Nut-job on brink of violent standoff over zoning issue. In today’s news, his bid with the court to get a stay has been denied and since he can’t afford the $7,500 appeal bond, he says, “It’s back to our standoff, then.” The Denver based militia is still threatening violence.
The fun part is that this is fairly close to the township where I have recently become the zoning administrator. Neat! Maybe we’ll get to have a fun little standoff because some gentleman who wants his shed in his front yard turns out to be a wacko! Wouldn’t that be neat?!
People are great.
The Circuit Court has waived the appeal bond, thus allowing the issue to go to court, thus putting off the potential standoff, I guess. Pastor N. O., advisor to the Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines, says, “If people came there with saws, hammers and paintbrushes instead of guns, if we have an opportunity to help this man, and we find out he can comply with the minimal codes, I think it would save face for him, for Lasater and for the militia.”
Local residents Chip & Claudia, owners of the general store, gave comment to the press but refused to give their last names. Interestingly, in a town which “doesn’t see 50 people in a day outside of its famous July 4 parade,” telling the press your first name and the fact that you own the general store would seem to be as good as a last name.
The property owner claims that three militia groups have promised to help him resist force with force. Two school buses have been re-routed in case bullets start flying, while one local resident claims that, “The criminal has more rights than the citizen does,” thus implying two interesting things: When one commits a crime, one forfeits citizenship; and the full Bill of Rights applies only to non-citizens. Interesting.
Another local Milita getting out of control…interesting. I guess its good to know they’re around just in case the federal government ever gets too out of control…
The homeowner & the sheriff have met and agreed to meet next week to resolve the issue sans violence. We’ll have to wait and see, of course.
Honestly, should this guy get off scott-free for threating public officials & law enforcement types for a zoning dispute?! This ain’t Jim Crow we’re dealing with, after all. Thoreau had the strength of character to go to jail for his refusal to pay taxes, I find it hard to believe that this guy will accept jail time for threating properly elected & appointed officials with lethal force. Which is not to say that zoning laws can’t be a royal pain in the ass, but is this a wise choice of battles?