Let’s do something to balance out all the media attention the Bundy Bunch are getting at their takeover of the Malheur national Wildlife Refuge HQ, with messages of solidarity for the people of Burns.
As Oregonian kossack, FrustratedProgressive, explained in this recent story White Privilege and the Myth of the West:
I just hope that the occupation won't go on for much longer. It is causing real harm to the community, where schools are closed and people are terrified of being hurt in a violent showdown. The people of Burns want the militia gone. The sheriff's department wants them gone. [Update: The local Native people want them gone from what they consider their land.]
I really feel for the Harney County Sheriff David Ward. It was his first day in the job [correction: he had been in the job for exactly one year on Jan 2, 2016] when this complication landed on his desk. I think we should all send him emails of support plus messages of goodwill to pass onto the people of Burns so they know America is with them.
Email for Sheriff David Ward: dave.ward@co.harney.or.us
Sheriff’s office FaceBook page
Better yet, follow kossack StanFlouride’s example and send the Sheriff a gift card and delivery tip from the nearby pizzaria. You can click on Figaro’s Pizza and order the whole thing online.
Let’s show the Sheriff and the people of Burns some kossack love!
Ideas to Assist the Burns Community
As many have pointed out in the comments, in addition to messages of goodwill, we can show the community of Burns some more substantial love and I want to thank everyone who has proffered thoughtful and constructive suggestions.
From i saw an old tree today —
Indian Health and Food Assistance
Harney County Senior and Community Center Services
Burns Food Pantries and the Harney County Food Bank
Burns Christian Church Pantry
From Otteray Scribe —
Most food pantry organizations are just limping along and often have bare shelves. Maybe a gift certificate to a grocery store or Sam’s Club/Costo perhaps might help.
If anyone has information about how to contact local grocery stores, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add the information into the story.
In response to the above request, mlleeliabeth wrote —
There is a Safeway a few blocks away from the food bank. I haven’t had time to call either the Food Bank or the Safeway, but maybe something could be coordinated between them re: gift cards and/or donations?
In fact it turns out you can visit the local Burns Safeway online, order whatever you like and have them deliver it for you. Sweet! Thanks mlleelizabeth!
From dobleremolque —
I just send a donation to the Burns Fire Dept. in honor of Sheriff Ward. The FD has a paid chief, but everyone else is volunteer. Been there, done that myself so I know things like specialized fire fighting equipment is hard to some by sometimes. Here’s the FD, plus some other possibilities:
dobleremolque also included the Harney County Senior and Community Center Services.
From WarrenS —
Does Burns have a public library? Perhaps some donations of books/CDs would be welcomed.
As promised, I checked it out and they do (◕‿◕)
Keep the love coming, kosacks!