The current confrontation in Oregon over federal control of lands has resulted in one death and continues to be in the headlines. What are these protestors really about? Although this cause has attracted a variety of anti-fed protestors, some of the the leaders seem to be from the Bundy family. One interviewer, quoted in the NYT, found:
"The difference between the Bundys and many other ranchers who rage over federal control of land is that they believe God is on their side.
I visited the Bundy family last year on their remote ranch and melon farm in southeastern Nevada for research I’m conducting on the history of Mormon culture and the use of public land. The Bundys are Mormons and interested me because of their extreme position against the government and their engagement of militia groups in their cause.
They were welcoming and eager to answer my questions. What emerged in our three hours of conversation in the living room of their modest ranch house was a passion and a sense of entitlement that they believe is anchored in their deep history in the region. They also embrace a strange amalgamation of Mormonism, libertarianism and a right-wing reading of the Constitution." (emphasis supplied)
It's sad now religion, political philosophies, and other principles are twisted to support the interests, personal hangups, and biases of people. This has been going on for millennia. It's a sad commentary on human nature. Perhaps we need a second Enlightenment/Age of Reason. There are no real principles, just rationalizations and justifications. The echo-chamber effect of the internet has made this problem worse.
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