Nicky Cheese

Fifteen years ago yesterday–on April 19th, 1993–a 51-day standoff between the feds and the Branch Davidians ended in an appalling, totally-avoidable tragedy. The Waco Massacre, the fault of a stupid, brute-ridden federal government unable to respect both the 1st and 2nd Amendments, resulted in an incineration of 76 civilians, including 21 children.

Anthony Gregory at lewrockwell.com provides a commemoration:

Waco still matters. Not just because it has become the paradigmatic symbol for federal police power gone out of control. Not just because it starkly demonstrates the American government’s militarism unleashed against its own people. Not just because it showcases the propensity of politicians and law enforcers to deceitfully cover and obscure their wrongful actions. No, Waco’s still important mostly because it shows exactly what happens when people resist the unjust incursions of their own government, including under democracy.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the details of the original event, I highly recommend Waco: The Rules of Engagement. I saw it at my first IHS seminar in 2006.

Remembering how moving it was, I bought it from amazon last week in order to see it again. After I do that–since I live less than 200 miles away–I’m going to make the 3 hour trip and visit the historic site. Maybe even next weekend! I’m excited. Expect video and pictures.

Yes, eff the government.

Hmm, now that I think about it, “eff the government” is a pretty cool catchphrase…I’m thinking Bureaucrash should make a tee-shirt out of it.

H/T: TNCM