Refusing offers to sleep inside because they want they want to remain ever-present in the face of the armed occupiers, a couple are sleeping in tents protecting them from the bitter cold temperatures outside of the occupied Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
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Many others were less congenial and voiced anger at Bundy’s group as well as the local and federal government for what some said was a lack of effort to end the takeover.
Regarding the wildlife refuge, the Burns Pauite Indian tribe and federal government officials said they were anxious about possible damage to cultural resources, artifacts, sensitive records and local wildlife habitats.
The Oregonian’s A1 headline on Sunday, Jan. 17, “Effort to free federal lands”, is inaccurate and irresponsible.
Finicum has also told OPB that the standoff has resulted in the removal of four foster children from he and his wife’s home in Arizona, though its possible the move was simply coincidental to his involvement in the illegal, armed occupation of the refuge. Bundy has demanded federal lands in Harney County be handed over to locals. Many of these people are armed with handguns and assault rifles.
“We give them warning that they are not to do that”, Bundy said at his daily press briefing. The Oregonian/OregonLive is there and will cover the action here live. We encourage the community to show up to hear the latest updates and make your voices heard.
The science fiction author is not alone in wanting the ranchers to return Malhuer to the public. More than 100 protesters, including environmentalists, bird watchers and sportsmen gathered calling for the arrest and prosecution for taking over public land. Reuther said, “We stand with Malheur – we condemn the armed occupation”. “We spend a week every summer on a cattle ranch very close to Refuge lands. The Refuge Headquarters is a quiet, fragile, handsome little oasis that is particularly dear to us”.
She believes the state and federal government “should speak up loud and clear in support and defense of the law-abiding citizens of Burns and the whole region”.
Bob Rees of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders got big cheers for his use of the “T” word. “How much longer? Enough is enough!” He said the group occupying the refuge has broken repeated promises to leave the refuge if asked by the community, and community members asked the group to leave January 4.
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Although the OR protesters, who are occupying a federally owned building and illegally using government cars and computers, claim they are peaceful, they have been widely mocked in the media.
