Reid: Liberal report on land disputes sheds light on 'anti-government extremists'

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid on Thursday endorsed a liberal think tank warning about a recent spate of protests over disputed public land. The Center for American Progress released a report calling on Congress to "confront the rise of violent extremism on America's public lands by investigating people involved in the disputes." Reid, in a statement about the report, said it "shines a much-needed spotlight on the threat posed by anti-government extremists." Reid's statement echoed the report's conclusion that Republican rhetoric has fueled "the most radical voices in our society," and he called on them to stand up to the "extremists." Republicans are pushing for the federal government to reduce its land ownership. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has introduced legislaiton to abolish the law enforcement divisions of the Bureau of Land Managment and the Forest Service and instead empower local law enforcement. "Federal agencies do not enjoy the same level of trust and respect as local law enforcement that are deeply rooted in local communities," Chaffetz said. "This legislation will help de-escalate conflicts between law enforcement and local residents while improving transparency and accountability. The BLM and U.S. Forest Service will be able to focus on their core missions without the distraction of police functions."...more

HT:  Martin Frisbey