Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
golfnut -- I'm usually one of those people who truly gives others the benefit of the doubt and I'm surprised by my reaction to this. Heck, I've been fairer to Kacee Anderson in that I do believe she probably did it but I want all of the known facts before making my decision. But not this time. This time it is guilty until proven innocent for me. Not proud of it, but it is what it is.
So, I'll try to explain why I believe the charges. This was a long investigation. I'm sure that part of that was because Food & Game people have so little power that they really have to have their ducks in a row. That's reason one. I have friends in Montana and Wyoming and have been there many times to camp, hunt, just hang out. They all hate the "gentlemen" ranchers who buy but don't work the ranches -- they treat their ranches like private game preserves. Rainey and Morse fit this group to a tee. That's reason two. From what I've seen and heard of the Morses, there is a sense of entitlement. That's reason three. Also, my comments are not just based on what I've read on the internet. I called one of my friends -- they own a ranch right next "door" to the Morse/Rainey ranch. They're only mad it took so long to charge this group. They've known of the activities for a long time (or so I was told -- I really do take what I read and see with a large grain of salt). That's reason four. So, given my visceral reaction and my personal knowledge of the judicial system (pretty extensive), poaching (limited) and Montana (enough to understand their attitudes), I do believe they are guilty as charged. Mind you, I do not want them sentenced without a fair trial if they choose they route (which I doubt will be the case), which is why I said I would have to be excused from the jury.
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I don't know, Red, saying "They all hate the "gentlemen" ranchers who buy but don't work the ranches -- " really? Or are they jealous? And as for the entitlement, these men have worked hard and I'm sure at this point they do feel some sense of entitlement. I certainly would. Not to poach game mind you, but entitlement to enjoy the finer things in life.
Again, if Montana was so concerned about the loss of these animals, why not bring it to these men,in no uncertain terms, early in the game? Or do you wait until you can really sock it to them with very heavy fines and possible incarceration? Then it becomes more about money and revenge rather than saving the animals.
Hmmmm, consider this. If they are charged with felonies maybe they can run for powerful political offices.
