“I certainly did not advocate the takeover of the refuge.”
I believe in the right to bear arms and the right to protest. And taking over the fed refuge was not a bad idea. IMO, the idea was to gain national attention and put out a message.
But, it should have been done MLK style. Hold a large rally, several of them. I think their crowd would have grown. Possibly their movement could have spread.
But the introduction of weapons, and making them visible, gave the feds the moral high ground in the eyes of the general public and set the stage for the killing of Finicum.
Let’s say Finicum was killed anyway if the group had no guns, then his death would have fallen into the martyr category, making their movement even more valid.
I also recall reading where they destroyed refuge property. Yes, this is public property, and it does belong to them, but it also belongs to me and every other citizen. Destruction of property was just lawlessness.
In essence, it’s like a little kid poking a big bully with a stick. There can only be one outcome. And with it, as you said, “Federal Trials are almost always a slam dunk for the Feds.”
It could have played out with a much better outcome if a little common sense was used.
Agree.
“I also recall reading where they destroyed refuge property.”
—there is some dispute about when and who did that.
I am basically in the quandry of agreement with you if I understand you both.
Question on the rally statement for my ignorant self only, have not people attempted to jump start with large peaceful gatherings already? I'm asking because I am forever hearing about peaceful rallies for vets, for Constitutional issues and other things I care about AFTER the fact. I find little snippets in my local news of a group attempting to draw a crowd but the report comes the day AFTER the event with the report of a very small number of people in attendance.
I don't think this could be just me. I think our causes don't have the PR set up that the left has. Conservatives whom I have met at random functions always laughingly joke that it's because *we* are the people who have to work and make a living. But, I would go out and attend things for causes I believe in. Just always a day late and a dollar short.
Sorry if this seems off topic to you guys, I agree with your posts. I am also at a loss as to what can be done.