Patriots Carry Guns In Opposition Towards The B.L.M.

Patriots in Texoma are standing up to the Bureau of Land Management because they are claiming thousands of acres along the border of the red river.

An open carry rally was held in Burkburnett where people from southern Texas and Arizona joined Texomans to support ranchers whose land is in jeopardy by the B.L.M.

Many Texomans were exercising their right to bear arms. Men, women and even children were carrying guns to support the cause.

Lee Harvey, a candidate for County Commissioner in the second precinct said the rally is calling out to Washington.

"Absolutely, this group of individuals is sending a message to Washington that says, hey we're still out here and we still have our constitution and we're going to stand by it," said Harvey.

Even though the message is clear, Harvey fears the rally will send a negative light on Wichita County.

"But they were just demonstrating their right to open carry," said Harvey. "Well I appreciate that. We just can't let it hurt our efforts nationally when we try and resolve this issue with the B.L.M."

Harvey says there has been forward momentum with the B.L.M. saying they've reduced the amount of land they want to claim.

"We were sent a letter from Congressman Thornberry that they have reduced the estimated 90,000 acres to somewhere around 30,000 acres."

Bill Lockwood, another candidate for County Commissioner says the concept of liberty has been lost.

"Because really we're living in a time in which people have the concept that freedom comes from the government or that liberty is a grant of government," said Lockwood. "But that's not the case at all. Liberty is a grant of God and government is only there as a protection so that you might enjoy what God has already given you."

Lockwood says our founding fathers considered life, liberty and property as a package. And lee Harvey says the B.L.M. told him they're taking Red River property based on precedence.

"We paid taxes on that land," said Lockwood. "Now they tell us it's not ours. Well we say we have a deed and we pay taxes. The man told me himself that a Texas deed does not trump the federal government."

Murdoch Pizgatti, Co-founder of www.dontcomply.com says the rally shows how strong Texas pride really is.

"It really shows solidarity through the entire state. 'When they come in and try to do what they plan on doing here that it's not just a small group of people that they're going to have to deal with. Everyone is concerned about it, that it's a larger group of people that have an interest in it."

Brody Carter, Newschannel 6