LibertyMinute April 15 201

When the ATF attacked the Branch Davidians outsideWacoin February 1993, the expectation was a quick and painless victory over an eccentric religious sect and a public relations boost for the scandal-plagued agency. This is why the assault was code-named ?Showtime.? Rather than allowing themselves to be slaughtered and dragged off in chains, however, the Davidians defended themselves, forcing the ATF to retreat. This led to an escalation by the FBI, which laid siege for 51 days before the final assault that left of scores of Davidians dead from fire, asphyxiation, and gunfire.

In 1973, a band of Sioux activists at Wounded Knee held off the FBI and theUSmilitary for 71 days, demanding redress of tribal corruption and investigation of unsolved murders. The planned assault was cancelled and the Feds were unable to convict the Indian activists of charges in court. But they eventually retaliated by carrying out a campaign of low-intensity warfare that left several innocent people dead.

Like any bully, the Regime inWashingtonchooses its battles carefully, generally avoiding fights with opponents capable of fighting back. But it will not accept defeat when clearly in the wrong. This is somethingNevadarancher Cliven Bundy and his supporters should remember.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.