Truthout: Bundy's ''Militia'' Is Lawlessness of a Different Color

[Scuba]

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/23470-bundys-militia-is-lawlessness-of-a-different-color?tsk=adminpreview

Armed supporters of Cliven Bundy, a rancher embroiled in a land dispute with the federal government, at a check point near Bundy's ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., April 19, 2014. (Ronda Churchill/The New York Times)

But the phenomena takes on an even more sinister self-appointed "militias" used a show of arms to intimidate opponents, and the threat of violence to affect policy making and law enforcement. That's what happened in GIlberton, Pennsylvania, where embattled police chief Mark Kessler, who was running for sherif was put on suspension after disturbing videos surface of him shooting automatic assault rifles and ranting against "libtards" and other perceived political enemies, as well as videos of Kessler in uniform, repeatedly shooting at a target he called "Nancy Pelosi."

Kessler also happened be the head of a private militia force called the Constitutional Security Force. When the city/county council met to consider disciplinary action against Kessler, more than 100 armed members of his personal "militia" gathered outside the meeting. Some patrolled the meeting area, telling the media they were there to provide extra "security." They also angrily confronted a member of Keystone Progress, who petition signatures from more than 20,000 who wanted Kessler fired. Rather than fire Kessler, the council decided to suspend him for 30 days without pay. What's unfolding in Nevada hasn't become quite as extreme, yet. But give it time.

Let's be clear. Clive Bundy is basically a criminal. After losing in court for over 20 years, Bundy employed the threat of violence to continue illegally grazing his cattle without paying the grazing fee that other ranchers pay. A simple review of county records proves Bundy's claims on the land are bogus. Whipped into a frenzy by Fox News, Bundy now has armed "militia" supporting him in flouting the law.

If Bundy and his supporters were black or Latino, and wore hoodies instead of cowboy hands, they wouldn't be called a "militia." They would be called a gang of armed "thugs." Instead of hailing them as heroic patriots, the talking heads at Fox News would be calling for them to be arrested, if not shot on sight.

[malaise]

1. That's the truth

Rec

[The Magistrate]

2. Hear Hear, Sir

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. Little green men. nt

[spedtr90]

4. Or different politics

Consider what FOX said and what police did to Occupy protesters for being on public land/public parks.

[Supersedeas]

10. a difference political agenda and a different political rhetoric

Note most of the mainstream media supported the authorities in both settings.

FOX however took exception to the removal of Bundy.

[warrprayer]

5. rec

[Fumesucker]

6. Matt Bors got it exactly right

[coljam]

7. Little Dicks

Come on DUers show compassion for those with small Dicks.

[kairos12]

8. Put masks on them and we are Ukraine.

[BlueJac]

9. Bookem'

assholes

[Spitfire of ATJ]

11. Oh man,...a conversation just popped into my head....

Simmons: Hey.

Grif: Yeah?

Simmons: You ever wonder why we're here?

Grif: It's one of life's great mysteries, isn't it. Why are we here? I mean, are we the product of... some cosmic coincidence or, is there really a God... watching everything? You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know man, but it keeps me up at night.

Simmons: ...

Grif: ...

Simmons: What? I meant why are we out here, in this canyon?

Grif: Oh, uh... yeah.

Simmons: What was all that stuff about God?

Grif: Uh... hm? Nothing.

Simmons: You wanna talk about it?

Grif: No

Simmons: You sure?

Grif: Yeah.