As with most opinions coming from the fringe of the public lands debate, Robert Miller’s letter (Herald, March 16) supporting the Bundys and Hammonds is filled with inaccuracies.
First of all, Lavoy Finicum was not “gunned down” by agents of the federal government, he was shot and killed by the Oregon State Patrol. This occurred after he fled a roadblock, exited his vehicle and reached for his weapon. (A loaded pistol was found on him.) These events have been corroborated by both FBI and the state of Oregon investigations, as well as eyewitnesses, including some from inside Finicum’s own vehicle. Fincicum had publicly stated his desire for martyrdom and can be heard shouting “Shoot me!” in the video Miller references.
Second, the Hammonds were not convicted of “domestic terrorism.” They were convicted of arson, a charge they have accepted with some remorse. The Hammonds have, in fact, gone to great lengths to disavow themselves from the Bundys and the Malheur occupiers.
Finally, to describe Finicum or the Bundys as “protesters” is disingenuous at best. They were trespassers and armed occupiers of federal buildings at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. They also stole and vandalized federal property.
Cliven Bundy hasn’t paid grazing fees since 1993, and the Bureau of Land Management estimates that he owes close to $1.2 million. When thousands of public lands ranchers throughout the West pay their (subsidized) allotment fees each year, why should Bundy get a free ride? These people are not “patriots” or heroes, they’re criminals. People on the right are quick to point to the law when it suits their argument (illegal immigration), but equally quick to dismiss it when it doesn’t.
The federal government manages millions of acres throughout the West. These lands have not been unfairly taken from the states or from poor ranchers, as the Bundys claim. This land was always in federal hands, and it was a condition of statehood that it would remain under federal ownership for all Americans to enjoy. No amount of squawking from so-called sagebrush rebels will change this.
John Wickersham
Durango
