What to do if the police stop you; advice from a lawyer

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bartholomew Roberts:
For that matter, we need to stop treating the police as the adversary in RKBA causes in general.

Most of the cops I know are very supportive of the RKBA. Why go looking for enemies by using things like a pig icon or starting a conversation like that?
[/quote]

I disagree. When it comes to being unreasonably questioned, searched and/or arrested under unconstitutional laws, the police ARE our enemies. Anyone enforcing such laws is my enemy, no matter how he rationalizes his enforcement of them. If he truly believes in those laws, he is my enemy; if he doesn't believe in them, but enforces them anyhow, he's no better than those _other_ uniformed fellows in the 1940s who were "just following orders".

I have not seen a lot of conscientious objectors to the War on Drugs among the police--and thus have little or no confidence that they'll be any less eager to enforce unconstitutional laws against guns.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Any kind of civil disobedience reaction to gun laws is going to require participation and goodwill from law enforcement. We only hurt ourselves by such exclusionary tactics.[/quote]

Not if their "support" consists of lip service alone. Besides, even if LEO Fred is pro-2nd Amendment, unless I am personally well acquainted with Fred, I can't be expected to know that. Even if I do know that, I can't be sure that Fred's self-interest (keeping his job, getting promoted, staying out of trouble himself) won't override his principles when push comes to shove. If he enforces the bad laws, his bosses will approve. If he doesn't, he could be disciplined, fired, even arrested and tried and convicted.

With that kind of pressure on him, it is only prudent to act on the old military dictum that you don't plan for what you think the enemy (or the cops) will do, you plan for what they CAN do. And a cop--even good old Fred--can destroy my life if I don't assume the worst. Which means, avoid him whenever possible, refuse to answer questions of any kind, refuse to cooperate with him.

The whole point of a uniform is to show solidarity, to demonstrate that you are one of many with a common cause. If the people giving the men in the uniforms orders are my enemies, its perfectly reasonable to assume that everyone wearing that uniform is _also_ my enemy.
 
Ya know, it is just a piggy-bank icon, after all.

Damn good thing for the 1st amendment. I sure would hate to have my right to speak left up to the whims of some on this board.

Rick
 
AL: That's your choice and I disagree with it. I think I have outlined why I disagree with it; but if you have any questions, we can always discuss it via email.
 
I have no power to suppress NationalCCW's speech, nor would I ever be interested in doing so. This has nothing to do with the First Amendment. I know exactly what the Civil War was about, and I understand that many people honestly feel that the confederate flag should not be offensive. I know that there are LEO's out there that are not our friends-who will lock us up because they are just "doing their jobs". Heck, I live in CA.

The National CCW site is largely an excellent one. Those responsible for it have chosen to enter the political arena and in so doing may wish to play by the rules and win.

They certainly have my support.

Just please don't make the next poll something about Hitler, the Holocaust, or Bay Watch.



[This message has been edited by MountainGun44 (edited October 12, 2000).]
 
I think it is irresponsible for this lawyer to be giving advice like he did. Each sate has a twist to their laws. Has he studied each state's laws to form a legal basis for his advice? Is he licensed to practice law in each state? I would not personally take his advice as gospel. Research local, state and federal laws to know your rights. If you think an LEO is violating your rights do not get into a confrontation with them on the side of the road (this is stupid)document and sue them.
 
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