I remember a common phrase when I was growing up: "Don't make a Federal case about it." Back then, a Federal crime was something serious, rare, and unusual. Most crime was (and still is) a local affair. Then things changed in the 80's and onward. Now double jeopardy is far too common, and trying to live your life without somehow stepping on the morass that is the US Code is difficult.
These folks meant to perform civil disobedience, to bring attention to their opinions, but to rot in jail for the rest of their lives (consider their age) is a travesty.
These folks meant to perform civil disobedience, to bring attention to their opinions, but to rot in jail for the rest of their lives (consider their age) is a travesty.