Independent American Party hears Cliven Bundy at convention
Cliven Bundy explains what the different parts of the American flag, held by party member Reed McCandless, stand for as he speaks during the Independent American Party State Convention held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Provo City Center. The Bundys were involved in the 2014 standoff with the United States Bureau of Land Management concerning grazing rights on land near the Bundys' ranch in southwest Nevada. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Jason Christensen, state chair, motions to approve the meeting minutes during the Independent American Party State Convention held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Provo City Center. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Dan Powell, state vice chair, holds an American flag as the Pledge of Allegiance is recited during the Independent American Party State Convention held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Provo City Center. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Cliven Bundy and his wife, Carol, make their way toward the lectern to speak during the Independent American Party State Convention held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Provo City Center. The Bundys were involved in the 2014 standoff with the United States Bureau of Land Management concerning grazing rights on land near the Bundy's ranch in southwest Nevada. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Carol Bundy speaks during the Independent American Party State Convention held Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Provo City Center. The Bundys were involved in the 2014 standoff with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management concerning grazing rights on land near the Bundys' ranch in southwest Nevada. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
The room was sparse but the enthusiasm high as members of the Independent American Party of Utah met for a second-half continuation of their convention that began in April.
Jason Christensen, the state chairman, conducted the meeting that was focused on approval of the party platform with amendments, committee elections and the guest speakers Cliven and Carol Bundy, owners of the infamous Bundy Ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada.
Once the business actions were complete, which were all approved unanimously, the majority of the meeting was left to the Bundys.
In introducing Cliven Bundy, Wayne Hill, co-founder of the IAP, said of Bundy, “He is the greatest patriot the world has ever known, in my opinion.”
Cliven Bundy is a cattle rancher, and is known to the general public for the 2014 Bundy standoff. Bundy believes the federal government has taken overreach to a new level. The standoff with state and federal law agencies occurred over what the government said was a default on grazing fees.
He is a hero to many for standing up to the government and news reports claimed he encouraged others to join him in defaulting on grazing their cattle. Bundy was arrested and incarcerated with no chance of bail. In December, a mistrial was declared in the case by U.S. District Court Judge Gloria Navarro and charges were dismissed less than a month later.
Bundy believes the issues go much deeper, particularly in how local, state and national agencies contract for land. Bundy says he didn’t sign any contracts that give enough impetus for men dressed in full SWAT attire and guns pointing straight on, to be on his property.
“They want to make sure the bureaucrats have unlimited power,” Cliven Bundy said.
He explained that the land in Nevada was first a territory and by virtue of that the federal government had certain controls over the land. However, when those territories became states, the federal government no longer had jurisdiction but it disposed of it and it becomes a state and local issue, Cliven Bundy asserted.
Many times in his speech, Cliven Bundy noted the loss of liberty, the lack of adherence to the founding documents of the country, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and how “we the people” need to stand up and be accounted for as citizens who would give their very lives for liberty, and freedom and other rights.
Looking at the empty seats and TV cameras in the Provo Council Chambers where the convention was held, he noted, “What an opportunity to talk to the world. Our children should fill these seats.”
Carol Bundy indicated they are the parents of 14 children and 70 grandchildren. If she can’t teach others, Carol Bundy said she is going to raise up a generation that will get things done.
She spoke of the love she and Cliven have for their ancestors. Both are descendants of some who came across on the Mayflower and fought in the American Revolution.
When it comes to the current government practices and overreach, Cliven Bundy said he and his family will stand for liberty and the Constitution.
“Today above all, we need to pray for our Constitution, for our country and liberty,” Bundy said. “Let’s do whatever it takes.”
Bundy spoke for more than an hour on the missteps of government on a matter of issues, but particularly when it comes to property rights and conditions and government overreach.
For a moment, the Bundys also talked about their friends Dwight L. Hammond, 76, and his son, Steven D. Hammond, 49, both ranchers who were serving mandatory, five-year sentences after being convicted by a jury for arson on public land. Their sentence led to armed protesters temporarily seizing a national wildlife refuge in Oregon in 2016.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump pardoned the two in the incident.
Cliven Bundy said he never knew the Hammonds before this incident but after a visit his son made to the Hammonds he knew he would give them his support.
“Somebody had to do something,” he said. “What are we going to do in a land that is messed up this bad?”
Carol Bundy added, “The Hammonds were another cowboy family feeling the overreach of the government. Their story is not over.”
According to Hill, the Independent American Party has approximately 30,000 signed members in Utah, many of which are openly still filing as Republican. The 15 principles and platform of the party are based on principles taught by LDS Church President Ezra Taft Benson on the proper role of government and from historic comments attributed to Joseph Smith Jr., including the actual name of the party.
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