America's public lands are under attack. On January 2, armed thugs lead by the sons of Nevada rancher, Cliven Bundy, invaded Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon demanding the refuge be turned over to miners, loggers and ranchers.
The Bundy actions are part of a larger movement to steal public land and turn it over for private exploitation. Political allies of the Bundys are pushing legislation to do just this, despite polls showing that over 80% of Westerners want to protect natural areas for future generations.
This is unacceptable.
Public lands -- owned by all Americans and managed for us by government agencies -- provide recreation for millions of Americans and critical habitat for endangered wildlife. Malheur Refuge is home to 320 bird species.
All of this is threatened by extremists with guns.
Take action for your public lands -- Tell federal authorities that our public lands are not for sale to the highest bidder and that the occupation of Malhuer Wildlife Refuge must end.
Dear President Obama:
I'm writing to urge you prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the armed extremists who have illegally invaded the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
These "occupiers" are the same dangerous extremists who in 2014 orchestrated armed standoffs with federal agents in Utah and Nevada. As you well know, despite threats of violence and men pointing weapons at federal agents no one was ever prosecuted for these illegal actions. The lack of consequences for those violent and dangerous actions emboldened these extremists and encouraged the current illegal invasion.
These actions cannot continue to go unpunished. As we are currently seeing lack of prosecution will lead to more armed invasions as these bullies with guns continue to push their extremist anti-government agenda.
[Your comment will be added here]
The leaders of the Malheur invasion are the sons of Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher who owes the federal government over $1 million in unpaid grazing fees. They are demanding that these lands, owned by all Americans, paid for by our tax dollars and managed on our behalf by the your agencies, be turned over for private exploitation by mining, logging and ranching interests. America's public lands provide recreation for millions of people and they provide critical habitat for some of our country's most imperiled plant and animal species. To allow a small group of angry zealots, no matter how well armed, to co-opt these lands for their own narrow means is an affront to every tax-paying citizen of our nation.
Please, ensure that this illegal "occupation" is ended peacefully and that the perpetrators who would steal the land that belongs to all Americans are fully prosecuted.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
