Interior secretary commends BLM cops over Bundy standoff

[struggle4progress]

Published on May 16, 2014 12:17PM

Washington • Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has been mostly silent about the Bureau of Land Management's efforts to round up illegally grazing cattle in Nevada that belong to rancher Cliven Bundy. That court-ordered roundup was halted after an armed militia created a tense standoff that could have ended in gunfire and deaths.

This week, Jewell sent a note to the department's employees praising the 4,000 law enforcement officers who protect America's vast public lands and specifically noted the difficult jobs they find themselves in.

"Recently, we witnessed the risks that can confront our law enforcement officers, when the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service worked to uphold court orders to remove cattle illegally grazing on public lands in Nevada," Jewell said. "I am thankful for the professionalism that the officers displayed throughout the extremely dangerous situation; they are to be commended for their commitment to the safety of our employees and members of the public" ...

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsoutofcontext/57952766-64/officers-jewell-law-bundy.html.csp

[dballance]

1. I think it's okay she commended the individuals

The short note seems entirely appropriate to me. She commended the individuals who put their lives on the line every day. She didn't commend the bungling of the whole affair by management at BLM. Though I do think the decision to back down, rather than create another Waco or Ruby Ridge incident was appropriate.

To be as cynical and blunt as possible; I believe the GOP was salivating over the chance to have women and children shot on live TV during a mid-term election year. All the "Hannity's" and his ilk cheering on Bundy knew exactly what they were doing, in my opinion. They were hoping to create a disaster to run on in Nov. I don't believe they give two shits about Bundy and his like-minded sovereign citizens unless they can use them for their own benefit. This was quite clear when they dumped him en masse after his ignorant racial statements came to light.

[struggle4progress]

2. +