Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Bundy, protestors, find acquittals in Oregon wildlife refuge occupation case

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Ammon Bundy and his co-defendants have been found not guilty of most of the federal conspiracy charges related to their occupation of the wildlife refuge in Oregon.  This decision was reached regarding conspiracy to impede federal officers, the possession of firearms in a federal facility, and theft of government vehicle.  The jury was unable to reach a verdict about theft of cameras at the facility.  The Bundys still face trial in Nevada over a previous 2014 standoff.

As pointed out in an article by The Washington Post, the acquittal on the firearms charge seems strange, though the specific charge was that the defendants possessed guns “with the intent that it ‘be used in the commission of a crime.’”  If the jury didn’t regard the other actions as having criminal intent, perhaps that explains this particular decision.

And all of this raises the question of jury nullification.  This concept has a long history in our nation, the idea that juries have the power to find a defendant not guilty if they believe the law is unjust or has been unfairly applied.  Examples of this in the past have included decisions to ignore the law with regard to the Alien and Sedition Act, the Fugitive Slave Laws, and Prohibition.  However, there is also a history of all white juries refusing to convict defendants charged with crimes against blacks.  As always when discretion is involved, we’re left to debate the trustworthiness of the people who decide, rather than addressing a principle.

The concept of jury nullification reminds me of the John Adams remark that our Constitution only works when it governs moral people.  Though I’ve criticized the Bundys for taking the wrong approach to protest in the past, there is a measure of smugness — dare I say privilege — that I and others need to avoid in telling people with a grievance against our government or some other aspect of society exactly how they will be allowed to express their discontent.

There is another protest going on now that tests our fairness, the resistance to a proposed pipeline across what members of the Standing Rock Sioux regard as tribal land in North Dakota.  The objections here are over the specifics of sacred sites and water, but just as with the Bundy protests, all of this gets tied up in the conflicts of the western U.S. that have been going on throughout our history — who owns the land and what is underneath it and flowing over it?  How do we square the rights of the people who were here originally with the rights of those of us who came later?  And what will we do to balance the needs for using resources now with the need to conserve those same resources into the future and maintain a planet that is inhabitable?

Protest is disruptive.  It has to be, since it’s a statement against the settled order.  And in a nation that was founded on the idea of people saying no to the leaders of their society, it’s hypocritical for us to seek to shut down all resistance to power.  Protest reveals the concerns of people who are often ignored, and while we may have to arrest protestors to remove them from roads, government buildings, and so forth, restraint is the best approach, and the not guilty verdict in the Oregon case is a good example of the jury recognizing that.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of Guns.com.

The post Bundy, protestors, find acquittals in Oregon wildlife refuge occupation case appeared first on Guns.com.


Source: http://www.guns.com/2016/10/31/3041461/


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.