OR - Militia members occupy federal building in Oregon after protest #1

[LaborDayRN]

Does anyone know if the Hammonds have turned themselves in? I believe it was supposed to be this afternoon.

 

[human]

I agree ohreally. They could've been stockpiling provisions to be self sufficient for an extended length of time.

Stockpiling water, electricity, heat and food for that many people?

Even if they have a generator, it needs fuel. And showers and toilet. Ugh.

 

[Lilibet]

I do wonder why they chose Jan. 2. Is it because this refuge has a slow period then, because of the holidays?

I believe the building is closed on weekends.

The Visitor Center includes The Friends of Malheur Nature Shop, an information desk, views of wildlife using Marshall Pond and an expansive view of Malheur Lake. It is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 4:00 and Friday from 8:00 to 3:00.

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Malheur/visit/plan_your_visit.html

 

[LaborDayRN]

From what picture? This is a very large complex. They are in control of the entire refuge. No LEOs are going anywhere near it.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.265312,-118.8424195,17z/data=!3m1!1e3

Yes, the refuse is huge, 187,000 acres. But they've taken over the refuge headquarters from what I understand not the entire refuge.

(CNN)Two days after taking over a federal building, armed protesters in Oregon are refusing to budge until they get what they want.

There are obviously several roads into the headquarters, this is where I was hoping to see blockades.

 

[branwynbreeze]

Am I allowed to derail slightly? I hope the Mods don't mind?

I was still living in my home country when Ruby Ridge, OKC, and Waco happened. I don't remember any coverage of Ruby Ridge, tbh, but OKC and Waco were certainly covered - extensively - on the BBC.

OKC was shocking to us, as a nation, even though we were living under PIRA threats daily. Maybe that's why? That PIRA could inflict that level of death? Of course, this was after the Brighton bomb, but seeing the OKC bombing certainly made an impact n us.

We didn't understand why McVeigh did it. I still don't understand. Please remember that for all of us, the US was Happy Days, home of Coke, ideal. We just didn't get it. We had no idea it was related to Waco.

We saw Waco on our TV. We saw ATF agents murdered as they tried to get into the compound. We saw the fire start from the inside. We heard Koresh.

We - mostly - as a country, felt terribly sorry for the cluster it turned into, but we did not understand the whole federal vs individual argument behind it. I've lived here for 10 years and I still don't get it. From *my* perspective, watching Waco on the BBC, what I saw was people trying to rescue kids in mortal danger from a preacher who was abusing them, and willing to die rather than be sent to trial for rape and pedophilia. Same as Jim Jones.

I appreciate Americans may feel differently.

Sorry for going so far off topic, but if these a-holes think they are another Waco or Ruby Ridge, I sincerely hope they are mistaken and the Feds shut off all their utilities until they come out dirty, hungry, and defeated.

JMO as always.

I'm seeing this as a bad remake of Ruby Ridge combined with Bundy ranch incident. I hope they can cut off supply routes, starve/wait them out.

I have no great love for BLM, they are as messed up as any other government agency IMHO, but ranchers went into this knowing they were basically leasing the land and had no formal rights to it.

 

[LaborDayRN]

Bundy spoke at the refuge south of Burns, Oregon. He said the group calls itself Citizens for Constitutional Freedom and has sent a "demand for redress" to local, state and federal officials.

They want a response within five days. Bundy did not say what the group would do if they get no response.

Reporters have seen roughly 20 people at the remote national facility.

http://www.10news.com/news/national/militia-members-occupy-us-building-in-oregon-after-protest

 

[Sonya610]

The main 'ranchers' occupying the buildings are from Nevada and Arizona. I am not sure they brought their horses and ranch equipment with them.

I would think they could use ATVs along existing trails and fire roads to bring in supplies as needed.

 

[Lilibet]

Just to clarify a comment above, the militia doesn't control the entire 187,000+ acre refuge. It has been closed to the public by the government to protect the public.

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Malheur/about.html

 

[LaborDayRN]

Residents of the tiny town of Burns are concerned about the potential for violence.

Keith Landon, a longtime resident and employee at the Reid Country Store, said he knows local law enforcement officials who fear their kids will be targeted by the group.

"I'm hoping most of it's just muscle, trying to push," he said. "But it's a scary thing."

If the situation turns violent, Bundy contends that it will be because of the federal government's actions.

BBM: I guess it would have nothing to do with a bunch of armed crazies breaking the law and taking over a government facility. SMH
I feel bad for the locals.

http://www.10news.com/news/national/militia-members-occupy-us-building-in-oregon-after-protest

 

[bluesneakers]

Imagine if a bunch of concerned citizens decided to take back their land and kick these militia men off a Federal Wildlife Refuge. We don't pay taxes so they can have a little military party.

Note: I am not advocating this idea, endorsing it, dropping hints or innuendo, or hoping someone does this. I'm simply presenting a hypothetical.

 

[KaaBoom]

Yes, the refuse is huge, 187,000 acres. But they've taken over the refuge headquarters from what I understand not the entire refuge.



There are obviously several roads into the headquarters, this is where I was hoping to see blockades.

They have gunmen up in the tower. Not only do they control the entire refuge, but beyond. ODOT can’t even plow the nearby highways, because the plow drivers would be in the line of fire.

 

[KaaBoom]

Stockpiling water, electricity, heat and food for that many people?

Even if they have a generator, it needs fuel. And showers and toilet. Ugh.

Why would they need to stockpile anything? Their family members including their children are coming and going at will. They can get what ever they want.

 

[Lilibet]

They have gunmen up in the tower. Not only do they control the entire refuge, but beyond. ODOT can’t even plow the nearby highways, because the plow drivers would be in the line of fire.

Please provide links to this information. Thanks.

I have seen the photo of the gunman in the tower. But I have not heard the rest of your assertion.

 

[Lilibet]

Press conference from LE at 3:00 pm.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...orcement_plan_3_pm_pres.html#incart_big-photo

 

[Lilibet]

Bundy says Feds won't force the militia out. His group plans to divide up the refuge and return land to ranchers.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...most-commented_pacific-northwest-news_article

 

[bluesneakers]

Okay, new plan: Everyone go vegan immediately.

 

[Lilibet]

More about the Bundy's Mormonism and whether their beliefs really have much to do with this event.

Bundy's rhetoric, though consistent with scripture and early Mormon teaching, is now considered extreme, and Morrill is skeptical about attributing his motives entirely to faith."While the Mormon stuff seems important, it also seems like these folks just have their own agenda and may be using Mormonism for that," she said.
Church leaders issued a statement Monday condemning militants' actions:
"Church leaders strongly condemn the armed seizure of the facility and are deeply troubled by the reports that those who have seized the facility suggest that they are doing so based on scriptural principles. This armed occupation can in no way be justified on a scriptural basis."

http://www.oregonlive.com/faith/2016/01/bundy_mormonism.html#incart_river_home

 

[KaaBoom]

Please provide links to this information. Thanks.

I have seen the photo of the gunman in the tower. But I have not heard the rest of your assertion.

What specifically are you asking me for? They have gunmen up in a tower with a view of the entire refuge and beyond, and they are threatening to shoot any government agents that come near.

[URL="http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2016/01/militants_standoff_sen_ron_wyd.html#incart_river_index”]Image source[/URL]

 

[bluesneakers]

Press conference from LE at 3:00 pm.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n...orcement_plan_3_pm_pres.html#incart_big-photo

Do you have a link to watch it live?

 

[Lilibet]

What I want are factual links. I said I had seen the guard tower photo, but nowhere does it say that they can see the entire 187,000+ acres and beyond, let alone control it, let alone prevent snow plows from working. If this is true, I am asking you to back up your assertions with links. You stated these things as facts. I hate to be picky, but we are required to provide MSM links when we make statements claiming to be facts. I'm trying to follow this story with accurate information. If your statements are merely opinions, please say so. Thanks.

They have gunmen up in the tower. Not only do they control the entire refuge, but beyond. ODOT can’t even plow the nearby highways, because the plow drivers would be in the line of fire.

What specifically are you asking me for? They have gunmen up in a tower with a view of the entire refuge and beyond, and they are threatening to shoot any government agents that come near.

Image source