How long can law enforcement let the occupation of Malheur drag on for?

[cali]

Bird migrations begin in March. The occupiers are already destroying federal property and implicitly threatening law enforcement, sanctuary employees and Fish and Wildlife staff. They are clearly emboldened by the hands off policy. I see attacks on some of these folks as inevitable. Sheriff Ward feels so threatened that his wife and children have left the area. In addition, the occupation is almost certainly aiding enlistment in extreme militias and empowering them. Would anyone be in the least bit surprised if there was another takeover of federal lands?

[no_hypocrisy]

1. The trespassers see it as a win/win strategy

They either provoke a confrontation, making them heroes in their group's eyes or they gain land and political power.

[peacebird]

2. Fish & Wildlife employees & their families have been directed to leave their homes

Because their names and addresses have been exposed. The sheriffs wife was followed and threatened before he had her leave town. Sheriff has had death threats.

[Hoyt]

3. Until Hillary Clinton marches in and tells them to get the f@&k out and go home to

their compounds.

[cali]

4. Huh? I have no idea what you're saying

Are you saying wait until the next President is sworn in? Are you suggesting that by simply telling then to go home, Hillary could end it?

[Lurks Often]

5. Indefinitely as long as it remains non-violent

Those in charge seem determined to avoid violence, especially law enforcement being to the first to initiate violence.

I think they could be more proactive about isolating the occupiers, but I don't think any of us have all the information available to the various law enforcement agencies on scene.

[cali]

6. Intimidation edges close to violence. That is happening

[Lurks Often]

7. I'm aware of that, however that doesn't change my answer

Federal, state and local law enforcement do not want this to turn violent. They do not want this to turn into a situation where gunfire takes place and people on both sides get shot and die.


And for all the naysayers out there that think the occupiers are going to give up at the first shot, you are wrong. Once shots are exchanged, a lot of people on both sides are going end up getting shot or dying.

[Bettie]

8. They can let it drag on forever

or until Republican Congresscritters can draft a bill ceding any land that white guys with guns choose to take.

No one will do anything about it and the cycle will repeat at other locations.

They won at Bundy ranch, since the deadbeat still has not paid his fees an his cattle still graze for free on Federal land, unimpeded by things like laws because it has now been demonstrated that they do not apply to white guys with guns.

[Takket]

9. i've been wondering why....

the feds have made no attempt to once again arrest Cliven. all the militia are in Oregon. I would think his ranch would be an easy target now!

[Bettie]

10. I have wondered the same thing

Apparently, the Bundy's of the world have won and there are no longer any laws that apply to them.

[Takket]

11. farmers should protest

Bring their cows to the national mall in Washington, and let them graze. If they get arrested, they should use as a defense that since cliven bundy is allowed to graze consequence free that it is a violation of their rights to equal protection under the law to be arrested and prosecuted for a "crime" that someone else has not. A few piles of manure on the steps of congress might actually spring our government into action.

[MohRokTah]

12. AS long as it takes for the terrorists to be convinced they won.

I suspect the feds will completely cave in and the wildlife refuge will no longer exist.

They wimped out at the Bundy ranch standoff.

Hell, as far as I'm concerned, they already won. Federal land is free for the taking anywhere in the country as long as you are white and heavily armed.