Commentary: A Community Conversation will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 7 – 9 p.m., at the WNMU Global Resource Center Auditorium to discuss opposition to the use of violence to achieve political ends.
During the recent armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, supporters carrying firearms roamed the streets of nearby Burns, Oregon. Fearing violence, Burns residents closed schools and cancelled community meetings. A Grant County, New Mexico rancher renounced his grazing permit at a news conference during the armed takeover.
The Malheur takeover began as a protest against the sentencing of local ranchers for their conviction on charges of arson on federal lands. The protesters - mostly from out of state - brandished firearms and traveled to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge where they presented a list of demands. This resulted in a multi-week siege that disrupted the lives of the residents of Burns and Harney County, as dozens of takeover supporters with weapons roamed the streets. Schools were closed, public meetings were cancelled, and a shadow of fear about potential armed violence fell upon this rural community. Feeling that their own resources were overwhelmed, local authorities requested assistance from the FBI and neighboring jurisdictions. The social, fiscal, and legal impacts were felt immediately and will continue to affect local residents well into the future.
Grant County rancher Adrian Sewell renounced his grazing permit at a news conference during the armed takeover at Malheur (http://gmcr.org/wpcontent/
With hope that an opportunity for forthright exploration of views will lead to community solidarity in opposition to the divisive threats and actual violence that subjected Burns to such a painful ordeal, Gila Resources Information Project and Gila/Mimbres Community Radio are hosting this “Community Conversation on Opposing Violent Means to Political Ends.”
Moderated by Jamie Newton, host of Gila/Mimbres Community Radio’s Civil Discourse, the panel consists of stakeholders who can offer a range of perspectives on the potential impacts of the use of violence here in Grant County.
The panelists include:
- Raul Villaneuva, Grant County Sheriff - public safety
- Jason Amaro, NM Wildlife Federation board – sportsmen and recreation
- Linda Brewer, owner of Bear Mountain Lodge - tourism
- Cissy McAndrew, owner of SilverCityTour - business
- Kierán Suckling, Center for Biological Diversity – recently returned from Burns, Oregon
“We hope that attendees will bring their questions and ideas to this community conversation on how Silver City can maintain peace and security with respect for all, as we discuss these important issues,” stated Jamie Newton, moderator for the Tuesday event.
In his remarks after the takeover ended, Sheriff Dave Ward of Harney County noted newly recognized divisions within the community. He encouraged residents to talk through complex issues at the core of the occupation rather than stay silent, according to a news account. (http://www.opb.org/news/
“Here in Grant County, we can preemptively recognize our divisions, speak to one another with respect across any lines that may divide us, and maintain our character and our integrity as a community. Tuesday night’s event is the beginning of a community discussion about these issues,” stated Newton.