations,” he said about the groups’ efforts on this and other fires. “It’s been going really well.”
Acarregui spent part of the last three days with the RFPAs as they conducted burn-out operations and suppressed direct fire lines with fire engines and bulldozers.
“They have a vested interest in protecting the forage on federal land where they have grazing permits,” he said. “They want to keep that fire as small as possible to protect as much of that forage as possible for grazing. It’s a good deal for them … and for taxpayers.”
Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution, the People acting through their sovereign states, granted this authority to the federal government:
“To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings.”
In short, the federal government’s seizure of 1/3 of the Nation’s land mass is unconstitutional. That is a power that was never granted to it.
People need to get facts straight. Person above supposedly quoting text from us constitution article 1 sec 8 is bogus. Look it up yourself and see what it really says.
We all need to stand for our rights!!! Way to go guys.
There are to many in our government that have no idea of the meaning of our Constitution. They forget where the money really caomes from.
Under the Obama Admin. OUR BELOVED COUNTRY, HAS BECOME A JOKE. I served my Country, in the military,and now we have CLOWNS, who want to DESTROY THE USA. Make us a SOCIALIST NATION.
OVER MY DEAD BODY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
GET RID OF THE PROGRESSIVE BUMS.
Because this administration has over reached it’s authority again and has to be stopped now if we are to continue to be a country where the people tell the government what to do not the government telling the people what to do. This is a country that is very close to a revolution because the Congress is allowing the President to do any thing he wants to do and that has to stop now. Mr Obama is not our King but is supposed to be our President and he needs to act like a president not a King. He needs to be impeached immediately. He has committed Treason against this country numerous times sent taking office.
Because this administration has over reached it’s authority again and has to be stopped now if we are to continue to be a country where the people tell the government what to do not the government telling the people what to do. This is a country that is very close to a revolution because the Congress is allowing the President to do any thing he wants to do and that has to stop now. Mr Obama is not our King but is supposed to be our President and he needs to act like a president not a King. He needs to be impeached immediately. He has committed Treason against this country numerous times sent taking office.
People need to get facts straight. Person above supposedly quoting text from us constitution article 1 sec 8 is bogus. Look it up yourself and see what it really says
The federal govt. derives it’s power from the states, the states derive it’s power from the people……Not to hard too understand. These farmers have been violated, and further…paramount to double jeopardy, how many times should they be prosecuted for these felonious charges. When they came for someone I know across town, I did and said nothing, when they came and hauled my neighbor away…I said and did nothing, when they came for me??? There was no one left to say or do anything. Are you next?
HOW CAN THE GOV. GET AWAY WITH THIS??
The Federal Government has been out of control for over a century. Sending these men back to prison only proves the point. Murderers sometimes spend less time in prison than these men. Sentencing guidelines for Federal judges is a joke. We pay these judges to use their common sense when they administer the law. This is institutionalized lunacy under color of law, masquerading as justice. If Federal judges continue to operate as clueless, mind controlled robots that are bereft of common sense and slaves to guidelines that were no doubt penned by beings with no understanding that common sense is the glue that binds laws together. Without common sense application of law, people will soon lose their respect for and patience with the law. A very bad situation for all concerned. The best course of action would be to find whatever legal means exist to remove that judge from office. That may get the attention of all Federal judges long enough to ensure they think this through. The judges may soon remember that common sense is also a door that swings both ways.
My hat is off to the Bundy’s as a resident of Mesquite,Nevada for over 15 years I personally know this family and like many locals of that area respect them.Our government has turned their backs on the people and this president has shamed this great country to every nation in the world,he is a disgrace.
Anyone who stands with the Bundys has my full support–Give em Hell boy’s
The Government gets away with this crime,who knows they may take your land next….
he feds have no claim to the land, only the states have control per constitusion. check it
We must defend our constitutional rights. The government oversteps its authority all the time. It is past time we told them to stop.
Public lands should be open to the Public for any peaceful, non-destructive purposes, ie: hunting, fishing, grazing. They are supported by tax payers, so taxpayers should be able to use PUBLIC LANDS!
The Federal Government Cannot own Land other than the District of Columbia and military bases.National Parks are not the property of the government,They belong to the people.
I believe the goverment has lond been over stepping it’s bounds. We should be able to go into the wilderness without having to pay just to walk on forest land.
Better in Oregon, I lived in Maryland and that is a Muslim state, and Ferguson is also.
They did the time and now have to do more.Thats not how we do it
Because its just a matter of days or Months before the King Obama takes all the Guns away and we have to take a stand God Bless the farmers
I believe in the Constitution & Freedom. The Fed Govt suely has better things to do
Obama needs to leave our guns alone most gun owners are consevitives the idiots that are doing these shootings are a minority I have owned guns all my life Obama you want my gun come and get it when you get it I will not need them the government will not let you correct your kids then when they do something wrong then it is the parents fault the media makes these kids famous by talking about them for months
As for Oregon they done served their time leave them the hell alone
Because everything done by Obama and his Minions is Immoral and /or illegal. And the really stupid Obama followers can’t see the forest for the trees. They will be screwed over by him and Michelle like America was–and then Michelle-your turn next- so it is written!
Joe, you need to get your facts straight. First. The Hammonds are not homesteaders. They bought the property that they occupy. Second. The Hammond family is not doing the fighting. In fact, they have rejected the Bundy’s and the “militia’s” actions. This sort of information does nothing but stir up and encourage unwarranted actions on the part of people who do not bother to corroborate the information that they read. It’s the “if it’s on the Internet, it must be true” syndrome. Don’t believe everything you read, Internet or otherwise, until you have checked it out for yourself
They need to organize a much larger Militia, along with the minutemen, Patriots, ex military personel, any active military personal, all sherrifs offices / law enforcement & everyday citizens (which are many) to join in. this would be in the million’s. We need to take names of every politician, Senator, congressman, governor, heads of federal departments (fbi – Hls – Irs – blm – epa etc! media, police / sheriffs, judges, anyone with power in government, attorney general, president and everyone involved in ruining this great country and keep records on them, so we know who to eventually go after. These people need to be held accountable even if it takes years to do it. if the government turns on WE THE PEOPLE and uses our tax payers weapons on us, then we need to start knocking them off, anyway we can. Even a plan to do this individually & locally. They are traitors and MUST be defeated and held accountable.
Because the gov. is trying sowly to take away our rights, These lands were set up for the people to enjoy and use
I believe most persons who make their living off the land and not being handed a ck from an “employer” recognizes the effort it sometimes takes to protect the land and therefore their economical life.
I deal with the BLM a lot, they have way to much control over legal access to Private property, they can turn it on and off at their whim.. Any time the federal Gov has control over the people … we the people need to step up and make our voices heard, they are are employees and should not be the sole say in what goes on on public lands. (key words here are PUBLIC LANDS) not the lands of the fed Gov!
BLM TRY’S TO GET THEIR WAY BY BEING A
BULLY , IT’S TIME FOR THE STATES TO STAND UP FOR THEIR PEOPLE !
Our US government has become too big and powerful. Government has become greedy taking land and over-reaching their authority
Because this country is build on laws, you brake the laws you go to prison. Do you pull a gun to kill federal agents, you are dead in a heartbeat.No one country is as FREE as this one, and if you disagree go and live in Pakistan, Iran or any other country in the world even better North Korea, to get the taste!