Precis
In his “Making Tennessee Great Again”, Bruce Vanwyngarden defiantly claims that he is fed up with the “oppressive know-nothing” running the state of Tennessee and, after being inspired by the Oregon militiamen, has begun occupation of Big Hill Pond State Park in protest. He lends credence to his frustration with state government by pointing to their “imaginary war against Sharia law,” and he intimidates the opposition by announcing his weaponry, which includes a semi-automatic shotgun and some loaves of bread, among others. Vanwyngarden intends to catch the attention of the government just like the Oregon militia, and he wants to convince people of their corruption by pointing out their political and personality flaws. He stands tall as a beacon of hope to all frustrated Tennesseans and an example for citizens of other states who are scares of acting out against oppressive organized government.
Response
I could not be more boggled by the situation in Oregon. It all started with Cliven Bundy, who for years has denounced the power of the federal government and unlawfully used federal land for cattle ranching. After the government warned him many times to no avail, they began to fine him for continuing to use the land in Nevada for his own personal benefit. Now, his fines amount to over one million dollars and, in an act of solidarity, he and many of his followers have occupied a government reserve area in Oregon. There has already been fighting there but the federal government decided to scale it down in fear of fatal consequences. During the scuffle at the reserve, people on the militia side reportedly set women and children at the front of things so that if the federal power opened fire, they would be opening fire and women and children which looks terrible.
To me, this is all ridiculous. The federal government is the federal government and ultimately they have the power in our country. Without regard for the validity of the federal government, our country would fall to pieces. Just because Cliven Bundy doesn’t feel he is subject to obey the law just like everyone else, he is not granted the right to rebel without due justice being served. He needs to man up, take responsibility for his selfish wrongdoings, and restore order to this situation by paying his fines and promising not to do any more damage. The fact that this man has not been imprisoned for his blatant disregard for the law blows my mind. No longer can citizens feel they can do whatever they want because they feel like it. This is America. We stand for freedom, but logical freedom. Not a self-created idea of freedom which seemingly puts oneself above the law to which most everyone else willingly complies.
