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Attorney general defends relics raid
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Shame | 11:03 a.m. June 17, 2009
Prosecute them but also understand that this lawlessness was bred into them by
past generations of people. Do more than slap their wrists but be caring about
it.
Law & Order - NOT | 11:16 a.m. June 17, 2009
The wing-nuts in Utah are having cows about these raids. Self-serving Hatch and
Chafetz are making as much political hay as they can, grandstanding to the
"base" at every opportunity. What happened to the good old "Law
& Order" boys. I guess those laws are for illegal aliens, same sex
couples, liberals and drug users and not the citizens of the state of Utah.
Doug | 11:18 a.m. June 17, 2009
Mr. Hatch fails to understand that an arrest of ANY kind is a highly emotional
experience and ANY (violence) can happen even if the arestee is a precious
Physician. Are Doctors immune from being violent? At the end of the day the
goal is for the Law Enforcement to go hom safely. Mr Redd took his own life, a
choice he made after he committed several felony offences.
Comments continue below
cbird | 11:25 a.m. June 17, 2009
I feel that the Fed's did a great job!
VOR | 11:29 a.m. June 17, 2009
Hatch, et al, have shown their obvious bias towards their fellow WHITE man by
being upset about this Federal Raid, but when the Federals raided a tortilla
factory in SLC, neither Hatch nor Bennit said a word about it.
Funny how that is
Funny how that is
Anonymous | 11:33 a.m. June 17, 2009
So, enfocrce the law against others but not for yourself. Immigration is a
perfect example. Hatch is leading a political show on this.
Hatch surprised? | 11:34 a.m. June 17, 2009
That's the way cops do things nowadays. He's not aware of this? The
Feds and especially Utah police state and local routinely suit for battle for
non-violent offenses. Sometimes it proves necessary, often it is not. Often it
turns what would be a non-violent situation into an armed showdown. This is an
issue that needs to be addressed both locally and nationally. What level of
risk will we allow police to assume? If a child, dog, or something else gets
shot up or destroyed has it been worth it?
Just don't feign surprise. Its disingenuous.
Just don't feign surprise. Its disingenuous.
law abiding citizen | 11:37 a.m. June 17, 2009
At least the grave raiders can rest assured they have high-profile supporters
defending their illegal activities. Dont do the crime, if you cant do the time.
Were't they theives? | 11:51 a.m. June 17, 2009
Shouldn't theives be investigated and prosecuted. What if they were going
to the local cemetary and raiding coffins, there would justifiable outrage.
used to live there | 11:56 a.m. June 17, 2009
This community has always been against the BLM, Feds, anyone who slaps their
hand when they do wrong. Laws are made for everyone else, not this community.
citizen yes | 12:04 p.m. June 17, 2009
I am sadden about the circumstances, surrounding this raid.
One question on my mind, when the doctor and others, committed this crime on Federal Land, knew better.
Why in the world didn't they get permission-signed release,
before digging.
There is plenty of blame on both sides, not doing there home work first.
Is this a Reckless-Hide situation, hoping to get away thing?
I don't think so.
One question on my mind, when the doctor and others, committed this crime on Federal Land, knew better.
Why in the world didn't they get permission-signed release,
before digging.
There is plenty of blame on both sides, not doing there home work first.
Is this a Reckless-Hide situation, hoping to get away thing?
I don't think so.
Spiritual Respect!! | 12:11 p.m. June 17, 2009
it is time for me to look for another church to attend as i have to pt out the
truth to my children as i try to live it for my children. When any members are
condoned for illegal activities of digging up the dead yet preaches on the other
hand the importance of the lamnanite that is totally disrespectful. Not one
church leader has come forward condemning the cultural mistreatment of the many
natives here in Blanding. The attitude of having special rigths for certain
families is quite apprarent yet if we dug up any of the pioneer graves around
here there would be an uproar! If the principal was involved in a threatening
manner to the law officers than that clearly states the frame of mind of those
involved and he should be reprimanded. But the double standards always apply
down this way and the racism is quite the norm if one just reads the comments of
many of the people of the two papers. The spirit of the ancients have clearly
spoken as they are angry and don't recognize name or status in community ,
leave them alone!Redemption can be cruel!!
dog and pony pt. 1 | 12:14 p.m. June 17, 2009
I appreciate Hatchs attempts to support his constituents, but his arguments seem
flawed.
Hatch says that the suicide and fully geared officers destroyed the good feelings the Blanding community had toward the government. First, he assumes the community did have good feelings toward the government. One might think that as an elected representative of our state for many years that he might understand that most southern Utah communities do not necessarily have good feelings toward the government. Rather, they find government too big and intrusive. Second, he seems to be insinuating that the suicide, and its consequent ill will, is a result of the government or its emissaries. Thus, Hatch is largely abdicating personal responsibility for the action. Third, might not the communitys anger stem more from the entire episode and not simply how the arrests were made?
Hatch says that the suicide and fully geared officers destroyed the good feelings the Blanding community had toward the government. First, he assumes the community did have good feelings toward the government. One might think that as an elected representative of our state for many years that he might understand that most southern Utah communities do not necessarily have good feelings toward the government. Rather, they find government too big and intrusive. Second, he seems to be insinuating that the suicide, and its consequent ill will, is a result of the government or its emissaries. Thus, Hatch is largely abdicating personal responsibility for the action. Third, might not the communitys anger stem more from the entire episode and not simply how the arrests were made?
dog and pony pt. 2 | 12:15 p.m. June 17, 2009
Hatch says he understands why threat of force might be used against drug dealers
and people who clearly are violent felons, but not in this case. Does Hatch not
realize that at least three of the individuals arrested had prior drug
convictions? With all due respect to Dr. Redd and his family, if one is
suicidal they are likely not emotionally stable, and if theyre capable of
killing themselves they may well be capable of killing others. (In no way do I
want to claim that Dr. Redd was capable of killing anyone else, but how is one
to know?) An officer never knows what might be behind a door. They deserve the
benefit of doubt.
Hatch wants to question the motives of some of the higher-ups. I dont know their motives, but they seem to be exacting the law. Is that a questionable motive? Hatch says that "I felt like it was a dog and pony show, and I know one when I see it." This I believe, because at the exact moment Hatch made the statement I believe he was all tangled up with those dogs and ponies.
Hatch wants to question the motives of some of the higher-ups. I dont know their motives, but they seem to be exacting the law. Is that a questionable motive? Hatch says that "I felt like it was a dog and pony show, and I know one when I see it." This I believe, because at the exact moment Hatch made the statement I believe he was all tangled up with those dogs and ponies.
Thanks BLM | 12:29 p.m. June 17, 2009
for taking care of ALL America's land not just some!!
Idiot Hatch | 3:08 p.m. June 17, 2009
Yeah, Hatch sure does know a dog and pony show when he sees one because
that's exactly what he's doing right now stirring up more and more ill
will against these arrests.
Furthermore, Hatch's argument that less force should have been used because these people are community pillars is the EXACT attitude that gets officers killed in the line of duty. Just because one guy operates a good medical practice is no indication of sound mental capacity - proven by the fact that he later committed suicid.
These were arrests and raids for federal felony offenses against individuals under investigation for more than two years. Many of these individuals have prior records for both drugs and artifacts offenses (including Dr. Redd).
You better believe force will be used when conducting a task such as this. If it were my wife, husband, daughter or son on involved in this operation I would expect that all potential for danger be evaluated and eliminated to ensure their safety.
What Hatch is doing is an arrogant and disgusting slap in the face to these individuals who put their lives on the line every day in the service of theiry country and communities.
Furthermore, Hatch's argument that less force should have been used because these people are community pillars is the EXACT attitude that gets officers killed in the line of duty. Just because one guy operates a good medical practice is no indication of sound mental capacity - proven by the fact that he later committed suicid.
These were arrests and raids for federal felony offenses against individuals under investigation for more than two years. Many of these individuals have prior records for both drugs and artifacts offenses (including Dr. Redd).
You better believe force will be used when conducting a task such as this. If it were my wife, husband, daughter or son on involved in this operation I would expect that all potential for danger be evaluated and eliminated to ensure their safety.
What Hatch is doing is an arrogant and disgusting slap in the face to these individuals who put their lives on the line every day in the service of theiry country and communities.
Hatch should shut his trap | 3:48 p.m. June 17, 2009
So, by Hatch's argument, all our troops in Iraq should politely knock on
doors and say 'please, may I" when conducting raids on homes because
there might be other people who are innocent inside and those homes might
technically belong to community pillars of that area.
I cannot believe he is seriously touting this BS. These people are being arrested for federal felonies. If they don't want their families traumatized then they shouldn't be allegedly committing these crimes.
The fact that warrants were obtained to conduct not only arrests but also searches tells me the feds have quite a bit of convincing evidence of crimes being committed.
What's worse is many of these people are repeat offenders and somehow they think they deserve some sort of courtesy. How about they start apologizing for all the tax payer resources that have been spent because their self arrogance makes them think they are above the law.
I hope these people were scared while being arrested or during the search of their homes. Maybe that will finally get through their thick skulls that breaking the law is wrong even if you don't agree with what the law states.
I cannot believe he is seriously touting this BS. These people are being arrested for federal felonies. If they don't want their families traumatized then they shouldn't be allegedly committing these crimes.
The fact that warrants were obtained to conduct not only arrests but also searches tells me the feds have quite a bit of convincing evidence of crimes being committed.
What's worse is many of these people are repeat offenders and somehow they think they deserve some sort of courtesy. How about they start apologizing for all the tax payer resources that have been spent because their self arrogance makes them think they are above the law.
I hope these people were scared while being arrested or during the search of their homes. Maybe that will finally get through their thick skulls that breaking the law is wrong even if you don't agree with what the law states.
Dear Mr. Hatch | 4:10 p.m. June 17, 2009
You just lost my vote. How do you like them apples?
rex | 4:39 p.m. June 17, 2009
I know you won't print this,,,but Mormon crooks should get the same
treatment as anyone else.
Robards | 4:58 p.m. June 17, 2009
These grave robbers are very much like some of the people in the South who abuse
minority people. They became so accustomed to it they became desensitized as to
what was right or wrong
Slim Shady | 5:31 p.m. June 17, 2009
imagine if you will if the Western Shoshone will really back your efforts in
protecting the ill , sick practice of grave robbing of an indeginous people or
for that matter any tribe. Even the aboriginal has recieved support in Australia
for the inequities brought upon them. Yes these are inequities that may have
been adopted in a pioneer culture but must be done away with now , the same as
polygamy along with coffee , tobacco etc. The lust for money got peopel tangled
up in blues. Follow the spirit because when you walk on the darkside you open
the other wrong possibilities it doesn't matter to the Natives who live
around those ruins they show respect toward them. Even the hispanic explorers
showed more respect along with the catholic priests as much of what is plundered
remained intact until the pioneers came along. The old journals and photos of
San Juan County testify of it being so. Obey the law of the land or be ready to
deal with consequences if you have a problem with that then expect the sentences
rendered ..you are no better than those that passed through or have lived there
before. Do unto others!!
My two bits | 7:45 p.m. June 17, 2009
when one really observes the justice system in san juan county one glaring money
making component for the county is the law enforcement agencies. Dig a little
deeper and you find a juvenile detention center which can be filled with the
local high school truant students. Just a certain segment seems to be the usual
clientel for this big center. In fact when these offenders are sent north the
detention officers often are surprised by the ones who are. Why because they
don't belong with the gang members or don't meet the criterian of the
hard core who fill the coffers there in salt lake. Imagine how frightened these
offenders from the blanding area are to be stuck in with the real killers and
drug dealers for their petty crimes which pale in comparison to the norm. Many
of these youth have not committed felonies yet are treated so by the system set
up in this SE Utah community. So I ask if you can do it to these young folk who
are rehabilative where's the justice if the felonous are allowed to flaunt
the system just because of a name or status? Justice for all!
Anonymous | 12:02 a.m. June 18, 2009
Lets get hatch out of goverment, retire him , we must move on.
Re: Anonymous | 1:21 a.m. June 18, 2009
We need Hatch to help Ted Kenedy get sober and counter Ted's ultra liberal,
socialistic votes.
Get to business, Hatch | 5:00 a.m. June 18, 2009
The police officers are not accused of breaking the law, hurting or even
verbally offending the "victim." When committing felonies, people do
sort of waive their rights to being treated as upstanding law-abiding citizens.
If they have "thin skins" maybe they should stay on the right side of
the law. If next time the Justice Department organizes arrests with less force,
and police officers are killed, will Hatch take responsibility? These operations
are inherently unpredictable, as the suicide itself deomonstrates. Hatch should
get down to some more meaningful business there in the Capitol.
shark60 | 5:04 a.m. June 18, 2009
Does this smack of ties to Janet Reno and Ruby Ridge, Waco, or Elian Gonzales?
Look for more jackbooted actions by Federal Law Enforcement agencies. It is only
beginning. And then they wonder why Joe Blow citizen resists.
Jerry | 5:25 a.m. June 18, 2009
Orin Hatch - from the selective "Law and Order" Party.
Robin | 9:02 a.m. June 18, 2009
Police abuse of power is rampent in Southern Utah. The Feds are no different
from the local swat teams of the state that go in with DCFS and grab kids from
the vast pool of children that Utah is known for. Each kid makes money for the
State, whereas artifacts just represent the Neophytes. So where's the
beef?
its mine | 10:18 a.m. June 18, 2009
If its on my property its mine.!!!!!!!!!!
These people are not grave robers. that would be wrong. The take pots etc from living spaces of the past. Look at the pyrimids. Are thery not robbing toumbs for PROFIT and knowledge. These people did nothing wrong if what they took is on their properety. All you arowhead hunters and collectors had better watch out. You are at risk.
These people are not grave robers. that would be wrong. The take pots etc from living spaces of the past. Look at the pyrimids. Are thery not robbing toumbs for PROFIT and knowledge. These people did nothing wrong if what they took is on their properety. All you arowhead hunters and collectors had better watch out. You are at risk.
Hatch is running a pony show | 12:35 p.m. June 18, 2009
I can't believe the gall of Hatch and Bennett. They're crazy defending
these criminals. I'm Native American and grew up 30 min from Blanding, and
hr from Durango, etc., and the thought of individuals raiding my ancestors'
graves for profit really irks me. I hope they are prosecuted to the full-extent
of the law and their punitive sentences serve as a warning to other potential
grave robbers.
Publius | 4:04 p.m. June 18, 2009
Hatch is not defending or condoning the alleged thefts.
He is questioning the need for a 10 to 1 ratio of heavily armed combat ready SWAT type people to conduct "raids" on people being charged with non-violent crimes spread out over a several year period. If there are 2 or 3 people with drug crime history, then they certainly deserved the extra precautions.
However, only elitist government officials worthy of the name "jackbooted thugs" can justify the excessive manpower and firepower assembled against pot0hunting grandparents.
These are the sorts of actions that resulted in massive overkill of unarmed, innocent civilians at Ruby Ridge and Waco,or the seizure of a child like Elian Gonzales from a home in the middle of the night.
American citizens are losing faith in the honesty of some in the law enforcement community. For good reason, it seems.
Attorney General Eric Holder is defending the indefensible.
He is questioning the need for a 10 to 1 ratio of heavily armed combat ready SWAT type people to conduct "raids" on people being charged with non-violent crimes spread out over a several year period. If there are 2 or 3 people with drug crime history, then they certainly deserved the extra precautions.
However, only elitist government officials worthy of the name "jackbooted thugs" can justify the excessive manpower and firepower assembled against pot0hunting grandparents.
These are the sorts of actions that resulted in massive overkill of unarmed, innocent civilians at Ruby Ridge and Waco,or the seizure of a child like Elian Gonzales from a home in the middle of the night.
American citizens are losing faith in the honesty of some in the law enforcement community. For good reason, it seems.
Attorney General Eric Holder is defending the indefensible.
noname | 4:03 p.m. June 21, 2009
If there were a separation between Church and State in Utah, I would have more
confidence in knowing that the Mormon criminals would get what they deserve.
Unfortunately, some way or another, the church will shimmy around this whole
thing with ease and grace, and the guilty church folk will get a slap on the
wrist at best. Also, what is Warren Hatch thinking? Great way to divert the
attention from the Indians back to himself, the white man, and make this whole
thing a political scandal with the government. What a joke. I feel sorry for
the Indian families.
Anonymous | 1:57 p.m. June 22, 2009
It's Orin Hatch, not Warrent Hatch. What does the Church have to do with
this??????
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