These have been cited as evidence of FBI tolerance and restraint in dealing with anti-government folks.

After the Ruby Ridge incident, the US government paid the participants some $3.5 million to settle claims.  The FBI acted illegally and wrong, though no one was fired or demoted for that particular event.

Much has been written re the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for that situation.  Although denied, with very fancy verbiage, they seem to be “See ‘em, shoot ‘em.”

Waco speaks for itself.  The FBI used an armored vehicle to inject flammable materials into the building which then burned and incinerated the occupants.  ’Nuff sed.   Facts.  Trying to say the folks happened to start the fire themselves coincidental with the tank and tear gas attack is worthy of those who deny AGW or that Bush and Cheney lied.

When push comes to shove the power base, the shadow government, the FBI, CIA, NSA and their allies will do what they want.  Opposition will be allowed and tolerated only as long as it is ineffectual.

The test or measure of whether these were sanctioned killings is to see if there was any serious disciplinary actions against the perps.  The answer is that there was none.  Zero.  Zip.  There is no genius in then concluding they were officially approved.