The leader of the occupation of the wildlife refuge in Oregon, Ammon Bundy, along with a dozen other militia cosplayers have been hit with more charges.
Bundy and his cohorts pleaded not guilty yesterday after a federal grand jury handed down more weapons charges.
In a packed courtroom in Portland, the younger Bundy and others pleaded not guilty to the new allegations Wednesday. All 26 defendants were previously charged with conspiracy to impede officers of the United States.
Ammon Bundy's attorneys told the judge that he wanted to be advised of his rights. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Brown denied the request, noting that they were read at three prior court appearances.
"I know I have no rights, so thank you," Bundy said.
Sad face.
The good news for Mister Bundy is that, as an American citizen, he has many rights. If he and his henchmen truly had no rights; if they had occupied a federal facility in a country like Russia; they'd probably be dead. They certainly wouldn't have access to competent counsel or a right to a fair trial.
It may not be the outcome everyone wanted, but their thorough prosecution will clearly demonstrate that they're wrong about the government they sought to overthrow.
Ironically, their apprehension and treatment from the beginning of their crusade demonstrates that they've actually been afforded more leeway than minority Americans who've been shot on sight without even having an opportunity to surrender.
Bundy benefited from bias and The System whether he realizes it or not.