Emboldened by outspoken commentators on radio, TV, and social media, armed protesters have confronted the federal government, particularly concerning the latter's control over vast amounts of land in the American West. Filmmaker Richard Rowley's PBS-aired Frontline documentary examines the 2014 acts of the Nevada-based family of Cliven Bundy, who refused to remove their cattle off federal land, or pay grazing fees. After their cattle were confiscated, the Bundys issued a plea for help, and armed supporters quickly arrived, demanding not only the cattle, but also the return of all federally owned land to state or local control. After a standoff with snipers on both sides, the government—fearing violence—gave the livestock back. Basking in the victory and flattered by right-wing praise, Bundy proceeded to elaborate on his racist views, which proved to be far removed from ranching and land management issues. In 2015, his son Ammon took up the cause of a family facing similar problems, who were accused of setting fires on public land. Ammon went to Oregon, but what was billed as a brief protest instead became a lengthy occupation of the federal Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Protesters again appeared, and guns were displayed, but not all locals supported Ammon's crusade. Against a mounting climate of fear and shattered friendships, the FBI dropped its strategy of tactical patience, stopping Bundy's car after he left the preserve. Arizona rancher Lavoy Finicum was shot dead when he refused to drop his arms and surrender. Although Ammon was acquitted of charges, he remains in prison on criminal counts related to the earlier Nevada siege. Meanwhile, anti-government tensions and over-the-top rhetoric remains high, likely to come to a boil with little provocation. Featuring comments from the activists, the Bundy family, and government officials, American Patriot offers a perceptive look at a modern day range war. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)
American Patriot
(2017) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0181-9. Volume 32, Issue 6
American Patriot
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