@ehBeth,
I don't know much about the Hammonds and the details of their case. I didn't offer any opinions or statements about whether or not justice was served and I certainly don't know anywhere near enough to comment on the Hammonds as a family or as individuals.
I merely provided the WSJ editorial, but I will say it raises troubling issues.
I will say also that I have not often, if ever, found reason to believe the WSJ publishes blatant mistruths.
And further, I will say that I don't find it difficult in the least to believe that the BLM has been acting improperly as respects the Western lands.
There is a contingent within the government that believes that the feds should have control of as much land as possible to preserve it from capitalist exploitation. That some of the ranchers have a strong antipathy for a powerful, far-reaching federal government would, I believe, only make members of this contingent all the more willing and pleased to shaft them if they felt such was necessary for the good of the environment...and maybe even if it was totally immaterial to their policy goals.