Near the conclusion of the showdown at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge last week, as the final straggling rebels raised their hands in surrender, Cliven Bundy, the architect of false-government-defiance in the name of rancher’s rights, was arrested in Portland, Oregon, while trying to join his anti-gov. cowboy buddies.

Bundy, who had so far avoided being arrested for his armed standoff with the federal government in 2014, has now officially been indicted by a federal grand jury on 16 charges. Charges against Bundy, his two sons Ryan and Ammon, and two other rebels are as follows:

“conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, weapon use and possession, assault on a federal officer, threatening a federal law enforcement officer, obstruction, extortion to interfere with commerce, and interstate travel in aid of extortion.”

It’s about damned time. What did Bundy think was going to happen? He would be allowed to join the motley crew hanging out in Oregon with no incident, rallying the “militia” with his shining example of giving the Feds the middle finger?

“This indictment sends a resounding message to those who wish to participate in violent acts that our resolve to pursue them and enforce the law remains unwavering,” Said Nevada Special Agent Lara Bucheit. Though the real message is that you can participate in violent acts as long as you are a white redneck who has lots of guns, and as long as you don’t venture out alone and try to do it AGAIN. Cliven should have stayed in his Nevada ranch and the federal government would have no doubt allowed the geriatric “rebel” to continue to steal land and money from the federal government.

Bundy and the others are being held without bail in Oregon.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com