The government's cheerleaders can say what they wish about the excessive show of force to collect, per said cheerleaders, back rent, but I also think the militia made the difference here.
You guys are making a hero out of the wrong guy here.
This guy appears to be some sort of quasi anarchist who doesn't recognize or accept any law beyond his own wishes.
The land that he's had his cattle grazing on belonged to Mexico until 1848. Ownership of it was transferred to the United States at that time, a full 16 years before there even was a Nevada.
As per the 1864 Constitution of Nevada and every applicable court case since that time, the land remained the property of the United States, as it remains today the property of the United States.
Bundy refuses to recognize the validity of the United States government as well as the validity of his own State's Constitution. He's violated Court orders and has refused to pay grazing fees for 20 years.
Of all the entities that may own that land, he is the one who absolutely has zero claim to ownership of it, yet he insists that the land his his to use as he sees fit, at no cost to himself.
If you wish to uphold anarchy as patriotism that's your right, but remember that anarchy translates into tyranny by the strongest, which eventually leads to the loss of all liberty.
Beware what it is that you support.