bonepicker
Very Active Member
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I'm not sure how many of you guys/ladies are following or are interested in what is happening out here in Harney County but after carefully watching this play out for two weeks, I've got some thoughts as a local.
First, I know that this issue stirs strong feelings and opinions in many and I'm seeing this clearly in our county. The majority of people in Harney County are completely against the Bundy's and their actions but there are a few that sympathize with them and that division has broken some lifelong friendships throughout the county. It's ugly here and that's sad to see. All that to say, I'm not trying to berate anyone or pick a fight, these are just some thoughts I have come to after watching this situation. Here you go:
-Regardless of what your opinion of Federal, State or local government is, don't throw your hat in the ring with these guys. What they are advocating is not good for a vast majority of Oregonians, including hunters, ranchers, outdoorsmen, and rural residents. They want to turn all federal land over to private ownership, therefore, if you have ever hunted, fished, hiked, rafted, camped, driven through, photographed etc any BLM or Forest Service land (our public land) in Harney, Grant, Malheur, Lake or any other county with a lot of public land, you will be dramatically affected if their ideas get traction. Private land will undoubtedly have far less public access than federal land!
-Even if you disagree with the way the Refuge is managed or the possible formation of the Owyhee Canyonlands, or how feral horses are (or aren't) managed, or road closures or regulations on sage grouse or spotted owls or any of a myriad of other hot buttons, don't make the jump from frustration with policy to advocating anarchy. The sportsmen, rancher, rural voice is already marginalized, treating these guys like heroes will cause our voice to be ignored entirely. So speak up, loud and proud but don't glorify what the Bundy's are doing or you run the risk of being written off as a fool by the majority of people you talk to. Because people feel so strongly about this, even saying "I appreciate that the Bundy's have brought attention to some issues but I disagree with their methods" will turn people off to what you have to say.
-If you're interested, get good information. I can't even tell you how much gossip, misinformation, wild speculation, and how many crazy conspiracy theories there are out there, don't believe everything you hear on facebook or wherever, do some digging and find the real story. As much as it surprises me, the Oregonian and even more surprising OPB have done some of the best, most accurate and balanced reporting on this issue. And while the national news has gotten bored with this (and believe me, the locals are tired of it and want it to end as well) those two news organizations have continued to work hard at accurately covering the story and keeping people informed.
Just some thoughts, you can take them for what they're worth.
First, I know that this issue stirs strong feelings and opinions in many and I'm seeing this clearly in our county. The majority of people in Harney County are completely against the Bundy's and their actions but there are a few that sympathize with them and that division has broken some lifelong friendships throughout the county. It's ugly here and that's sad to see. All that to say, I'm not trying to berate anyone or pick a fight, these are just some thoughts I have come to after watching this situation. Here you go:
-Regardless of what your opinion of Federal, State or local government is, don't throw your hat in the ring with these guys. What they are advocating is not good for a vast majority of Oregonians, including hunters, ranchers, outdoorsmen, and rural residents. They want to turn all federal land over to private ownership, therefore, if you have ever hunted, fished, hiked, rafted, camped, driven through, photographed etc any BLM or Forest Service land (our public land) in Harney, Grant, Malheur, Lake or any other county with a lot of public land, you will be dramatically affected if their ideas get traction. Private land will undoubtedly have far less public access than federal land!
-Even if you disagree with the way the Refuge is managed or the possible formation of the Owyhee Canyonlands, or how feral horses are (or aren't) managed, or road closures or regulations on sage grouse or spotted owls or any of a myriad of other hot buttons, don't make the jump from frustration with policy to advocating anarchy. The sportsmen, rancher, rural voice is already marginalized, treating these guys like heroes will cause our voice to be ignored entirely. So speak up, loud and proud but don't glorify what the Bundy's are doing or you run the risk of being written off as a fool by the majority of people you talk to. Because people feel so strongly about this, even saying "I appreciate that the Bundy's have brought attention to some issues but I disagree with their methods" will turn people off to what you have to say.
-If you're interested, get good information. I can't even tell you how much gossip, misinformation, wild speculation, and how many crazy conspiracy theories there are out there, don't believe everything you hear on facebook or wherever, do some digging and find the real story. As much as it surprises me, the Oregonian and even more surprising OPB have done some of the best, most accurate and balanced reporting on this issue. And while the national news has gotten bored with this (and believe me, the locals are tired of it and want it to end as well) those two news organizations have continued to work hard at accurately covering the story and keeping people informed.
Just some thoughts, you can take them for what they're worth.