We now know that the group is actually free to come and go as they please – and that law enforcement has taken a basically “hands-off” approach to the situation. But over the weekend – a group of at least six republican lawmakers met – one. Oregon state legislator and several other elected officials from the neighboring states of Washington and Idaho – met with the ranchers at the nature preserve. Another lawmaker from the Las Vegas area took part in the meeting via telephone. Zoë Carpenter, The Nation Magazine joins Thom.