Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

THIS.

KIA: Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the hell does big government and gun control have to do with police abusing their powers?

I mean, I don't know of anybody that advocates big brother style government an a completely unarmed populace that would be coming in to these threads and thanking the cops for their hardwork.

But maybe you are reading a different website from the rest of us.

bulldg4life: KIA: Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the hell does big government and gun control have to do with police abusing their powers?

I mean, I don't know of anybody that advocates big brother style government an a completely unarmed populace that would be coming in to these threads and thanking the cops for their hardwork.

But maybe you are reading a different website from the rest of us.

Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

'Gun grabbers' typically are so in preparedness for defense AGAINST big government and police abuse ... jackass.

globalwarmingpraiser: Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

Yeah...duh?

So, what's the point of making some random ass statement about gun grabbers and big-government supporters? Are there people that are going to read this story and be thankful the cops did what they did? If so, I've never seen them post on Fark before.

chemical_angel: 'Gun grabbers' typically are so in preparedness for defense AGAINST big government and police abuse ... jackass.

bulldg4life: globalwarmingpraiser: Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

Yeah...duh?

So, what's the point of making some random ass statement about gun grabbers and big-government supporters? Are there people that are going to read this story and be thankful the cops did what they did? If so, I've never seen them post on Fark before.

I think you missed the point.

Wow, this thread is a trainwreck already and the liters haven't even shown up.

Apparently

globalwarmingpraiser: chemical_angel: 'Gun grabbers' typically are so in preparedness for defense AGAINST big government and police abuse ... jackass.

bulldg4life: globalwarmingpraiser: Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

Yeah...duh?

So, what's the point of making some random ass statement about gun grabbers and big-government supporters? Are there people that are going to read this story and be thankful the cops did what they did? If so, I've never seen them post on Fark before.

I think you missed the point.

Enlighten me? Trolling? Claiming to have a valid point but making it with flame bating references to specific people?

chemical_angel: globalwarmingpraiser: chemical_angel: 'Gun grabbers' typically are so in preparedness for defense AGAINST big government and police abuse ... jackass.

bulldg4life: globalwarmingpraiser: Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

Yeah...duh?

So, what's the point of making some random ass statement about gun grabbers and big-government supporters? Are there people that are going to read this story and be thankful the cops did what they did? If so, I've never seen them post on Fark before.

I think you missed the point.

Enlighten me? Trolling? Claiming to have a valid point but making it with flame bating references to specific people?

KIA were commenting on the fact that these type situations, highlight the need for individual firearms and legalization of at least some illicit drugs.

globalwarmingpraiser: KIA were commenting on the fact that these type situations, highlight the need for individual firearms and legalization of at least some illicit drugs.

I don't see why this situation highlight the need to legalize some illicit drugs. The simple fact that marijuana just isn't that dangerous (as compared to something like alcohol or tobacco) and that it can be regulated to the tune of tons of money highlight the need to legalize it.

As for the original statement, I'm not sure what the expected response would be. I mean, I don't advocate a giant monstrous government (but there are things I feel the government needs to do) and I also don't advocate a completely unarmed populace (but I feel there is a need for regulation)....but I don't know if I'd come in to this thread and thank the cops for a job well done.

It seems as though you two are expecting some pinko, leftist, big government, gun grabber fascist to come in and applaud the actions of the police force.

It just seems kinda odd since I don't know if I'd ever seen someone on Fark advocate stuff like that.

I guess there's a surplus of liters who spent their Government stimulus checks on TF accounts.

Cooper suspects they were using thermal imaging equipment to detect the grow lamps, a practice the Supreme Court has said is illegal.


This is a gross oversimplification of what the court said about infra red cameras. The court said they violate a legitimate societal expectation of privacy, which means you need a warrant to use them. And really, you don't even need a warrant to use them, just to use the evidence in court.

KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

No, i'm waiting for people to show up and start defending the actions of the police. i'm amazed and disgusted when I see it happen, but eventually someone will come along and try and defend this action.

bulldg4life: Are there people that are going to read this story and be thankful the cops did what they did?

Oh, I guarantee there will be. Just wait until this hits the main page. I'll also guarantee that these same people will mostly be those who self identify as "small" government "conservatives".

As long as it's anything that can be construed as sticking it to "potheads" or "hippies", they're OK with it. It's only when the cops raid the homes of rugged individualist gun owners who vote Republican do they get upset. Hippies? F*ck 'em?

That's what makes KIA's comment so insanely stupid or awesomely trollish, depending on his intent.

Obviously, I'm not impugning actual small government conservatives who believe in the government staying out of everyone's lives. Those folks I respect. But I've noticed that a sizeable minority of them really only seem to care about the gun issue. I've had numerous conversations with "small" government "conservatives" who completely support any kind of police misconduct as long as those actions are employed in locking up people they don't like.

My Mom works with a guy who you can't be around for more than 30 seconds without him launching into a diatribe about "big government" taking away his guns. This guy also believes that anyone caught selling drugs should be executed and that anyone caught in possession should be given 20 years. I've asked him before how he can keep both of these beliefs in his head simultaneously and he can't for the life of him understand why he's being hypocritical. And where I grew up, there's a hell of a lot of people just like him. They're just dittohead culture warriors. They don't give a shiat about "big government". If they read Reason Magazine they'd probably think it was some kind of elitist, commie bullsh*t.

FTFA:

Cooper chose the Odessa police department for baiting because he believes police there instructed an informant to plant marijuana on a woman named Yolanda Madden. She's currently serving an eight-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute. According to Cooper, the informant actually admitted in federal court that he planted the marijuana. Madden was convicted anyway.

HOORAY FOR THE DRUG WAR!

Weaver95: KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

No, i'm waiting for people to show up and start defending the actions of the police. i'm amazed and disgusted when I see it happen, but eventually someone will come along and try and defend this action.

I knew you would get it. Good to see you Weaver.

globalwarmingpraiser: Weaver95: KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

No, i'm waiting for people to show up and start defending the actions of the police. i'm amazed and disgusted when I see it happen, but eventually someone will come along and try and defend this action.

I knew you would get it. Good to see you Weaver.

I shouldn't HAVE to 'get it'. it is beyond obvious that the 'war on drugs' was lost a long, long time ago. we can discuss how to go about fixing it....but we can't even think about having that conversation because there are still a significant minority of people who think that the cops are doing the 'right thing' when it comes to stopping 'illegal drugs'.

we need to wake the hell up and really give this some serious thought. But we won't. Because Oprah is on.

globalwarmingpraiser: KIA were commenting on the fact that these type situations, highlight the need for individual firearms and legalization of at least some illicit drugs wanted to make this thread about his favorite issue.

FTFY.

Saborlas: globalwarmingpraiser: KIA were commenting on the fact that these type situations, highlight the need for individual firearms and legalization of at least some illicit drugs wanted to make this thread about his favorite issue.

FTFY.

Why is it so hard to believe that the second amendment and the War on Drugs threads go back to on idea? Freedom.

Weaver95: we can discuss how to go about fixing it....but we can't even think about having that conversation because there are still a significant minority of people who think that the cops are doing the 'right thing' when it comes to stopping 'illegal drugs'.

Which issues do we get to have grown up conversations about? Because I can think of a few.

ne2d: Wow, this thread is a trainwreck already and the liters haven't even shown up.

bulldg4life: Weaver95: we can discuss how to go about fixing it....but we can't even think about having that conversation because there are still a significant minority of people who think that the cops are doing the 'right thing' when it comes to stopping 'illegal drugs'.

Which issues do we get to have grown up conversations about? Because I can think of a few.

got me dude. I think the final nail in our coffin was when Bush nationalized the housing industry. up until that point, we had a chance at recovery.

globalwarmingpraiser: Why is it so hard to believe that the second amendment and the War on Drugs threads go back to on idea? Freedom.

It's not so hard to believe.

My problem is that so many so-called "conservatives" have single-issue blinders on when it comes to sh*t like this. Not saying you do, but some do.

Weaver95: bulldg4life: Weaver95: we can discuss how to go about fixing it....but we can't even think about having that conversation because there are still a significant minority of people who think that the cops are doing the 'right thing' when it comes to stopping 'illegal drugs'.

Which issues do we get to have grown up conversations about? Because I can think of a few.

got me dude. I think the final nail in our coffin was when Bush nationalized the housing industry. up until that point, we had a chance at recovery.

I think we still have a chance.

It's a wonder the cops didn't arrest everyone in sight using the same kind of thinking that makes them arrest someone that's videotaping an arrest or whatever.

I wonder if it's a crime to taunt the cops? "I might be doing something illegal in here...."

I've never smoked a joint or taken a bong hit or used pot in any form in my entire life and I still support total decriminalization and taxation up the wazoo on it. But as long as the cops can profit (seizures, etc.) from the War on Drugs, that ain't gonna happen.

FTFA: Odessa, Texas

Well, there's the problem right there: stay out of Texas.

/In Oregon, you're practically required to grow pot

sigdiamond2000: globalwarmingpraiser: Why is it so hard to believe that the second amendment and the War on Drugs threads go back to on idea? Freedom.

It's not so hard to believe.

My problem is that so many so-called "conservatives" have single-issue blinders on when it comes to sh*t like this. Not saying you do, but some do.

I also believe Gay Marraige is ok, can you acknowledge that I am a Libertarian now? Actual Party Member.

You know, one thing we haven't touched on yet: What do you think the cops will say is the street value of these two Christmas trees they seized. I'm going to guess somewhere around $10,000,000.

globalwarmingpraiser: I also believe Gay Marraige is ok, can you acknowledge that I am a Libertarian now? Actual Party Member.

Fair enough. You're not the kind of person I'm describing then. More power to you.

sigdiamond2000: You know, one thing we haven't touched on yet: What do you think the cops will say is the street value of these two Christmas trees they seized. I'm going to guess somewhere around $10,000,000.

FArkied as street appraiser.

sigdiamond2000: You know, one thing we haven't touched on yet: What do you think the cops will say is the street value of these two Christmas trees they seized. I'm going to guess somewhere around $10,000,000.

Yeah, I always loved those imaginary cop drug numbers.

Radley's the man.

Do you know what the cops are going to go after the hardest?
Not drugs.
Not weapons.
Cameras.

Sir Cumference the Flatulent: Do you know what the cops are going to go after the hardest?
Not drugs.
Not weapons.
Cameras.

You're absolutely right, but good luck on that. I've got an app on my cellphone that streams video directly to the Internet. Cops can take the camera, but they can't delete the footage. Cameras are already so small they can be easily hidden. Before too long, average citizens will be able to record and upload everything they see, and there's not a hell of a lot the cops can do about it.

benlonghair: Radley's the man.

Yep. I don't agree with him all the time, but he's whip smart and actually believes what he claims to believe. That's a rare combination in a political writer these days.

t3knomanser: You're absolutely right, but good luck on that. I've got an app on my cellphone that streams video directly to the Internet. Cops can take the camera, but they can't delete the footage. Cameras are already so small they can be easily hidden. Before too long, average citizens will be able to record and upload everything they see, and there's not a hell of a lot the cops can do about it.

They'll use some anti-terrorist provision and make it a big-ticket felony.

This is entirely unsurprising. The 'war' on drugs is a pretence for the aggressive and often violent pursuit of money for cops, judges, lawyers, private prisons, government agencies, politicians, pharmaceutical companies, and many many others. It is not about public safety, there is little conscience to it, and it defies any other logic. Overzealous cops continue to commit illegal raids, and they themselves often end up murdering innocents in the name of this unconscionable war on American citizens.

Witness the Cato Institute's interactive map of botched paramilitary raids^{^} - resulting in the death of innocent bystanders, police, non-violent offenders.



Just some selections:

--------------------------------------------------------------

On September 29, 1999, a Denver SWAT team executes a no-knock drug raid, killing Ismael Mena, a Mexican immigrant and father of seven. The police later discover they've raided the wrong home, based on bad information from an informant. They find no drugs in Mena's house, nor are any later found in his system.

--------------------------------------------------------------

In March 1989, police in Gardena, California conduct a no-knock raid on the home of Lorine Harris. Police officer Davie Mathieson, apparently startled by the flashbang grenade deployed by his fellow officers, accidentally fires his gun, striking and killing Harris's 20-year old son, Dexter Herbert. Herbert is unarmed.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Rev. Accelyne Williams, a 75-year-old retired minister, died of a heart attack after 13 members of a heavily-armed Boston SWAT team storm the wrong apartment in body armor and black masks. Three of the officers involved had been accused in a 1989 civil rights suit of using nonexistent informants to secure drug warrants which resulted in a $50,000 settlement from the city of Boston. One witness testified that an officer apologized after realizing the mistake, telling its occupants, "this happens all the time.

--------------------------------------------------------------

On March 26, 1987, police in Jeffersontown, Kentucky raid the home of Jeffrey Miles, 24 on an informant's tip. During the raid, Officer John Rucker shoots Miles, and kills him. Police would later discover that Miles wasn't a suspect. The raid had been targeted at the wrong home.

--------------------------------------------------------------

How can we as a nation possible continue to see this as acceptable? This is not just about 'catching druggies' - this 'war' will very possible result in the death of you, your wife, your child, your parents, or your neighbours, mistaken for a 'druggie' by corrupt or incompetent police.

Everyone of any conscience should be lobbying for the decriminalisation and legalisation of personal-use drugs, making it clear to lawmakers at all levels that current public policy on drugs, especially these paramilitary raids, is not acceptable.

Sir Cumference the Flatulent: They'll use some anti-terrorist provision and make it a big-ticket felony.

They'll have a difficult time doing that and making security and news cameras remain legal. It could be done, but it's a massive uphill battle. For the near future, it's easier and more practical for the cops to "accidentally" break or lose your cameras after they confiscate it.

Where's the busting? There was supposed to be busting.

I want to see doors knocked in and lawyers tasered.

Sir Cumference the Flatulent: t3knomanser: You're absolutely right, but good luck on that. I've got an app on my cellphone that streams video directly to the Internet. Cops can take the camera, but they can't delete the footage. Cameras are already so small they can be easily hidden. Before too long, average citizens will be able to record and upload everything they see, and there's not a hell of a lot the cops can do about it.

They'll use some anti-terrorist provision and make it a big-ticket felony.

Which won't stop it, or even slow it down...but it WILL get a lot of people tossed into jail.

Which is rather similiar to the war on drugs as it stands right now. funny how that works out, isn't it?

And-1: Witness the Cato Institute's interactive map of botched paramilitary raids^ - resulting in the death of innocent bystanders, police, non-violent offenders.

So you're telling me to grow my drugs in N. Dakota?

This kind of shiat happens with depressing regularity. And it's not just the needless violent home invasions- innocent people (and sometimes not-so-innocent cops) get killed, too.

From that article:

In January 2007, a SWAT team in Lima, Ohio, shot and killed Tarika Wilson, a 26-year-old mother, during a drug raid at the home of her boyfriend, Anthony Terry. When the unarmed Wilson was shot, she was kneeling on the ground, complying with police orders. She was holding her 1-year-old son, Sincere, who was also shot, losing his left hand. A subsequent investigation revealed that Officer Joseph Chavalia heard another officer shooting Terry's two dogs, mistook the noise for hostile gunfire, panicked, and fired blindly into the room where Wilson was kneeling. Chavalia was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but acquitted.


Radley Balko (wrote both TFA and this piece) does excellent work on the subject of the prevalence of corruption and abuses in the criminal justice/law enforcement system, particularly the overuse of paramilitary home invasions.

/subby

t3knomanser: Sir Cumference the Flatulent: They'll use some anti-terrorist provision and make it a big-ticket felony.

They'll have a difficult time doing that and making security and news cameras remain legal. It could be done, but it's a massive uphill battle. For the near future, it's easier and more practical for the cops to "accidentally" break or lose your cameras after they confiscate it.

You are making a lot of assumptions about formalities. Take a picture, disappear makes a stronger statement; gets the point across to the masses.

KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the fark does this have to do with anything?

This is another reason why I want Andrew Napolitano on the Supreme Court.

Sym_pathetic: So you're telling me to grow my drugs in N. Dakota?

LOL, excellent. Yes, it appears that is what I am saying. :)

bulldg4life: KIA: Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the hell does big government and gun control have to do with police abusing their powers?

The SWAT teams don't fund themselves, and then they have to think up bullshiat reasons to use them to keep your tax money flowing in their direction, bub.

globalwarmingpraiser: bulldg4life: KIA: Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the hell does big government and gun control have to do with police abusing their powers?

I mean, I don't know of anybody that advocates big brother style government an a completely unarmed populace that would be coming in to these threads and thanking the cops for their hardwork.

But maybe you are reading a different website from the rest of us.

Go read the SWAT team thread below. Without guns there is NO defense against police abuses.

You mean "please stop beating me" doesn't work?

DamnYankees: KIA: Nicely done. Can't wait to hear what all of the big-government supporters and gun grabbers on Fark have to say about the police abusing their powers.

What the fark does this have to do with anything?

See my post on freedom DY.