Not Guilty

It seems like we’ve been here before. A bunch of people mount a protest against the federal government. The only real violence is committed by the police. When seven of the people are put on trial for conspiracy charges, they turn the courtroom into a circus. The nation is shocked when all of them are found innocent of conspiring to break the law.

I’m writing, of course, about the Chicago Seven, one of whom, Tom Hayden, passed away earlier this week. Just four days later, the Malheur Seven were similarly found innocent of conspiracy charges in Portland.

The parallels go further. After the Chicago Seven cases were heard (but before the jury rendered a verdict), the judge cited the defendants for contempt of court and sentenced them to 2-1/2 to 4 years in prison (all of which were reversed on appeal). After the Malheur Seven jury presented its verdict, U.S. marshalls arrested and allegedly tased one of their lawyers for protesting the detention of his client without offering a warrant.

Note: For best results we strongly recommend that men address the condition levitra free consultation of ED (erectile Dysfunction), PE (Premature Ejaculation), low semen volume, low libido and PE. buy viagra pills Availability of ED has increased such way that you can acquire them without any trouble. To avoid any viagra without prescription unpleasant effects one should talk with the health of the person. So be patience and take pills purchase cialis from india according direction.
In both cases, the reality is that it was the government on trial. In 1969 and 1970, conservatives were in charge and they went after progressives. The progressives embarrassed the government by making it clear it was a kangaroo court. In 2016, progressives are in charge and they went after conservatives. The government ended up being embarrassed again.

It’s hard to imagine that the Malheur occupiers aren’t guilty of something, even if it is just vandalism. But the government chose to use conspiracy law, probably to increase the prison terms of those found guilty. Such a charge might sound reasonable in this case, but some people think is a questionable charge.

In being found innocent, the defendants won more than just their freedom. Their victory shows that progressives can be just as heavy-handed as conservatives when given power. Whether or not you agree with the Bundy’s quirky constitutional theories (and the Antiplanner doesn’t), at least it suggests that smaller government is better because it creates fewer opportunities for political abuse.