I have to comment on Bill Inglesby’s letter (Jan. 24) that criticized Tribune columnist Robert Gehrke for characterizing Cliven Bundy as a cheat and a thief, which he truly is. Many of the taxpayers who also owe large sums in back taxes are also cheats and thieves. Some are not, as each case is unique.

Those who choose to negotiate their debts at least acknowledge the legitimacy of the debts and the entity to which they are owed. My understanding of the situation is that Bundy argues that the fees are not legal and therefore he does not acknowledge the legitimate ownership of the land by the federal government with the BLM acting as its legal custodian.

The federal government has owned that land since the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo at the end of the Mexican War.

Furthermore, after many years of nonpayment, the BLM, representing all U.S. citizens, was eminently entitled to all legal remedies to collect the debt. The BLM employee was doing his duty, and should not be characterized unfairly. LaVoy Finicum’s death is unfortunate, but it should not be attributed to the actions of this government employee.

Richard Sandberg, Ivins