The Bundy Ranch incident is symptomatic of a broader issue, and frankly something I’ve been predicting for quite a while.

You see my fellow Americans, our system of government was never intended to function as such, and is collapsing under the weight of excessive political manipulation. Federal overreach was exactly what the Founders feared, and was a focus of intense debate at the penning of our constitution. To be sure, the debate over states rights is as old as the republic, and no less contentious today. With that said, our constitutional liberties undoubtedly hinge on this often delicate balance of power between the states and the federal government. Politicians understand and exploit this regularly, usually by means of misinformation, scare tactics and outright “bullying”. The Nevada matter reflects a simmering resentment of the federal government, as Washington politicians seek to exert the full weight of their seats of power on average Americans in ever-broadening and intrusive ways, and “for their own good” no less. The problem is, “for their own good” is a phrase (hard-working) Americans understand to be of our own doing and responsibility. That is government “of, by, and for the people”, and something folks like Harry Reid have made a career of trying to destroy.

Nevertheless, as I look around in 2014, I see more than just a jobless recovery, crumbling infrastructure, and crippling debt. I see a nation in search of itself. I see good people waking up to the truth of this republic and all that it stands for. Regrettably, this “awakening” will certainly put “We the People” at odds with the revisionist/entitlement Socialists. In the end, our children’s future as a truly free people hangs in the balance.

As a side note: The way to Liberty’s victory is through the legal process and by the rule of law. This is what makes the United States different, and what separates us from Putin’s Russia. Good people must stand and be counted at the polling places, and politicians who trample our rights must be voted from office. And while I feel the same passion for freedom burning in the hearts of patriotic Americans across this country, and I would die to preserve their right to assemble in defense of that freedom, violence is not the answer. Many have already given their last full measure to afford us the system of recourse we enjoy today, and we should not attempt to undo the mistakes of free elections with armed confrontation. Votes are what do that. Organize, mobilize, educate and reflect inward on what we wish to leave posterity. Restore our nation the proper way, and while there’s still time…

Qualifier for the above: BLM and it’s overseers must do the same.