Legislators Scott and Dixon's Malheur visit discredits Idaho, poses serious questions

January 14, 2016

January 14, 2016 To the Editor: Heather Scott and Sage Dixon's recent trip to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon to meet with Ammon Bundy and the group who has seized that site by armed force not only brings discredit upon Idaho, but poses serious questions of loyalties and legalities. Scott and Dixon claim their trip was a "fact-finding" visit, and said we have "similar issues" here. First, they have only lended credibility to a terroristic group. Second, they have brought discredit upon the State of Idaho and the office they hold. Third, in my opinion, they have Aided and Abetted a Felon in the Commission of a Crime. By consorting with Ammon Bundy, they have served to promote unacceptable conduct which will embolden others to do the same. As long as these types of attitudes and behaviors prevail in northern Idaho, we will continue to suffer economically and not be taken seriously on other issues. Scott and Dixon betrayed their Oath of Office "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and Laws of the State of Idaho." This is not a "political" claim; this is a "legal" claim. They should have known of the ramifications of such a trip given the offices they hold. I would hope that Governor Otter and the Legislature choose to distance themselves from Scott and Dixon, and consider referring this matter to the House Ethics Committee. A vote of Censure should be taken. It is up to the citizens of District One as to whether this issue is settled at the ballot box or through a Recall Election. The County Sheriff in which the stand-off is taking place is at least negligent in allowing access to an active Crime Scene. He has reduced his own office by allowing such a spectacle. Scott and Dixon's consorting with Ammon Bundy qualifies as "Aiding and Abetting," and they should be charged accordingly under Federal and/or Oregon Statute. Such charges would result in their removal from the offices they hold. This situation ceased to be a Tenth Amendment argument the minute Bundy's group seized the Malheur Wildlife Refuge by force. At this moment it is merely a crime in commission. The very folks who claim to be "patriots" are nothing more than traitors committing sedition and treason, and in my opinion that includes Heather Scott and Sage Dixon. Gerald B. Higgs