-----Original Message----- From: spiker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Recipient list suppressed <Recipient list suppressed> Date: Monday, January 17, 2000 4:48 PM Subject: Intel: Thugs in the Forest >From: "J.J. Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >http://www.jj-johnson.com/ > >This article sent by the WAT (We at Them) news service. Note the healthy >dump of "intel" on the other side on this one. Read this before you go on >the next "wilderness adventure."- J.J. > >This and other excellent articles concerning land rights can be found at: > >http://www.landrightsletter.com/ > >============================================ >http://www.landrightsletter.com/1299goodbye_old_smokey.htm > >Goodbye Old Smokey; you've been replaced by Rambo. > >J. Zane Walley, The Paragon Foundation > > > On a recent family vacation to Big Bend National Park in >Southwest Texas, my wife, son, and I were on private property that borders >the park and belongs to retired Texas rancher, Rex Ivey. I set my cameras >on tripods and was waiting to photograph the sunset on the Chisos Mountains >when I spied a white and green Park Service vehicle rapidly driving toward me. > > A U.S. Department of the Interior Park Ranger, David Yim, >climbed out and began interrogating my son Martin and I on what we were >doing, where we were from, what I did for a living, and how many in my >party. As I was replying to Officer Yim, he kept his hand on his sidearm >and circled me like a gunfighter every time I shifted position. After he >completed questioning us; he went to my pickup truck and camper, peered >through the windows and back door. Finishing with my vehicle, he proceeded >to inspect all other vehicles in the parking area as well as interrogate >locals and other tourists who had arrived to watch the sunset. > >Ranger Yim was certainly well armed. He was literally ready for war. On >his hip was a nine millimeter pistol, and his duty belt carried several >thirteen round capacity magazines, Mace, handcuffs, and a large assortment >of other black leather clad devices. A 12 Gauge riot shotgun and a Colt >assault rifle were between the bucket seats of his official vehicle. > >I took exception to Ranger Yim's SWAT team attire, interrogation, and >arguable actions on private property. After returning home to New Mexico, >I conducted a telephone interview with his supervisor, Chief Ranger Bill >Wright. It was unpleasantly enlightening. > >Ranger Wright informed me that U.S. Department of the Interior Park Rangers >have jurisdiction anywhere in the U.S., if they feel a crime has been >committed on federal land. "For instance," he said, "if we believe >someone from Maine took an archeological treasure from Big Bend. We could >conduct an investigation there although it is not on U.S. land. We are >federal officers!" he proudly concluded. The Ranger also stated that his >officers are engaged in drug and illegal alien interdiction and would and >could pursue any law violators off public property if the crime was >committed in the park. "The rule of hot pursuit applies here." White noted. > >For these reasons, White contended that Yim had the right to be questioning >citizens and investigating their vehicles on private land. He also >defended his officers' heavy weaponry. "We had a rape and a murder in our >Park. >Outside Magazine says it is one of the five most dangerous National Parks >in America. I want to make sure my officers are armed to respond to any >situation." White also admitted that they had not solved the rape or >murder cases but had arrested a few thieves. White stated that all U.S. >Park Rangers in America are armed with, or have riot guns and assault >rifles in their armory. > >It is depressing that the familiar, friendly park ranger has become a >paramilitary soldier. In speaking with Yim and White, it seems that the >"federal officer" status has infused their thinking to the point that >making big arrests and drug busts are of greater importance than merely >informing and protecting the public. > >A sad Goodbye old Smokey. You have been replaced by >Rambo. >
