Archive for December 2017

The Bundy Affair #24 – FBI and Prosecution Conspire to Falsify Evidence

The Bundy Affair #24
FBI and Prosecution Conspire to Falsify Evidence

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
December 21, 2017

In identifying the Misdeeds of Government, it requires a diligent search of available information.  However, often that research produces some interesting results.  That is the situation with this article, since it begins with events surrounding the arrest of Dave Bundy (The Bundy Affair – #12 – Dave Bundy’s Two Citations), on April 6, 2014, and ends with the declaration of Mistrial on Decembers 20, 2017.  However, in that span of time, over three and a half years, the following events played out.

Dave Bundy was pulled over on Nevada State Highway 170, a road that goes from Interstate 15, near the road to the Bundy Ranch, to Bunkerville.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had attempted to close the highway.

Dave got into a dispute with the BLM and was arrested and charged with two citations (explained in the linked article above).  It is this arrest that begins this series of events.  First, we have, from the National Park Service “DIRECTOR’S ORDER #9: LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM”, which, on page 2, explains when and where arrests may be made.

Wait, he was on a state road, not on federal land, and was fleeing from nothing.  Oh, well, let’s move on — but not very far.

Just above this event, there were other BLM agents.  They were photographed on a ridge overlooking the arrest of Dave Bundy.

On the next day, April 7, 2014, both David Russell and Mark Brunk submitted emails to record their participation at the arrest of Dave Bundy.  Interestingly, Larry Wooten (The Bundy Affair #23 – Larry Wooten – Ethical Government Employee, and Rare) received this information.  Wooten, who had been investigating the records was dismissed when he point out irregularities in BLM procedures.

The emails of both Brunk and Russell:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note that Brunk makes a point of never pointing his shotgun at anybody.  He knows the rules, which we will get into.  Both stated Ryan Bundy, however it was, as I understand, when Dave Bundy was arrested.  However, Russell is a different story.  Russell had Brunk’s AR15, “in case the situation escalated.”  Then, and here is where it gets interesting, he “used optics”, not binoculars like Brunk, to aid him in “seeing what was happening in the van.”

Now, that word, “optics”, is explained in another document.  In the BLM and NPS (National Park Service) Operational Component Plan, dated March 26, 2014, for the Operation “Gold Butte Cattle Impound”, we find, on page 9, the following:

Now, Dave (or Ryan) was not armed and posed no threat.  There was no reason to even consider the use of deadly force.  He admits that he was using the optics to see what was happening in the van.  Clearly a violation of the Operational Component Plan.

But, wait, we are not through, yet.  On April 14, 2014, in an FD 302 (an FBI form used to report contact or interview information), filed by Michael D. Pratt based upon an in person interview, we find that Brunk explained what had occurred on April 6:

Well, Brunk was acting as spotter/observer for a BLM sniper (David Russell).  But, wait, that does not sound so good, so the Prosecution said, that will not work.  Could you revise that so that it does not make us look like we broke the rules and did something illegal?  However, the “Clarifying information” was reported on January 30, 2015.

Yes, they wanted “clarifying information from Brunk” as to what he said to Pratt, in the previous FD 302.  This, on an FD 302 eight months after the fact, and prior to the Indictment.  Interestingly, this second FD 302 wasn’t by Pratt, it was by Joel P. Willis, who was Special Agent in Charge during the Gold Butte Impound event and was also Lead Case Agent for the FBI during the trial.

Note that now, by a different hand, Brunk never acted as a spotter/observer, as he had stated in the previous FD 302 and consistent with what the “sniper”, David Russell said in his email of April 7, 2014.

Now, look, again, who was present when the change in “facts” occurred?  First, we have Myhre, then Dan Schiess and Nadia Ahmed.  This is the prosecution team that had been hiding exculpatory information from the defendants.  And, from these exhibits, it appears that they may have encouraged Brunk to perjure himself to make their case even stronger.  Or, should I say, make the case against the government weaker?

With recent revelations coming out of the Courtroom of Judge Navarro, we find that the government was withholding exculpatory evidence.  What has not come out, until now, is that there was an effort to falsify evidence, as well.  A crime that would get you or me thrown into prison, but will probably be no more than a slap on the wrist of US Attorney for the District of Nevada, Steven Myhre, and his two underlings, Dan Schiess and Nadia Ahmed.

Now, you have a true picture of inquisitorial justice, in America, today.  Conviction, no matter what it takes.

 

The Bundy Affair #23 – Larry Wooten – Ethical Government Employee, and Rare

[Note: This article had been posted and was available on the main page. Then, it disappeared. I don’t know if it was a glitch in WordPress, or not. However, it is being posed, again, so that it shows on the main page. opf]

The Bundy Affair #23
Larry Wooten – Ethical Government Employee, and Rare
His expose on BLM

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
December 15, 2017

Now, I have to start with a disclaimer. I do so since the last time I received unsolicited information, I ended up spending 7 days in jail and the Court (Judge Anna Brown) didn’t believe me in my sworn testimony, but she did believe a conversation I had with Schuyler Barbeau, in an effort to cheer him up, while he was still in jail.

I received in the mail, with no return address, an 18 page email that I had heard about. However, the details in what I had heard were minimal, at best. But, having the whole 18 pages, I find that the initial, or original email was only 17 pages.

In an undated email from Larry Wooten to Andrew D. Goldsmith, Associate Deputy Attorney General, National Criminal Discovery Coordinator, Wooten writes of many misdeeds in the entire Gold Butte Impound Operation, that being the operation that unfolded near Bunkerville, Nevada, back in early April 2014.

In a cover email, the eighteenth page, to Steven Myhre, United States Attorney for the Nevada District, in a forwarded email, the 17 page emails is included for a total of 18 pages. Wooten explains in the cover email that his superiors, his chain of command, would not deal with what he had presented to them. I’m not quite sure why he sent it to Myhre, since Myhre is implicated in the information, along with any others.

As I read the email, I realized that this was going to be a rather lengthy article. There were, Wooten’s own words, “Law Enforcement Supervisory Misconduct and Associated Cover-ups as well as Potential Unethical Actions, Malfeasance and Misfeasance by United States Attorney’s Office”, that I decided that I could only cover the more significant ones, and then provide the entire email for those that wanted to know more.

That being said, let’s get on with the truth of the matter, and, yes, I assume that the information provided is probably quite truthful, based upon other available information and practices.

On page 2, we find this rather concise statement by Wooten:

In February of 2017, it became clear to me that keeping quite became an unofficial condition of my future employment with the BLM, future awards, promotions, and a good future job reference.

This is followed by the first real indication of impropriety o the part of the BLM:

The longer the investigation went on, the more extremely unprofessional, familiar, racy, vulgar and bias filled actions, open comments, and inappropriate electronic communications I was made aware of, or I personally witnessed. In my opinion, these issues would likely undermine the investigation, cast considerable doubt on the professionalism of our agency and be possibly used to claim investigator bias/unprofessionalism and to impeach and undermine key witness credibility.

On page 4, we can see the arrogance of the BLM “public servants”, their display of ridiculing those on the other side of the fence. that Wooten refuses to use the word without replacing letters to, perhaps, make them pass some government filter.

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Many times  these open unprofessional and disrespectful comments and name calling (often by law enforcement supervisors who are potential witnesses and investigative team supervisors) reminded me of middle school. At any given time, you could hear subjects of this investigation openly referred to as “ret*rds,” “r*d-necks,” “Overweight woman with the big jowls,” “d*uche bags,” “tractor-face,” “idiots,” “in-br*d,” etc., etc., etc.’ Also, it was common to receive or have electronic communications reported to me during the course of the investigation in which senior investigators and law enforcement supervisors (some are potential witnesses and investigative team members) specifically made fun of suspects and referenced “Cliven Bundy felony. . . .just kind of rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?.” di1dos,” western themed g@y bars, odors of sweat, playing chess with menstru*ting women. Cliven Bundy sh1tting on cold stainless steel, personal lubricant and Ryan Bundy holding a giant penls (on April 12 2014). Extremely bias and degrading fliers were-also openly displayed and passed around the office, a booking photo of Cliven Bundy was (and is) inappropriately, openly, prominently and proudly displayed in the office of a potential trial witnesses and my supervisor and an altered and degrading suspect photos were put in an office presentation by my supervisor’ Additionally, this investigation also indicated that former BLM SAC Dan Love sent photographs of his own feces and his girl-fiend’s vagina to coworkers and supervisors. It was also reported by another BLM SAC that former BLM SAC Dan Love told him that there is no way he gets more pu$$y than him. Furthermore, I became aware of potentially captured comments in which our own law enforcement officers allegedly bragged about roughing up Dave Bundy, grinding his face into the ground, and Dave Bundy having little bits of gravel stuck in his face (from April 6, 2014). On two occasions, I also overheard a BLM SAC tell a BLM ASAC that another/other BLM employee(s) and potential trial witnesses didn’t properly turn in the required discovery material (likely exculpatory evidence). My supervisor even instigated the unprofessional monitoring of jail calls between defendants and their wives, without prosecutor or.FBI consent, for the apparent purpose of making fun of post arrest telephone calls…

Yes, that is your taxpayer dollars hard at work.

Then, on page 5, we get this rather interesting tidbit:

Additional Note: In this timeframe, a key witness deactivated his body camera. Further Note: It became clear to me a serious public and professional image problem had developed within the BLM Office of Law Enforcement and-Security. I felt I needed to work to correct this and mitigate the damage it no doubt had already done.

Further down, on the same page, we find an indication of the desire of SAC Dan Love for his place in history.

The investigation also indicated that on multiple occasions, former BLM Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) Love specifically and purposely ignored U.S. Attorney’s office and BLM civilian management direction and intent as well as Nevada State Official recommendations in order to command the most intrusive, oppressive, large scale, and militaristic trespass cattle impound possible. Additionally, this investigation also indicated excessive use of force, civil rights and policy violations. The investigation indicated that there was little doubt there was an improper cover-up in virtually every matter that a particular BLM SAC participated in, or oversaw and that the BLM SAC was immune from discipline and the consequences of his actions

On page 6, we start to see some of the effort to cover-up some of the doings of SAC Love’s abusive nature being covered by his superiors including the FBI and the US Attorney’s office.

I personally informed Acting United States Attorney Steven Myhre and Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Nadia Ahmed, as well as Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Joel Willis by telephone of these issues. When I did, my supervisor in my opinion deceptively acted ignorant and surprised. As the case continued, it became clear to me that once again, my supervisor failed to inform the U.S. Attorney’s Office Prosecution Team about exculpatory  key witness statements. Note: During this investigation, my supervisor would also deceptively indicate to the Prosecution Team that no one else was in the room when he was on speakerphone. Thereby, allowing potential trial witnesses and his friends to inappropriately hear the contents of the discussion.

My supervisor even took photographs in the secure command post area of the Las Vegas FBI Headquarters and even after he was told that no photographs were allowed, he recklessly emailed out photographs of the “Arrest Tracking fall” in which Eric Parker and Cliven Bundy had “X’s” through their face and body (indicating prejudice and bias). Thereby, making this electronic communication subject to Federal Records Protections, the Litigation Hold, Discovery, and the FOIA.

Next, on pages 7 and 8, we have Myhre becoming upset because Wooten has disclosed some of what he has run across that is unethical, as well as some interesting disclosures regarding Dan Love and his contempt for life of people..

I am convinced that I was removed to prevent the ethical and proper further disclosure of the severe misconduct, failure to correct and report, and cover-ups by BLM OLES supervision. My supervisor told me that AUSA Steven Myhre “furiously demanded”, that I be removed from the case and mentioned something about us (the BLM, specifically my supervisor) not turning over (or disclosing) discovery related material issues I had with the BLM not following its own enabling statute, and a personal issue they thought I had with former BLM SAC Dan Love. Note: Prior to taking the assignment as Bundy/Gold Butte Investigation Case Agent/Lead investigator for the BLM/DOI, I didn’t know and had never spoken to former BLM SAC Dan Love. I was new to the agency and I was also specifically directed to lead an unbiased, professional , and independent investigation, which I tried to do, despite supervisory misconduct. Time after time, I was told of former BLM SAC Love’s misconduct. I was told by BLM Law Enforcement Supervisors that he had a “Kill Book’, as a trophy and in essence bragged about getting three individuals in Utah to commit  suicide (see Operation Cerberus Action out of Blanding, Utah and the death of Dr. Redd), the “Failure Rock,” Directing Subordinates to Erase Official Government files in  order to impede the efforts of rival civilian BLM employees in preparation for the “Burning Man” Special Event, unlawfully removing evidence, bragging about the number of OIG and internal investigations on him and indicating that he is untouchable, encouraging subordinates not to cooperate with internal and OIG investigations, his harassment of female Native American subordinate employee where Mr. Love allegedly had a doll that he referred to by the employees name and called her his drunk little Indian, etc., etc., etc.

Myhre is already implicated, but it gets worse, as we see on pages 8 and 9:

Additionally, AUSA Steven Myhre adopted a few troubling policies in reference to this case. When we became aware that Dave Bundy’s seized iPad likely contained remarks from BLM Law Enforcement Officers that is potentially evidence of civil rights violations and excessive use of force, Mr. Myhre and my supervisor not only apparently failed [to] initiate the appropriate follow-on actions, Mr. Myhre apparently failed to notify the Defense Counsel and also decided not to return the iPad back to Dave Bundy, even though the iPad wasn’t going to be searched pursuant to a search warrant or used as evidence in trial and Dave Bundy claimed he needed the iPad for his business. Mr. Myhre also adopted a policy of not giving a jury the option or ability to convict on lesser offenses and instead relied on a hard to prove, complicated prosecution theory in order to achieve maximum punishments (which has generally failed to this point). Also, the government relied on factually incorrect talking points and on (or about) February 15, 2017, misrepresented the case facts about government snipers during trial. Note: The investigation indicated that there was at least one school trained Federal Sniper equipped with a scoped/magnified optic bolt action precision rifle, another Federal Officers equipped with a scoped/magnified optic large frame(308 caliber) AR style rifle, and many officers that used magnified optics with long range graduated reticles (out to 1,000 meters-approximately 500 meters on issued rifles depending on environmental conditions) on standard law enforcement issued AR (223 caliber/5.56 mm) and that often officers were in “over watch” positions. Additionally, the investigation also indicated the possibility that the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department had law enforcement snipers/designated-marksmen on hand for possible deployment.

Then, on pages 9 and 10, he plead for the various government participants to act in an ethical manner.

I ask that your office ensure that Acting United States Attorney Steven Myhre and the rest of the Cliven Bundy/Gold Butte Nevada Prosecution and investigative Team is conducting the prosecution in an ethical, appropriate, and professional matter. I also specifically ask that your office provide oversight to Mr. Myhre and his team regarding the affirmative responsibility to seek out evidence favorable to the accused, not to discourage the reporting of case issues and suspected misconduct, to report/act on suspected civil rights violations and not to retaliate against an agent that does his required duty. I also ask that your office ensure that the Prosecution Team is free of bias and-has ethically and correctly turned over exculpatory evidence to the Defense. I ask that as appropriate, prosecution team bias (by Mr. Myhre and possibly by AUSA Daniel Schiess) and factually incorrect talking points (by AUSA Nadia Ahmed and Mr. Myhre) be disclosed and corrected. Note: Mr. Myhre previously referred to the defendants as a cult and Mr. Schiess said let’s get these “shall we say Deplorables.”

Next, on page 10, we find Steven Myhre deeply involved in misconduct and trying desperately to rid himself of Wooten and the potential for disclosure of the misdeeds of the prosecution team.

I believe this case closely mirrors the circumstances of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens trial. As you may notice from the trials and several defense cross-examinations, very little of the impeachment and exculpatory issues were brought up by the defense. I believe this is most likely because the defense counsel was unethically not made aware of them and the severe issues were covered up. Additionally, I believe I can easily show that both my supervision and possibly Mr. Myhre entered into an unethical agreement to remove me from being the lead investigator and case agent for the BLM/DOI due to my objection to and disclosure of outrageous misconduct, the belief that my testimony under oath would embarrass supervisory law enforcement officials in our agency and negatively  affect the prosecution, my insistence that my supervisor stop his individual misconduct, correct the misconduct of other employees and report the misconduct as appropriate (for counseling, correction, discipline and the possible required internal investigations) and my belief’ that my agency is violating the letter and intent of the law.

In regard to Prosecution team misconduct, I believe some of it may be attributable to simple mistakes and simple poor judgment. However, I believe it is unlikely (if my supervisor’s statements to me are true) that Mr. Myhre wasn’t himself acting unethically and inappropriately. Prior to the last few weeks of the investigation, I held Mr. Myhre in the highest of regards. He is an extremely hard worker and very intelligent. However I feel that his judgment is likely clouded by extreme personal and religious bias and a desire to win the case at all costs. I feel he is likely willing to ignore and fail to report exculpatory material. extreme bias and act unethically and possibly deceptively to win.

On page 12, we gain some insight into the effect of standing up for the right things, and how others reacted to their role in the game.

Additionally, it should be noted that I was also personally subjected to Whistle blowing Discouragement, Retaliation, and Intimidation. Threatening and questionable behaviors included the following: Invasion of Privacy, Search and Seizure, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, Blacklisting, Religious “tests,” and Rude and Condescending Language. Simply put, I believe I was expected to keep quiet as a condition of my continued employment, any future promotions, future awards, or a favorable recommendation to another employer.

During the course of the investigation, I determined that any disagreement with the BLM SAC, or any reporting of his many likely embarrassing. unethical/unprofessional actions and misconduct was thought to be career destroying. Time and time again, I came to believe that the BLM SAC’s subordinates and peers were afraid to correct him or properly report his misconduct (despite a duty to act) out of fear for their own jobs and reputation.

Sometimes, I felt these issues were reported to me by senior BLM OLES management and line Rangers/Agents/employees because they personally didn’t like a particular BLM SAC (although, some of these same people seemed to flatter, buddy up to, openly like, and protect the BLM SAC

On page 15, Wooten explains what  he had to rely upon to write this report, with a Note:

Note: This entire document was constructed without the aid of my original notes due to their seizure by a BLM Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge outside of my presence and without my knowledge or permission, Additionally, I was aggressively questioned regarding the belief that I may have audio recorded BLM OLES management regarding their answers concerning this and other issues. All dates, times, and quotes are approximate and made to the best of my ability and memory. I’m sure there are more noteworthy items that I can’t recall at the time I constructed this document. Also Note: The other likely report worthy items were seized from me on February 18, 2017, and are believed to be in the possession of a BLM ASAC. I recommend these items be safeguarded and reviewed.

Now, I have only reported on some of the highlights of the expose’ provided by Larry Wooten. This, of itself, is not conclusive, as there is a process that has to be put into play.  However,  there can be little doubt that if only some of these allegations are true, then some lives, those of some government employees, are going to be negatively affected, while those Defendants that have been denied justice as a consequence of these unlawful activities, are going to finally be vindicated for their actions back in April, 2014.

Continue reading ‘The Bundy Affair #23 – Larry Wooten – Ethical Government Employee, and Rare’ »

A Virus is Spreading

I seldom post the works of others on my blog. However, occasionally, something crosses my desk that warrants the attention of those who follow my work. This is one of them. It was written by someone I know, though for the purposes of identification, he is simply identified as “Stonewall Lee”. Those who have an interest in the Civil War will probably understand that choice.

I can’t say that I agree with everything stated in the article, however, without a doubt, I agree with almost all of it. I leave with the reader to judge, for themselves, the merit of the work.

By the way, it was Ron Wyden, Democratic Senator from Oregon, that claimed that the events in Burns were a virus that must be stopped.

The Cure for the Tyranny-Virus

by Stonewall Lee

Introduction

There was a “virus” spreading from Harney County, Oregon in January of 2016. Perhaps it would have been more accurate if it were called an “anti-virus,” as it was intended to aid in curing the sickness that encumbers our society; a society built on the foundation of biblical values, individual liberty, and self-government. It is at these foundational principles that the sickness which infects our nation has aimed its attack most vehemently. Through that effort, in helping to educate the citizens of Harney County about their Constitution, and their God-given rights, they gained much understanding which brought the oppression crushing their community into vivid clarity. They were learning about how things should be, but most certainly are not, and oftentimes one does not realize their own putrid state until they are presented with a picture that offers them some perspective to gauge the disparity.

Most of the methods this “anti-virus” implemented against the plague of tyranny, were educational, and some were based in direct action. The action was intended, not merely as the pursuance of a proper remedy to the corrupted federal and State practices regarding public-land ownership, transfer, management, and acquisition, but as an example which those inclined to correct the ship, so to speak, might learn from. Certainly, such a drastic measure as was taken regarding the Malheur Wildlife Refuge occupation, was guaranteed to garner much needed attention to the Hammond’s situation (Dwight and Steven’s return to federal prison and the federal government’s lawlessness and corrupt dealings with them for over 35 years), which is just one poignant microcosm of the greater issues which are effecting ranchers, land-users and producers all over the western United States; upon these much light was shed as an effect of the focus on the Hammond’s’ issue.

But there was a methodology which was implemented leading up to the occupation. In fact, the occupation of the refuge can be viewed as the result of revelations which occurred when utilizing this step-by-step process, such as government non-adherence to the Constitution, subversion of the law, and/or complete disregard for the purposes for which American governments are formed. Only after it became revealed that the federal government was not abiding by the law, and that the county and State governments were ineffective in their duty to protect their constituents from the federal infringements, an effort to conform the titles to the property associated with the refuge to be in accordance with the law was pursued.

This methodology was to be the main subject of the meeting in John Day, Grant County, Oregon, on January 26th of 2016, which was interrupted by the ambush and arrest of those who were to present the material, and the murder of LaVoy Finnicum, by the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and Oregon State Patrol SWAT Unit. This methodology was the real “virus” that was so feared by those in power, which they have been effective in staying thus far, and which forms the subject and purpose for our current correspondence. Their fear of it, and the measures they were willing to take to halt its dissemination, reveals its power.

Our nation’s founders walked a morally upright and honorable path in dealing with their British rulers, ultimately separating from them and abolishing their governance of the colonies. They had the hind-sight of their posterity in mind, as well as the knowledge of judgment before a just God, and conducted themselves accordingly. They were also very careful to preserve a cogent record of their actions, not merely to justify themselves to future generations, but to educate us as to the proper course we might follow when we found ourselves facing similar circumstances as they; that we might need not entirely rediscover the process, only improve upon it and adapt it to the times.

The methodology which was in process and was to be presented in Oregon was based on what the founding fathers left us. As always, we hope that separation from our corrupted institutions does not become a necessity. That choice is not ours, but is decided by the Hand of Providence. I’ll not argue here regarding our current situation as a comparison to theirs; if that were necessary, this letter would be far ahead of its time, or addressed incorrectly. As it is, it may feel late, but even then, better late than never, and if we truly believe ourselves to be protected by Divine Providence, there is no other time than right-on, and perfect.

 

The Meeting That Never Happened

In Harney County, in December of 2015, time was marching too fast for the education, organization, and action of the community, in any manner which would help the Hammonds before they were re-incarcerated. Still, many in the community had a desire to assist in some way. On January 2nd, 2016, under the principles that “We are to be our brother’s keeper,” -paraphrase of The Holy Bible, and “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; a group of individuals made the unconventional decision to mount a continued demonstration at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, about 30 miles south of the cities of Burns and Hines, the major population centers in the county. Aside from increasing the illuminating diffusion of the issues as raised in the previously presented Petition for Redress of Grievances, the apparent adverse-possession of the land drew a massive response from the people of Harney County and the surrounding counties, with thousands seeking information as to why such an effort was initiated.

In answer to the many requests for information which were received by those at the refuge, since renamed to “Harney County Resource Center” (HCRC), community meetings were arranged in a number of the surrounding counties. The issues facing Harney County are just a microcosm of the greater effect which centralized federal initiatives are having across a broad swath of the western States. Western rural-communities are becoming increasingly concerned about federal “ownership,” legislation, and administration of lands within the established States, and The People were very interested in discovering remedies to the detriments to their lives, liberties, and property.

Beginning a couple of weeks into the Malheur occupation, a very brief outline of the ideas which would be discussed was presented to interested citizens, who then decided to organize public meetings in their own counties, and invited those at the HCRC to present the material in full. While en-route to the first public meeting outside of Harney County, those who would present the material were ambushed and arrested by State and federal agents, and LaVoy Finicum was murdered. Thus, it has been dubbed, “The Meeting That Never Happened.”

A memorial to that meeting took place a year later, but absent from it were any of the individuals who were to make presentations at the original meeting, as we are either still imprisoned, or no longer living. A veritable wealth of information was missing.

The points which were intended to be presented on January 26th, 2016, were:

  • Claim/Use/Defend: Principles of First in Use – First in Right, Prior Appropriation, and Multiple/Beneficial Use
  • Principles of American Government: How government was instituted to assist The People to Claim/Use/Defend
  • Government perversion and application of Claim/Use/Defend to suit other interests
  • Spheres of Government: Multi-layered and decentralized for the protection of The People from other layers of government and foreign invasion
  • How The People can restore liberty and the Rule of Law (subject matter of this letter):
    • Step One: Informal inquiry and request for investigation
    • Step Two: Petition for Redress of Grievances
    • Committees of Safety: history and application; Direct Representation
    • Step Three: Demand for Redress of Grievances
    • Step Four: Action for Redress of Grievances
  • Comparison of modern situation with that of the generation of 1776, using grievances in Declaration of Independence
  • Canceling contracts with the federal government; civil-defiance
  • Virtue, fortitude and courage, and a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence

LaVoy Finicum was to present the final parts of the meeting; perhaps the most important, and absent the points of which renders the entire presentation moot. The charisma and courage Mr. Finicum displayed prior to and during the occupation will be forever to his honor. This is not an easy row to hoe. Anyone who says otherwise is ignorant of almost the entirety of human civilization, which has spent most of its existence in servitude to very few individuals. In fact, it could be said that civilization itself has been the manipulation of masses of individuals, apparently to their own betterment of living, but exceedingly so to the betterment of the few who are astute at manipulating them. This has produced a series of events, which has cycled repeatedly.

…and much more to follow

There are many more chapters to present in this story: a clothing for passing on the Cure for the Tyranny-Virus. As stated above, this series of articles will focus primarily on the process of recognizing our inherent, God-given, Constitutionally protected liberty, and asserting it.

We are free, we need only act as such, and expect the actions of government to comport with that truth. If our public-servants do not serve the public, but themselves or special-interests and not the general citizenry, we maintain the right to alter or abolish their positions, or the government we birthed which we employ them by. Only then can the liberty we possess be exercised according to our Supreme Law (the Constitution and all laws pursuant to it) and values, and not those of a select few that believe they have the right to determine the course of Man, absent his knowledge or approval – contrary to his conscience. The Almighty not only protects such efforts, but has ordained their success and rampant spread, no matter how hopeless the odds appear; if only we can conjure the courage and fortitude to pursue them, and perceive their necessity to our children’s future as freemen.

The Origins of the Harney County Committee of Safety

It is seldom that I repost articles by others, however, this article, by Shane Radliff and Kyle Reardon, warrants the consideration of all.

History, today, ignores the role that the Committees of Safety played in the lead up to and formation of the United States of America.  I dare say that without the Committees, we would probably still be speaking with a stiff upper lip and celebrating the Queen’s birthday.

Gary Hunt,
Outpost of Freedom
December 9, 2017

The Origins of the Harney County Committee of Safety

 

By: Shane Radliff and Kyle Rearden

April 27th, 2016

 “I know there’s people in Harney County that are wondering, how a small group that come out of a meeting that Ammon Bundy put together could possibly represent them, and that’s not really what this is about. This is about a start. This is about bringing Harney County together, hearing every single voice and going forward.”

– Rick Habein, Jan. 8th, 2016 Committee of Safety Meeting

 Introduction

A Committee of Safety can be briefly defined as a mutual self-defense association that also operates as a parallel government. Historically, they were known under a variety of names, yet, their function was exactly the same – to pool manpower for defense of the community and legitimize a self-organized populist government. From the English Civil War of the mid-17th century to the Revolutionary Wars of Independence for both America and Texas, Committees of Safety have historically demonstrated their efficacy in practically securing liberty.

Committees of Safety were legitimized by general associations composed of the individual citizens within a defined geographical area, whether that takes the form of a town, a county, or even something “provincial.” These associations were comprised of the rank-and-file membership who received protection and who in turn gave their individual explicit consent to their particular local Committee of Safety.

As a truly bottom-up and grassroots organizing model, Committees of Safety are intended to coordinate the assemblage of men and materiel in preparation for a disaster. A key tenet of American classically liberal republicanism is that the military is subordinated to the civil authority. If the militia is the military, then what constitutes the civil authority? Well, the answer is their local Committee of Safety.

Also, Committees of Safety are invaluable even in the absence of emergencies, simply because they are a limited form of government, which is directly accountable to the people within a local community. The committeemen are susceptible to public shaming, and even ostracism, should they abuse their public office. This is what actually keeps their power limited.

Modern local Committees of Safety began their resurgence during the 1990s with the formation of the Central Florida Committee of Safety, as well as the St. Joseph County, Indiana Committee of Safety. In recent years, the formation of the Cherokee County, Georgia Committee of Safety and the Blue Ridge, North Carolina Mountaineers Committee for Constitutional Restoration might be indicative of the growing deeper appreciation for the principles of liberty. Only time, and further investigation, will tell if this be true, or not.

 

The Formation of the Harney County Committee of Safety (CoS)

During his field reporting on January 26th, Gary Hunt met with Ryan Payne in Harney County, Oregon, and described the following:

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Burns Chronicles No 61 – Jon Ritzheimer is Going to Prison

Burns Chronicles No 61

Jon Ritzheimer is Going to Prison

But His Service Continues to Help His Fellow Defendants

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
December 4, 2017

Jon Ritzheimer had some things to say, after he was sentenced by Judge Anna Brown to serve 1 year and 1 day.  However, with time served and good time, he will probably serve only eight more months, beginning in February when he has to begin his sentence.

Below is a letter Jon sent for me to get out to those who wish to see our once great nation returned to obedience to the Constitution, as written and intended.  It also explains Jon’s continued willingness to help those who have been required to pay restitution as a part of their sentence.  Though I have known about his intention in this regard, for some time, it is time for all to know how kind and caring Jon’s heart really is.  The two guns going to auction were the only two that were not confiscated by the government.  Truly historical pieces.  This will be explained in the following letter.

Further, though he has arranged to have the Gremlin Garage continue in his absences, he is concerned with the needs of his family and provides a means for those of you willing to help, a means to do so.

And, finally, the government sought a 24 month, 3 years of supervised release for Jon.  Fortunately, for us, and especially for Jon and his family, Judge Brown saw that though she had to punish him, she chose a much more fair sentence than what the government sought.

For Jon’s letter:
Continue reading ‘Burns Chronicles No 61 – Jon Ritzheimer is Going to Prison’ »