#BundyTeaParty - Oregonian Editorial: At the refuge, it's time to pull the plug

[L. Coyote]

At the refuge, it's time to pull the plug: Editorial

There never was a honeymoon phase to the armed occupation of the federal refuge headquarters in Harney County. But it was close. Law enforcement at the county, state and federal levels was joined by most locals in rationally deciding the self-described patriots holed up at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge would probably exhaust themselves spewing their wrong-headed rhetoric and, missing their families and an anticipated welcome from locals, go home to Nevada, Idaho and Arizona.

But the coercive, illegal action by Ammon Bundy's gang persists, celebrated by the hollow heroism of its telegenic leaders. On Monday, Arizona rancher Robert "LaVoy" Finicum appeared before cameras and said: "This is not just a little occupation. This is a movement that's taking place across the country...." Finicum went on to say ranchers from Oregon, New Mexico and possibly Utah would arrive at the occupation site later this week for "a signing ceremony to throw off the overlordship of the federal government" – codespeak for a refusal to pay the government's below-market grazing fees. As if to underscore his gang's resolve: "We will not back down. These buildings are very symbolic.... We're holding (them as) the federal government's fortress. We shall not give it up to them ever. It returns to Harney County when it goes back. So make that clear."

Here's what's clear: Unchecked disregard for federal law and public property, combined with cunning media manipulation, rewards delusional behavior among people whose lives are otherwise spent enjoying discounted grazing rates on lands own by American taxpayers.

Here's what's really clear: It's really time to go.

..............

[center]



#RefugeRally chant went from "birds not bullies" to "throw the bums in jail" #Oregonstandoff 43 pics



Happening now: Bundy breaking down fence on refuge #BundyTeaParty



The #BundyBunch was spotted this morning, foraging for snacks.

[juxtaposed]

1. But what about--- Rainbow Unicorn??

[juxtaposed]

2. If u feel we need to deal with Fluffy first.. and then we may be able to go bird watching than be

it Fluffy unicorn needs to step up and be heard..

[eridani]

3. Ursula K. Le Guin Obliterates the Bundy Militia - and Oregon's Largest Newspaper - in 194 Words

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34722-ursula-k-le-guin-obliterates-the-bundy-militia-and-oregons-largest-newspaper-in-194-words

The Oregonian’s A1 headline on Sunday, Jan. 17, “Effort to free federal lands,” is inaccurate and irresponsible. The article that follows it is a mere mouthpiece for the scofflaws illegally occupying public buildings and land, repeating their lies and distortions of history and law.

Ammon Bundy and his bullyboys aren’t trying to free federal lands, but to hold them hostage. I can’t go to the Malheur refuge now, though as a citizen of the United States, I own it and have the freedom of it. That’s what public land is: land that belongs to the public — me, you, every law-abiding American. The people it doesn’t belong to and who don’t belong there are those who grabbed it by force of arms, flaunting their contempt for the local citizens.

Those citizens of Harney County have carefully hammered out agreements to manage the refuge in the best interest of landowners, scientists, visitors, tourists, livestock and wildlife. They’re suffering more every day, economically and otherwise, from this invasion by outsiders.

Instead of parroting the meaningless rants of a flock of Right-Winged Loonybirds infesting the refuge, why doesn’t The Oregonian talk to the people who live there?

Ursula K. Le Guin

Northwest Portland

[L. Coyote]

4. Great line: "Instead of parroting the meaningless rants of a flock of Right-Winged Loonybirds ..."

I might have used "meaningless crowing" to reinforce the avian puns.