[A] leader of the occupation, Ammon Bundy, told about a dozen representatives of such groups as Pacific Patriots Network, Oath Keepers and III% that he had no immediate plans to abandon the siege…. “I was asked to do this by the Lord,” said Bundy, a Mormon, as some of the militia members nodded in understanding. “I did it how he told me to do it.”
At first it seemed relatively innocent, just a bunch good ol’boys- armed Constitutionalists who believe they’re the last line of defense America’s God-given freedom and government tyranny. They took over an unocuppied federal wildlife refuge in the middle of nowhere (southeastern Oregon), determined to play soldier and make it clear that they’re defending freedom and the right of ranchers to freeload off taxpayers and the federal Bureau of Land Management. Ah…so “getting free stuff” is only a probably if you’re not White and Conservative? I see what you did there.
Things seemed to continue in a rather benign vein until Ammon Bundy, one of the leader of The Gang That Couldn’t Be Trusted To Bring Snacks ©, began to address press gatherings with the claim that he has the imprimatur of Almighty God, who evidently has communicated His desires regarding the occupation and the tactics and strategy employed by the domestic terrorists freedom fighters.
Interesting how God so often seems to speak through angry Conservative White males brandishing AR-15s, eh? If a left-leaning activist claims to be acting upon instructions given directly to him by God, the virtually automatic (and not wholly unjustified) assumption is that they’re delusional and in serious need of having their medication adjusted. A Right-wing activist makes the same claim, and the cameras roll as reporters nod their head gravely and hang on their every word in order that they might be parsed for meaning. They’re White, so they can’t be terrorists or criminals; they’re Very Serious People.
Not that I’m claiming there’s a double standard in play…but there’s absolutely a double standard in play.
Ammon Bundy is no more getting instructions from God than O.J. Simpson is an expert on nonviolent conflict resolution romantic relationships. From where I sit, claiming “I was asked to do this by the Lord” should be taken as proof that a person is in serious need of professional help…because the next steps are usually delusions of grandeur and reckless messianic behavior.
This standoff needs to end peacefully before people get hurt or killed, and it needs to end yesterday- with charges being filed. When you claim to be acting on the instructions of Almighty God, you’re one very short step away from a civil commitment hearing…or a prison cell.
Oh, but as proof that the Lord helps those who help themselves, it seems asking for snacks and supplies has moved God to supply an ample bounty, including French vanilla coffee creamer and bacon (and vegan jerky and dildos). Who says a mighty army of the righteous doesn’t run on its stomach?
It’s time for Ammon Bundy and his band of freedom fighter wannabes to face the music and leave the wildlife refuge. They should be charged with theft and destruction of federal property…and Ammon Bundy needs to have his medication adjusted. Hopefully, that will free him of his delusions of adequacy.
This farce has continued long enough.
