Congressman Walden Speaks

Earlier this week Oregon ranchers Duane and Steve Hammond reported to prison. Here is some of what their Congressman Greg Walden had to say on the House floor — that I believe many of us living in rural areas can agree with.
Walden: “The threat of Waters of U.S. shutting down stock ponds and irrigation canals and a way of life. The threat of fire every year that seems to not be battled right and just gets away. And no one is really held accountable. The continued restrictions on the men and women that for generations have worked hard in a tough environment. It’s just gone too far — it is hurtful. I hope that people understand how serious this is felt and how heartfelt this is by those who pay their taxes, try to live by the law and do the right things and how obpressed they feel — by the government they elect and by the government they certainly don’t elect. How much they will always defend the flag and the country. How their sons and daughters will go to war — and some will not come back — and they have not from this area. There is a better solution here. The President needs to back off the mounanument. The BLM needs to make sure Susie Hammond is not pushed into bankruptcy and her ranch taken by the government and added to the ranches that have been. We need to be better at hearing people from all walks of life and all regions of our country. And understanding this anger that is out there and what we can do to bring about change and peaceful resolution.”