FREE THE HAMMONDS: We, the People, Upholding the U.S. Constitution vs. the BLM/USGOV

a reply to: Phage

They've pulled it off so far, they certainly have more than a few people here suckered. Which baffles me because they are so transparent.

Photo credit: Harney County Mall Cops

Malheur SITREP: 2200L 23 JAN 2016 | Oath Keepers

by Sam Culper

This is a Situation Report from sources on the ground in the vicinity of (IVO) Burns, Oregon, as well as from open source reporting. This SITREP includes information from a SALUTE report generated yesterday* and is augmented with more recent information.

– An estimated 200 federal vehicles are in the town of Burns, Oregon, located at the FBI compound at the Burns Municipal Airport, hotels, and on the roads.

– Including approximately 50 vehicles at the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, we concur with yesterday’s SALUTE report that 400 or more local, state, and federal personnel are on the ground IVO the town of Burns.

– Last week, the FBI compound at the Burns Municipal Airport consisted of one modular tent, a directional microwave antenna, a “cell on wheels” antenna, and a satellite dish mounted on a communications vehicle.

– In the past several days, the FBI presence has significantly increased to three modular tents, six equipment trailers, and one to two dozen mobile light towers, in addition to dozens of additional personnel. Sources on the ground say the increase consists mostly of tactical teams, as opposed to support teams.

– Multiple sources also report that the FBI and other law enforcement demeanor has changed to “almost hostile” towards the Pacific Patriots Network.



ANALYST COMMENT: Analysts concur that the ramp up of federal personnel and equipment is sufficient to put a cordon in place around the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and possibly set up checkpoints IVO Burns, OR.  One thing missing from the area is the presence of armor, such as Bearcats, Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Proof (MRAP), Cougar or Buffalo military vehicles.  I would not expect a cordon to be put into place without armored vehicles in place, so that may be the best indicator of a future cordon.

Although the FBI now has the capability to cordon and raid the Refuge, we do not expect the FBI to choose violence as a first resort. From the beginning, the FBI has gone on the record and maintained that they want a peaceful resolution. I still believe this to be the case.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported the presence of children at the Refuge.  Significant backlash would follow an attempt to clear the compound without first exhausting all negotiations to remove the children from the area.  If children perish during another government onslaught like Waco or Ruby Ridge, a large number of Americans have gone on the record to say that there will be the proverbial hell to pay.  I believe this to be the case, too.

"A best case scenario is one that ends with Ammon Bundy and the Occupiers having gotten their point across to the American People without blood being shed by either party."

We, the People, are the holders of the power.

Kris Anne Hall, Constitutional Attorney, LISTEN to The TRUTH on the Oregon Militia - YouTube

Published on Jan 6, 2016
WOW!!! Kris Anne Hall, Constitutional Attorney, It is NOT the government's LAND!!! LISTEN to The CONSTITUTIONAL TRUTH on the Oregon Militia!!!

SALUTE Report from 22 JAN 16:
SIZE: 200+ Fed vehicles, 400-500 agents/LEOs, mostly tac guys

ACTIVITIES: Shadowing militia throughout town. Hotels filling up with FBI, State Troopers, etc. Sheriff’s dept fully locked down and barricaded.

LOCATION: Burns airport. Most hotels. Sheriff’s department.

UNITS: FBI tac teams, State Troopers, and SDs from around state

TIME: No demands have been made by FBI to vacate facility. Bundy will not vacate until his demands are met.

EQUIPMENT: Multiple large army tents at airport. Approximately 1 dozen light towers, half dozen portable outhouses. Minimum 1 drone. Multiple comms trucks, satellite and antenna. 1 medical response van.

ADDITIONAL: State Police are pulling any vehicle over, including citizens, for absolutely any small violation. Was not case previously to this weekend.



This is how the Sheriff's Dept says they are not escalating the situation. This is what you will be met with if you want to visit the court house.

UPDATE/NOTE FROM STEWART RHODES, Jan. 24, 2016:

SGM Santoro (on the ground in Burns, OR) agrees with Sam Culper’s SITREP and Analyst Comment and reports “all quiet on the Western Front” as of 11 am, today, January 24, 2016.   SGM Santoro wants you all to know that Facebook rumors of check-points being in place, gun confiscation, etc are false.  Just because it is on the internet, doesn’t make it true.   SGM is there, and personally drove ten miles outside town to have a look around, and sees nothing like that going on (at least not yet).   Also, he reports that he still has a solid line of communication and is on cordial, professional, speaking terms with the FBI agents he has been talking to over the past two weeks to further the mediation effort and facilitate and encourage open communication between the FBI and Ammon Bundy.   SGM Santoro has been working diligently with PPN on that mission.

Update - Brandon Curtiss - Idaho III% - Burns Oregon - YouTube
Streamed live on Jan 22, 2016
Daily updates from Brandon Curtiss live on the ground in Burns, Oregon

The US federal government, in many aspects, is starting to get way out of the control of the public.

It seems the only way people can be heard in today's mass media is to commit radical actions like this that bring the debate to the forefront. Without situations like this, the feds will slowly creep to the border of totalitarianism.

originally posted by: Leonidas
The Bundys are part of a fringe LDS Mormom sect and are Sovereign Citizen loons. They are wealthy ranchers that want to graze their cattle for free on federal land to up their profits. The Hammonds have made a statement distancing themselves from the Bundys. The locals have asked them to leave instead they have bulldozed a road into a wildlife sanctuary.

They have done a masterful job of co-opting this movement to hide their profit motive behind some grander scheme. The are laughing their racist asses off at all the people that are supporting their cause.

They are hiding their greed for personal profit behind a "feud" with the Federal Government.

Smart people are wise enough to see through what they are doing. The Bundys are smart enough to know that they can use people's bias against the Feds to hide their plan.

Thank you for posting this! I've been so baffled at why so many people are acting like the federal government is stealing from these wealthy ranchers. None of said land is "their" land, it's OUR land ("our" meaning US citizens.) They just want to keep making money off of our land. What a joke.

originally posted by: Phage
a reply to: Murgatroid

The BLM is the one whose wrong here and they are in FACT the real terrorists.

Who said anything about terrorists? Bundy is a jackass, not a terrorist.

The fact that they are stealing our land is all the proof one needs of this.

They haven't stolen my land. Maybe if they did I would look at it differently.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

originally posted by: Konduit
The US federal government, in many aspects, is starting to get way out of the control of the public.

It seems the only way people can be heard in today's mass media is to commit radical actions like this that bring the debate to the forefront. Without situations like this, the feds will slowly creep to the border of totalitarianism.

Not saying you're wrong but I think the "border of totalitarianism" was crossed 150 years ago.
It has done nothing but expand it's own power at the expense of the people and the states since.
Considering all the riches this nation has produced how is it we "owe" anyone $20 Trillion in National debt?
By allowing a private bank to loan our government money at interest it has ensured our chains for every generation to come. Something Congress never had the power to give away in the first place.

originally posted by: Phage
a reply to: Murgatroid

The fact that they are stealing our land is all the proof one needs of this.

They haven't stolen my land. Maybe if they did I would look at it differently.

So, not a problem because it's not happening to you?


I want you to answer this guys question.

originally posted by: akira131
a reply to: Phage
How does one "act legally" within a system to reform it when the system itself has created laws to steal from the people it is supposed to serve?

To which you replied:

a reply to: akira131
That is a loaded question. Rephrase and you may get a response.

It was a perfectly reasonable question. I would agree with his assumptions and think it deserves an answer, rather than a bullsh!t excuse not to. I'm genuinely interested in what answer you have.

That horse you sit on has gotten way too tall.

originally posted by: GeisterFahrer
I thought the Hammonds were convicted of arson. Where is the document proving they were convicted of terrorism?

That's what they were initially convicted of, and served their sentence for. When they got out they were re-convicted for terrorism. Apparently the prosecutor who got them convicted the first time was upset that the judge was so lenient on them, and he found a law that stated that arson on federal property constitutes terrorism and that a charge of terrorism has a minimum sentence longer than what they served.

So their original arson charge they got at the first trial changed to a terrorism charge at their second trial for the same crime after serving their first sentence and now they are going back to prison for a second sentence.

This is why everyone is up in arms about this. It's a blatant breach of our protection from double jeopardy as granted by the Constitution. The Hammonds might very well be total ignoramuses but no one deserves to go to prison twice for the same crime.

a reply to: peskyhumans

When they got out they were re-convicted for terrorism.

False. The charges for which the were convicted (by a jury) were never changed. The trial judge thought that the minimum sentence for arson on federal lands was too high and took it upon himself to issue a more lenient sentence. It was not within his power to do so.

It's a blatant breach of our protection from double jeopardy as granted by the Constitution.

False. They were not retried, there was no double jeopardy.

a reply to: thorfourwinds

FREE THE HAMMONDS

Hmm. They illegally poached several deer illegally on Federal Lands...then started an illegal wildfire to destroy the evidence...then lied about it and threatened their own family if they talked..

No..The Hammonds can serve their time.

The biggest question of all is: Why were the Hammonds charged as terrorists?

They were not charged as terrorists...

The law they were charged with is ALSO used to prosecute terrorists...Intentionally destroying federal lands and properties..

“
(f)
(1) Whoever maliciously damages or destroys, or attempts to damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle, or other personal or real property in whole or in part owned or possessed by, or leased to, the United States, or any department or agency thereof, or any institution or organization receiving Federal financial assistance, shall be imprisoned for not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years, fined under this title, or both.

The Ninth Circuit summarized part of the trial evidence as follows:

“
Although the Hammonds claimed that the fire was designed to burn off invasive species on their property, a teenage relative of theirs testified that Steven had instructed him to drop lit matches on the ground so as to “light up the whole country on fire.” And the teenager did just that.

popehat.com...

originally posted by: peskyhumans
This is why everyone is up in arms about this. It's a blatant breach of our protection from double jeopardy as granted by the Constitution. The Hammonds might very well be total ignoramuses but no one deserves to go to prison twice for the same crime.

Do you actually know what double jeopardy is or are you just applying your perception of what it is?

Double Jeopardy is ,"A second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal or conviction or multiple punishments for same offense. "


Being convicted for arson then being convicted for terrorism is not the same thing.

More "BLM is stealing our land" misinformation. BLM need not steal land already owned by the United States of America. It's pretty clear cut.

The Bundys don't have the support of the town, the adjacent land owners, the Governor, or the Hammonds! Their message (however flawed) has failed. The only reason they are still there is to try to figure out a way to save face, as they look more like idiots every day.

Personally, I say tear gas the place and move in. The sooner the moron Bundy clan and their fellow "Patriots" in the militia are in jail and facing Federal charges, the better. Let their next fifteen minutes be from jailhouse interviews.

a reply to: Phage

I've seen this argument being brought up time and time again now. It's all semantics. The Hammonds were tried under an Anti-Terrorism Act , which makes them terrorists in the eyes of the court, although not explicitly called by that name for obvious reasons.

It is not double-jeopardy by the very definition of it because they haven't been re-tried, the initial sentence of 3 and 12 months was deemed not enough by the ninth circuit and reinstated to the 5-year minimum under the Anti-Terrorism Act. But any person can see it's very, very much alike. People going back to jail to serve the remainder of a re-ruled sentence after they have already done the time of the first ruling comes very very close, and should indeed be incorporated into the double-jeopardy standards.

Also, I will keep repeating this, the first judge to rule the initial sentence could not without shock to his own conscience uphold a minimum of 5 years for the "arson" that was a backfire, and thus ruled from within the constitution, "proper time for the crime" and all that. A judge with over 30 years of experience sentencing that was the most intimate with the case.

a reply to: thorfourwinds
I do, as I have said, sort of like this act of civil disobedience, misguided as it may be. Law enforcement kept cool and the 'occupiers' chose a desolate area. It's brought attention to the issue of the BLM taking land. They picked the perfect location.

Though, the Hammonds have said they don't want this group speaking on their behalf (in regard to prison time). The local residents don't want them there. If it was mostly local people, it would be a LOT better, but it isn't. It is a local issue, mainly, not like protests against police brutality and profiling- that is an every city issue.

They can't stay there forever, especially armed. I recently read law enforcement was going to get in there soon. At this point they should just go. They should have occupied it for a few days, held a press conference, interview with 60 minutes- got their message out and finished. The longer they stay, the longer the 1 message they wanted to convey gets lost in people calling them whackos and increased disapproval by the media and local residents.

I am really unhappy, though, that anyone would compare this to Occupy Wallstreet. That wasn't on federally owned land, they weren't armed. It was in every major city- so a real issue of a majority of the country. Their main causes match what Atsers talk about, complain about and are concerned about, every single day.

Since when have these ranchers ever cared about Native American people and artifacts? Everytime there has been a protest by a tribe these ranchers and militia groups are ready to start shooting.

a reply to: thorfourwinds

The 'American Patriots' you reference are actually a bunch intellectually challenged little boys running around with assault rifles, destroying/stealing/abusing public property, and patting them selves on their collective back for proving to the world what a bunch of ultra right-wing nut jobs they truly are. Anyone who looks upon these clowns as anything other then embarrassing is living in a FOX'NEWS' / Breitbart/ Prison Planet colored world that only exists in the paranoid minds of the comical / dangerous world of the militiamen. I don't know why the Feds are waiting so long to crush these bozos.

originally posted by: TownCryer
a reply to: thorfourwinds
I don't know why the Feds are waiting so long to crush these bozos.

Optics...there are those who are drooling over the opportunity to start shooting at Feds. Nobody wants another Waco or Ruby Ridge. Containment is safer. Then they get to arrest the idiots when they make their Dorito runs.

Shades of Kent State...

BREAKING: GOVERNOR TRIGGERS WACO FEARS OVER OBAMA LETTER FOR 'SWIFT' ACTION AGAINST BUNDY MILITIA - YouTube

The Next News Network
Published on Jan 21, 2016



A letter from the governor of Oregon, Katherine Brown, to the F B I director, James Comey, attorney general, Loretta Lynch, and President Barack Obama, was published Thursday by Oregon Public Broadcasting's John Sepulveda. 



The letter details the Governor has reached her limit with the quote, “armed radicals” occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. 

She also pleads with the F B I and Attorney General insisting for a quote, “swift resolution to the matter.

”

While the governor did not define, swift, she did confirm a large presence of state and federal agencies operating in the town of Burns, and indicated the town is under great stress due to the Bundy occupation. 

Sepulveda details the Governor's misgivings with the lack of Federal action and disregard for the residents from a press conference in Salem where the governor stated quote, “The residents of Harney County have been overlooked and underserved by federal official’s response thus far, I have conveyed these very grave concerns directly to our leaders at the highest levels of our government.”




Katherine "Kate" Brown


"At the press conference Governor Brown reiterated her insistence for a swift federal response stating quote, “Federal authorities must move quickly to end the occupation, and hold all of the wrong doers accountable, this spectacle of lawlessness must end.”





If history is any indicator, of how the F B I may handle the swift response the Governor is insisting, one need look no further than the Federal government response at Waco.



After 51 days, that standoff swiftly concluded when the F B I initiated a tear gas attack and set fire to a building burning alive seventy six religious men, women, and children. 

As of this report, the F B I has begun communication with Ammon Bundy through phone, however if the Governor gets her wish it could end in fire.

a reply to: JohnnyCanuck

Agreed.