Refuge occupiers referenced U.S. Constitution

Published 12:50 pm Tuesday, March 8, 2016

To the Editor:

I attended the meeting at the Outpost Jan. 12 when three of the “armed militants” from the wildlife refuge came over.

Let me set the stage. I was invited by a friend that is a local logger that had been at the refuge the previous Sunday and invited several fellows there to come over for a meeting with people from Grant County. I brought two friends and met up with a rancher and wife, a Realtor, log truck owner and the sheriff. The sheriff did not know anyone from the refuge would be there until he arrived. The three men were in their 30s, cleanly dressed and courteous. One was a former Marine, so that made four from the Corps there. Another was a former Army Ranger and the third fellow a self-proclaimed “political activist.” With the sheriff having served in the Air Force, we represented service in Vietnam and Iraq. You know, typical militants.

Eager to learn about the events at the refuge, it was a surprise when the three men spoke of “redress of grievance” for the Hammonds and educating people about the U.S. Constitution. Dog-eared and highlighted copies of the Constitution were produced and references to poignant sections of the law of the land were discussed. It was an interesting and informative time. Hardly the wild-eyed militants some people believed them to be.

I was there, took notes and challenge anyone to confront me and say otherwise.

Dave Traylor

John Day