Serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis. © James Conner.

 

23 April 2014

Is the Cliven Bundy standoff a militia recruiter’s heaven?

At Think Progress, Christie Thompson argues in a long article that right wing militias are exploiting the dispute over Nevadan scofflaw Cliven Bundy’s cattle to recruit new members. That wouldn’t surprise me. As long as the standoff continues, militias and other opportunists will find the pickings are plentiful and ripe.

And, ripe for more than just recruiting.

What makes this situation so dangerous is the weaponry possessed and brandished by the self-appointed protectors of Bundy. Were these people acting in the tradition of non-violent civil disobedience, they would leave their weapons at home and, at the ranch, lock arms and interpose themselves between Bundy and the federal agents they so fear and loath. But these men are dressed for battle, equipped with military style weapons, and apparently looking for an excuse to start shooting. They are taking inspiration and guidance not from Ghandi but from right wing rabble rousers with chips on their shoulders and irons on their hips.

It will be a minor miracle if this ends without serious injury or death from gunfire.