Posted on 12/31/2015 7:09:15 AM PST by GunPkrBkr
BURNS – The strangers carrying the whisper of danger arrived in the vast territory of the Harney Basin just before the holidays.
Ammon Bundy once helped his father repulse the government in an armed showdown on a Nevada desert. He was Tasered for his effort.
Ryan Payne, an electrician from Montana, joined that same standoff and boasted of organizing civilians into sniper squads that drew a bead on federal agents.
And not long ago, Jon Ritzheimer worried the FBI with his threatening rants against Muslims in Arizona and elsewhere, according to press reports.
Now, the men say, they are in Burns to help Dwight and Steven Hammond.
The Hammonds are father and son ranchers, due to report to federal prison on Monday. They were convicted in 2012 of arson for lighting public land on fire adjacent to their ranch land south of Burns. They have been imprisoned once and must return for an additional term after federal appellate judges said they had been illegally sentenced the first time.
Self-styled patriots and militiamen gathering in Burns don't want that to happen, declaring the Hammonds' imprisonment illegal under the U.S. Constitution.
They have latched on to the Hammonds as their latest cause to stand against the federal government.
"I am here now trying to empower and motivate the people of this community to take a stand against tyranny and show them that I will gladly stand with them," Ritzheimer said.
The Hammonds don't want to be part of the outsiders' cause, and neither do many in Harney County.
But that hasn't stopped the strangers from summoning help from militia groups across the country. They are vague about their intention and their plans, unsettling the community and putting law enforcement on edge. The militia plan a rally and a parade on Saturday, circling the county courthouse that houses the sheriff's office.
The militia members have been insisting that Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward create a sanctuary so the Hammonds will be immune from surrendering. Ward met with the militiamen and rejected that demand. The militia has since labeled him an "enemy of the people." Ward said he has received emailed death threats among thousands of messages from across the country regarding the Hammonds.
Two weeks ago, Bundy and Payne roused 60 or so local citizens to their cause at a community meeting. They rented the Memorial Building at the fairgrounds for the night. They taped themselves lecturing the locals on their rights, on the Constitution, and on their duty to protect themselves.
The Harney County situation is the second time this year Oregon has been the national rallying point for militias. Last spring, miners fighting with the Bureau of Land Management over paperwork outside Medford found themselves enveloped with militia defenders. Militia members eventually left – but only after claiming they beat back the government. An administrative law judge temporarily stopped BLM action against the miners.
But the activists carrying pocket editions of the Constitution with them to Harney County are better known for the spectacle in Nevada in spring 2014.
The BLM was the bogeyman there too.
Nevada showdown
Militiamen by the hundreds flowed to Nevada that year to help rancher Cliven Bundy. The BLM was corralling his cattle that it said were trespassing on public land. The agency said Bundy hadn't paid grazing fees for 20 years, amassing more than $1 million in bills.
Payne, an Army veteran, came to the rancher's defense. In later interviews, Payne said he was the "militia adviser" to Bundy. Payne helped array armed civilians against the federal agents.
"We had counter-sniper positions on their sniper positions. We had at least one guy—sometimes two guys—per BLM agent in there," Payne told a Montana weekly, the Independent. "If they made one wrong move, every single BLM agent in that camp would've died."
Ammon Bundy, Cliven Bundy's third son, was there too.
As the nation watched, the BLM called off the cattle collection and withdrew in the face of the armed militia. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups across the country, said in a 2014 report on the Bundy standoff that the government's retreat empowered the militiamen.
Ryan Lenz with the law center was on the ground in Nevada and later interviewed Payne for the report. Lenz said the Harney County development isn't surprising.
"What's happening is very much what everyone feared would happen in the aftermath of the Bundy standoff," Lenz said. "The rule of law was suspended with the barrel of a gun."
Aiding the Hammonds
Bundy and Payne say they met with both Dwight and Susan Hammond at their home in November. Bundy said he helped the ranchers move cows one day.
The Hammonds initially accepted the militia's offer of help to avoid prison, Bundy said. But the Hammonds changed their minds after being warned by federal prosecutors to stop communicating with the militia, Bundy wrote in a blog post.
The Hammonds declined interview requests and didn't respond to written questions about their dealings with the militiamen. A Boise lawyer representing the Hammonds said in a letter to the sheriff that Bundy didn't speak for the ranchers and that they intended to surrender as required.
Document: Hammond attorney letter
Bundy and Payne and their associates are persisting, though. They explain in deliberate, calm tones their reasoning.
The federal government claims title to most of the land in Harney County, the ninth largest county in the United States. Bundy and Payne maintain that Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution limits what the federal government can own, and that the government's claim to much of Harney County violates that limit. The federal government consequently has no authority to prosecute the Hammonds.
Bundy and Payne, who said he has moved to Harney County, have pressed the matter on several fronts. They have insisted that Ward, the sheriff, protect the Hammonds. They have written other elected officials in the county and in Oregon asserting the same demand.
Some residents have shown interest in the group's cause.
Locals voted seven of their own onto a new Harney County Committee of Safety, including ranchers, a retired fire chief, and a tax preparer.
Payne and Bundy said the committee would decide how to address the Hammond conflict. But Bundy quickly created a website for the group and drafted a sharply-worded letter to the sheriff for the committee to issue.
Citizens on the committee said they authorized none of it.
Local dissent
Chris Briels, Burns fire chief for 24 years, said he was intrigued by the constitutional arguments raised by Payne and Bundy. But he said he also felt pushed too hard by Bundy to act. Briels said he is no anarchist.
The militia, Briels said, "seems like a bunch of people ready to shoot. I don't want that in my county."
Melodi Molt, a rancher and former president of Oregon CattleWomen, joined Briels on the new committee. She's troubled by what's happened to the Hammonds – but also worried about what her community faces with the outsiders.
"We're not from the militia," said Molt. "We're not going to come in with guns and overthrow the government."
The state's largest agriculture associations have vigorously defended the Hammonds since they were charged but want no part of the brewing militia action.
"I don't think people lining up in front of them with weapons or any kind of threats are going to help the Hammonds at all," said Barry Bushue, Oregon Farm Bureau president.
Billy Williams, Oregon's U.S. attorney, has also weighed in. In a lengthy statement to the Burns Times-Herald, Williams explained why the Hammonds were prosecuted. He then warned: "Any criminal behavior contemplated by those who may object to the court's mandate that harms someone will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences."
Document: Statement by U.S. Attorney Billy Williams
Payne and Bundy say it's up to local residents what happens next. If the locals decide to declare the county a sanctuary for the Hammonds, the militia is ready.
"We're sending the message: We will protect you," Payne said.
Such talk rattles the community, as has conduct locals blame on the strangers.
Tensions persist.
A Utah man tied to Bundy and Payne disrupted a state court session, insisting the judge empanel a special grand jury to investigate the Hammond matter. Federal employees report they have been followed around town and to their homes. Payne said no one in his group has followed federal employees. But he acknowledged knocking on the front door of a home featuring a handmade "Go Home Bundys" sign. Payne said he wanted to understand the homeowner's concerns.
Signs on street poles pronounce, "Militia go home!"
Others reply: "You are the militia."
One episode in particular has upset the community.
The sheriff said three militiamen and one woman, one with a gun strapped to his hip, engaged his 74-year-old mother and 78-year-old father at a yard sale being held at the American Legion. When the men criticized the sheriff, his mother bristled, and said she didn't need their protection from the government.
Later, the men showed up at the sheriff's office to complain about the exchange involving his mother.
She had, they said, threatened them.
-- Les Zaitz
503-221-8181; @leszaitz
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t - the gubmint will have its way....
just sayin'
.
According to US federal law, nearly every able-bodied male is a member of the militia. If the militia were properly supported and formed we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/311
Exactly. Hence the 2nd Amendment. But the libtards dont wanna hear that.
This article is really BS. Go to the Bundy website and read the history of this ranch and dispute with the BLM and it will turn your stomach.
I checked on the back story about the Hammonds. Talk about no good deed goes unpunished by the evil hand of government.
The BLM is another organization that needs to go bye-bye.
I am glad, no very glad, that citizens are standing up for other citizens. It needs to happen more often.
If this was a left wing group, the entire media would be praising them as the great heroes of our time.
‘The strangers carrying the whisper of danger’
What is this? .300 Whisper ammo (for an AR)?
‘activists carrying pocket editions of the Constitution with them’
Oh that evil (pocket edition = concealed carry) Constitution.
And, is that the Whisper of Danger???
Ya, my bs meter was pinging. It was just something to spark some thought. I also would agree wholeheartedly with revolutionary that BLM as well as most other overreaching goobermental arms need to go. I feel we are at the cusp of a revolution and these kind of stories need to be heard so people arent afraid of coming together against a tyrannical government.
Choot em !
Freepers don’t want to hear about it.
Mr. GG2 has had his share of run ins with the BLM. They are the worst sort of thugs. The BLM needs to be shut down. They are as bad as the EPA.
what chu talkin bout willis? so you’re gonna let them rob you?
These agencies were created to do the bidding of Congress without them being blamed for the mess they create.
Government is never on the people's side they are always self serving.
I got this long email from Carol Bundy today:
CALL TO ACTION: All able body men and women come to Burns, Oregon on or before January 2nd. Come prepared and be willing to stand.
Dear Friends,
**Some significant correspondence about the sentiment of making a strong stand in Harney County**
Ammon Bundy - Dec. 23, 2015
The Hammonds have been put in prison as terrorists for prescribed burns on their ranch. They did their time as unjust as it was. Now the federal government is putting them back in prison for the same thing, for 5 years. The federal government forced the Hammond's to sign the sale of their ranch to the BLM, and have fined them $400,000. The Feds are also making the Hammond's get permission from them if they buy or sale anything over $500. Pure tyranny and the people are going to make a stand against it on Saturday, Jan 2nd.
Ammon Bundy - Dec. 26, 2015 My Friend, I just got off the phone with Dwight and Suzie, flowers in their front yard will not help them. The Hammonds do not want a funeral. They want us to make a difference. I am holding back my emotions with you and your organization. Our rights are being stripped from us. This county is suffering. Good men are going to prison so wicked men can gain power and control. The constitution is being grossly violated, and you want to have a little walk and present flowers. I, and those that follow, WILL be flipping coins on the County yard. We intend to stand against these violations and not allow them to become the normal. Our actions will be recorded in history, the truth always reveals itself. Please read the Declaration of Independence as soon as you can, it may do some good.
Ammon Bundy - Dec. 26, 2015 My Friend, You know that I am not the only one that gives a damn, and I do believe that there is a right way and detrimental ways to this very delicate situation. Let me lay out some of the facts of the "alternative solution" or "avenues that have been exhausted" so you do not accuse me again of being rash.
The Hammonds are being punished for a fire they started over 15 years ago, they have spent upwards to $1,000,000 in their legal defense. They have exhausted all their avenues in the federal court system. They have used up every bit of emotion and will they possessed. (From what I'm being told, the Hammonds at one time were valiant fighters for what is right). Many cannot believe they have given up. But the system has broken them. The Hammonds have exhausted prudence over many years. They are the epitome of what Americans will become if the system is allowed to ruin all of us.
In addition, a rally of the community of over 500 people assembled in protest for the Hammonds, they were clear, loud and poignant. This effort was ignored by any and all in the federal system, in-fact they gave the Hammonds even greater punishment than anyone expected.
In addition, the Oregon Farm Bureau collected over 8000 petitions; these petitions were ignored and did not make a difference. Not one local or federal official took notice, not one responded in any way. Many articles and documents have been drafted expressing the injustice of these matters. Many people have commented and responded to those articles, many have written their Congressmen and other elected officials, yet those in the system still did not respond in anyway.
All of this happened before I even knew about the Hammonds. Laying in bed, I was told to get involved. I had no desire before then to take on someone else's battle. Since that time I have written more than 30 letters to different individuals of influence. Many other influential people have written directly to federal and other officials asking them to get involved in ending these gross abuses. All petitions have been ignored. I have yet to hear of any of these individuals even getting a reply letter.
Further, many others and myself have personally met with many officials asking them to get help in standing against these injustices. To the dis-heartment of those asking our petitions have been ignored. Thousands of emails were written to Sheriff Ward asking him to simply go to the Hammonds home, spend time with them, go to the ranch and go to where the fires happened, get a true perspective on what is really going on. The Sheriff has yet to even go 4 blocks down the street from his office to Dwight & Susie's home. He had not even met the Hammonds until Ryan & I set up a meeting at his office with them. He has never been out to the Hammonds ranch and has not been to where the fires took place. Yet he has drove all the way to Pendleton to spend a day or two with Frank Papagni and has spent many, many hours talking with the FBI about how they are going to combat those supporting the Hammonds.
In addition, thousands of emails were written to State representatives asking them to meet with the Hammonds and go to the ranch and fires, to get a correct perspective and get involved. All of these petitions have been ignored, not one elected representative visited the Hammonds or have been to the ranch or have gone to where the fires took place.
There have been countless communications, messages and emails back and forth about the Hammond case. I, myself, have spent hundreds of hours speaking with groups and individuals about the details of the Hammond case. I have been on over 40 radio broadcasts in the last 7 weeks explaining the direct violations of human rights towards the Hammonds. Hundreds of thousands have become aware of the details of the Hammonds case across the continent and have express distaste for the injustice.
After all of these petitions were ignored a legal Notice - Redress of Grievance was drafted listing all the egregious abuses and insisting that the County and the State officials assemble an Evidential Hearing Board. This Notice was sponsored by sound organizations across the west and tens of thousands of people put their name to it. We gave the State and County officials ample time to reply. By law, they are required to respond. Still to this day they have not responded in anyway. They have completely ignored. Judge Grasty said; "those that signed it were all "crazies" and not from Oregon". The fact is that people from every State in the Union put their name to it (including Hawaii and Alaska) but Oregon was represented by the most. You, yourself, a resident of Oregon put your name to it and so did the Oregon Constitutional Guard. Are you all "crazy" as Judge Steven Grasty said?
In addition, many town meetings have been organized and in one of those meetings the people assembled a Committee of Safety. The county, state and federal representative have openly mocked the committee and the people of Harney County in this effort, belittling the people's efforts to protect themselves as illegitimate.
There have been acts and petitions that I could never have time to list that have supported and disclosed the injustices that are taking place in this case. An unbelievable amount of effort has been exhausted in prudent methods to correct the wrong that have come upon the Hammonds. When will it be enough? Should we go on forever because we are afraid to do what is our right to do? What will happen to the Constitution and individual rights if we allow these violations to go on without challenge?
Please Read the Notice: Redress of Grievance -
http://holdingblock.blogspot.com/2015/12/we-people-united-individuals-of-these.html
Hammond Family Facts & Events-
http://holdingblock.blogspot.com/2015/12/fact-event-hammond-family.html?view=classic
BLM Destroys Ranches by Fire-
http://livestream.com/abeldanger/events/4573400/statuses/106584773 Ammon Bundy
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