the longer something like the Malheur standoff drags on, the greater the siege mentality

[cali]

Paranoia deepens, the us versus them mentality grows. Even as laid back as law enforcement has been, one can see this is happening. Rumors of war and all that. These guys have access to outside information, but we're all selective about what information we take in. They're living in a bubble.

Crazy to begin with, these guys are just going to become increasingly deranged and dangerous. Saying that is not suggesting that the feds should raid them.

[emulatorloo]

1. You are correct. Their #1 goal is to provoke Feds to pull guns on them

So they can shoot Feds. They are pretty upfront about it. Hoping to become martyrs, thereby launching the great armed tea-bag revolution to overthrow the Govt.

The more worked up they get, the more apt they are to find any excuse to become violent.

[cali]

2. It's worrisome

Time to block access and shut down utilities.

[H2O Man]

3. Right.

That's the correct approach -- steady pressure to make it uncomfortable for them, without any "spark" that they would use to justify a violent ending.

The manner in which this is handled will influence the likelihood of this aggressive,right-wing tactic becoming more common, and increasingly violent.

Recommended.

[emulatorloo]

6. Yep, and Internet access as well, if there is a way to do that.

[Nye Bevan]

4. Or they may become bored, cold, smelly and demoralized, and give up quietly.

I'm sure the Feds are getting advice from their top psychological profilers on which outcome is most probable.

[cali]

5. Maybe. To be hoped for.