Utah lawmaker moves to disarm BLM, IRS, says ‘They’re not paramilitary units’

Washington Times ^ | April 30, 2014 | Cheryl K. Chumley

[Cheerio]

Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah, concerned about the armed agents that surrounded Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s property, introduced a bill to cut funding for any “paramilitary units” that work for the Bureau of Land Management, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal regulatory agencies.

“There are lots of people who are really concerned when the BLM shows up with its own SWAT team,” he said on the House floor on Tuesday, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. “They’re regulatory agencies. They’re not paramilitary units, and I think that concerns a lot of us.”

[Cheerio]

His bill comes in context of recent BLM actions against Mr. Bundy: The federal agents armed themselves and surrounded his property, tasered his son, closed down road access to the ranch and even shot a couple of his prize bulls. The reasons? Mr. Bundy hadn’t paid his grazing fees to the federal government, but rather fought the matter in court.

[rjsimmon]

He should disarm all agencies of this type. The DOE has no business with a SWAT team either.

[LucianOfSamasota]

This is a good place to take a stand.

NO paramilitary Federal police force.

Fed’s have army - for use on America’s enemies.

States/local have police - to keep the peace.

[Texas Eagle]

The Republicans could probably gain 100 seats in The House and most of the seats up for grabs in The Senate if they'd campaign on de-militarizing bureaucracies and bureaucrats.

If our soldiers are not qualified to carry weapons on American soil (see Ft. Hood 2011, 2014), how is it even conceivable that bureaucrats are?

[Red_Devil 232]

Hey, Rep. Chris Stewart, see if you can get all their ammo confiscated also and returned to the civilian market place.

[Glennb51]

Your post hits the nail on the head. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for these agencies to have these types of units in their organization, or even to be able to contract for these types of units from the private sector.

[tgusa]

Hey Sparky - you guys have the power of the purse. When are you going to grow a pair and USE IT? I ain’t holdin’ my breath ....

[MrB]

Their militarization is a violation of the intent of the Posse Comitatus Act,

and they know it. They’ve intentionally circumvented that law in order to form an intimidating domestic government enforcement military.

[kiltie65]

That explains all the various gov’t agencies stocking up on ammunition...it is to arm their private militias. What are they going to do if this bill passes? Sell the stuff off at gov’t yard sales?

[unixfox]

We should be abolishing most of these agencies not just disarming them.

It has gotten to the point were they think WE work for them instead of the other way around. We have given them the power to murder us because of unpaid bills? Are you shitting me?

F U B O!

[unixfox]

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance...

[Cymbaline]

The DOE has no business existing, period.

[rjsimmon]

We should be abolishing most of these agencies not just disarming them.

Agreed.

[DCBryan1]

The DOE has no business with a SWAT team either.

You don't know much about DOE NNSA/OST teams then, do ya?

Best shooters out there, bar none. They shoot more than DSS, USMS, USSS Presidential Detail, and the TSA/FAMS.

Honestly though, I would abolish the DOE and roll the NNSA/OST into the Atomic Energy Agency.

[goodnesswins]

Well...they could give the stuff to...tada...The MILITARY!

[PGalt]

DISMANTLE BLM

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[Celtic Conservative]

I think he means the department of education which, inexplicably has its own SWAT team.

CC

[PGalt]

Thanks, unifox. (should’ve read the thread)

BUMP-TO-THE-TOP!

[Procyon]

The DOE we’re criticizing is the Department of Education and its SWAT team. Although the Department of Energy itself is a waste if an organization, I can see the value in having the NNSA’s OST.

[Cheerio]

Hey Sparky - you guys have the power of the purse.

Oh goodness we wouldn't want the GOP to shut down the money dispensing machine!!!! /s

I have left the GOP and will sit out voting for Pres in 2016 if they run another Ford, Dole, McLame, or Mittens.