I emailed Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, asking that she work with Congress and our president to pardon Steven and Dwight Hammond due to the obvious overreach of the prosecution. I also asked that action be taken against those who occupied the Malheur Wildlife Refuge.
Part of her response read, “I share the frustration of those who have lost faith in those federal agencies that manage public lands. I don’t believe the takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge headquarters was the appropriate response to what happened with the Hammonds, but rather than simply condemn this action, it’s imperative that we understand what caused it. It’s impossible to dismiss the frustrations that have resonated with so many … who have dealt with out-of-touch federal agencies.” Our representative doesn’t understand that she is responsible. If she feels there are “out-of-touch federal agencies,” she should be writing legislation to fix the problem.
I have no doubt what her response would be if armed minorities took over federal buildings because they felt they’re not being heard. She wouldn’t be so quick to “understand what caused it.”
I voted for her the last election, but never again. She hasn’t tried to make things better for Clark County or our nation, but simply voted the party line to ensure she has a million-dollar war chest for the next election. Whether it’s a Republican or Democrat to replace her, we deserve better.
