The Oregon Standoff: Race, Land Use, and Environmental Protection

The militia that has taken over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Harney County, Oregon, has been hashtagged derisively as the #yallqaeda or #VanillaISIS movement. The conceit behind these labels is that these men have resorted to terrorist measures to make a political statement. Some of the militia men are reportedly armed, have vowed to go out in a blaze of glory for their cause, and have military veterans among them to help see that through.

While their tactics are hoary, at best, the issues they are standing on represent tensions that cities across America are either already contending with, or soon will be, namely racism and land use. Mayors and governors should be closely examining how this standoff came together and how it will come apart, as there will likely be more squabbles about these issues in the very near future.