Letter Writer Describes in Detail His Impression-Both Good and Bad–of Encounters With Law Enforcement Following Burning of Trailer Hauling Guns

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Smoke boiling from the vehicle.

Smoke boiling from the vehicle. [Photo from Jason Daniels]

First our trailer burned; then we were victimizedFor those of you who are unaware, there was a trailer fire on the southbound 101 near Salmon Creek on Sunday the 13th. I was the passenger.For the full story, here’s the link: Be sure to check out my commentary to get the unabridged, factual version.In the commentary there was some … unkindness, as there typically is when anonymous keyboard warriors base their vitriol on ignorance and bias; you can see my rebuttals therein.

To those of you who defended us and rationally stated that one should withhold judgement until all the facts come to light: I thank you for your compassion and understanding; this has been a trying week for both of us, and your kindness was invaluable.

To you trolls … well, I don’t need to address you further.

While I’m on the subject if thank yous, it goes without saying (but I’ll say it again anyway), that we are eternally grateful to Captain Aaron Merriman and the women and men of the Myers Flat VFD for their valiant and selfless heroism in the face of extreme personal peril. I’m sure I speak for everyone in the county when I say: thank you for saving the day.

Next, I’d like to give a shout out to the rank and file officers of the Redway division of the California Highway Patrol. Your professionalism, courtesy, and empathy to a pair of woebegone citizens in their hour of darkness is something we will likely never be able to repay.

To those community members (whose names I never got) who stopped to assist in the hour of need: thank you for being there for us (and the community) when no else could be.

And finally, a well deserved thank you to Kym Kemp, the red-headed blackbelt herself, for her tireless diligence in maintaining this forum for community discourse and her never ending pursuit of the honest facts.

Now that that’s out if the way, I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss what I consider a pressing matter for society in general, as demonstrated by the aftermath of this incident in particular.

Originally, the account detailed below of the aftermath of the fire appeared in the comment section of the story. I asked Kym to delete it on account of the inflammatory and inappropriate manner in which I conveyed myself.

While I stand by everything I said, I do regret the manner in which some of it was said. It was late, and I was exhausted and upset (I’m still upset).

Below is the true story, from my point of view, of the aftermath of this horrific incident. It remains basically unchanged from my initial statement, but some of the language has been “softened”, as appropriate.

The Aftermath

Over the course of the crisis, multiple CHP arrived. There was seven or eight of them on scene. They had coned off the area and were performing traffic control.  They kept the gawkers at bay and generally performed their duties professionally and respectfully. But the situation was chaotic; no one was really in charge.

Once the fire was out, VFD continued pouring water into the wreckage. This was the right move, of course, to prevent a recurring flare up. Naturally, my friend and I wanted to begin sifting through the rubble to search for surviving valuables and assess the damage.

Capt Merriman wouldn’t allow it, citing safety issues. We had only been able to pull partially off the highway (inadequate shoulder), so we were still partially in the number two lane. Additionally, the burned out hulk was still smoldering, and the AC unit was still attached to the compromised roof, despite FDs efforts to pull it down.

We weren’t happy with being denied access, but we deferred to his judgement. Not that we really had a choice in the matter, as the LEOs on scene would undoubtably have backed him up. I suppose we could have chose to act the fool, challenged him, even physically, and gotten ourselves arrested and possibly brutalized, but then, we’re not fools.

Multiple first responders (from both the FD and HP) commended us on our handling of the situation. In particular, they credited us with not panicking and either a) pulling over prematurely and setting the south county on fire, or b) stopping in the middle of the freeway and begging for some inattentive a-hole to slam into the rear end of a flaming wreck at 70 mph.

I’m not trying to imply that we did anything heroic. In fact, we were protecting ourselves as much as we were protecting the community. Had we set Myers Flat on fire, it’s very likely I would not be here telling you this story right now. Causing a major traffic accident was an equally terrible option. We’re not heroes, and I’m not fishing for compliments.

But I do feel the need to point out that, while we were scared (no shame in admitting that), we didn’t panic. We kept our cool and did the right thing.

This is the the part where some people might say “we just did what anybody would have done”, but the sad fact is that there are plenty of dumbasses out there that would have SET THE COUNTY ON FIRE. Just sayin’.

So there we were, anxious about the fact that several LEOs were here on site with us with full knowledge that our trailer was stocked with firearms and ammunition. We’re responsible firearms owners, but anybody who knows anything about California gun laws know just how cumbersome, ridiculous, unjust, and in some cases, downright unconstitutional they are.

A few of our (lawfully possessed and stored) firearms had been exposed by the fire. A few hundred rounds of ammo had cooked off. We had (responsibly and morally) informed the relevant parties about these facts. But now we were as nervous as canaries in a coal mine.

Fortunately, the officers on scene did not seem interested in putting the thumbscrews to us. They were generally sympathetic to our plight and seemed satisfied with the answers we gave to their questions about why we had an “arsenal” (as some of you might put it). My friend (who also works in private security) showed his guard card and CCW permit.

They said that once Capt Merriman had secured the scene and we were able to get the burned out hulk completely off the road, we could sift the rubble, collect the salvageables, and be on our way, so long as we pledged to promptly return and deal with the smoldering wreckage of my friend’s shattered life. They were generally professional and empathetic; I felt downright protected and served.

Mind you, I’m no copsucker or copalogist.

Amber Guyger, Muhammad Moor, and Roy Oliver should have gotten decades more than they were sentenced to. Derek Chauvin deserves to dangle. Justice for Breanna Taylor! And Atatiana Jefferson! And Aiyana Stanley-Jones. And Douglas Zerby!  And Jeremy Mardis! And John Crawford! And on. And on AND ON! SAY THEIR NAMES!!!

But this warm and fuzzy feeling these CHiPs were inspiring was an entirely new experience to me. I generally don’t feel safe around LEOs, whom I basically consider foot soldiers (they’re literally called “enforcers”) for the biggest, baddest street gang in America. Never in my nearly five decades on this planet had I felt this way about a police encounter.

That all changed when the sergeant showed up.

I’m not gonna name names, and while I’m not sure I can call him unprofessional, whatever the extreme opposite of empathetic is, that’s what this guy was. I’ll simply say he was unkind. My friend has used other words to describe him.

Right away he ordered us frisked. Neither of us had baggy clothes or even jackets. We had t-shirts. Based on this guy’s initial behavior; I think he would have liked to see us stripped to our underwear and microscopes shoved up our asses. The guy was … a jerk, to put it mildly.

Based on a bogus (and likely illegal, according to our attorneys) claim of public safety, he ordered his officers to conduct an unconstitutional search of our trailer, which is legally a domicile. The officers were obviously reluctant, but they followed orders.

They laid out our guns (at least they used a blanket) on the ground. This spot of ground, however, happened to be the spot where we needed to move the trailer to get it off the damn road so it wouldn’t be a hazard.

Because they had to run each and every firearm, and Sergeant Slaughter wouldn’t allow them to be touched (incidentally, they failed to properly clear four weapons. Four. ) this resulted in a delay of several hours.

There was a burned out hulk partially blocking a highway. It was a significant road hazard. For hours. Completely unnecessary. Hours!  I’m being dramatic? Perhaps. But I’m not making this crap up.

Even after the (illegal) search was complete and long after the VFD had departed, we were not allowed to enter. Furthermore, at the beginning of the search, my friend was on the phone with attorneys, Sarge was attempting to violate our rights. He insisted on talking, being way over agressive (“you will talk to me, right now!”)

He tried intimidation, a primary tool of LEOs. Pro tip: the 5th amendment (along with all the rest) is ALWAYS in effect. Just because some armed enforcer of the state is wearing a uniform, a shiny piece of metal on his breast, and a sidearm doesn’t compel you to answer his questions.  He may decide to murder you, like a common gun thug, and maybe you should answer his questions. But still…

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

My friend knows his rights. And while he typically keeps his cool in nearly all situations, he actually raised his voice. He had already politely asked to have a moment. And pointed out that his life was shattered. But Blue wouldn’t back off. I wish I could say it was unbelievable, but who here hasn’t experienced this?

After forcing Mr Big Wig to BTFO, he actually cried. I’ve known this man for a dozen years. I’ve never seen him cry. Not even when his mother died (it was a long illness, not unexpected. The man is not heartless). He actually shed tears. “I can’t believe I yelled at a cop. I’m going to lose my (guard) license and (instructor) accreditation. “

The other officer saw what was going on. They saw that we were forthcoming. And honest. And helpful. And we were treated like criminals. It was garbage.

The lawyers said don’t talk to them. The lawyers said don’t resist, but don’t consent. The lawyers said we would beat them in court.  We probably should have listened to the lawyers.

We didn’t consent. Blue tried to get my friend to sign a document saying we allowed him to enter. He pressured. He threatened. He probably lied. I personally wasn’t privy to that part of it; but I know it goes. We all know how it goes. My friend protected himself. They had nothing; we’re not criminals.

I suppose we’re lucky Blue didn’t decide to get physical. We, of course, did nothing to warrant this, but they’ve shot sleeping children before, so why not us? Why not you? Just ask the grandmother of Aiyana Jones.  Say their names….

She was sleeping. They were scared. Say their names.

By the end of the encounter, the sergeant had lightened up a bit. Is that white privilege? I don’t know. But black lives matter. I do know that.

I think the other officers spoke to him. I think they helped him see we weren’t gun running scum bags. I didn’t actually see it. I didn’t actually hear it. And while the sarge never actually apologized or admitted any fault, he did say, “I’m sorry for your loss. “

For the record, again, not naming names, as I don’t wanna throw anyone under the bus, more than one of the officers actually apologized for the conduct of the sergeant. “That’s often how it goes; we (rank and file officers) don’t really care when we can see that someone is not a criminal, but when the stripes (supervisors) show up …” That’s pretty much a direct quote.

That didn’t stop them from seizing about a third of our guns tho. Yeah they got one if mine also. Said they didn’t come back as registered to us. Since there was no proof they were our property, they had to confiscate.

“All we had to do” was get our papers to prove they were ours and we could get them back. (Show me your papers). So we got our papers together, called them up. We were ready to show them our papers.

“The evidence guy is on vacation”. “I’m not sure of the procedure”. “They haven’t been logged in yet”.

“But we have our paperwork, if they haven’t been logged in yet, can’t we just show our papers, and leave with our property”.

“Oh no, there’s a process”.  Yeah, there’s always a process. God only knows how long it will take to get some of our property back. Dime to a dollar says that we’ll NEVER get it all back.  Cumbersome, ridiculous, unjust, unconstitutional

Are you aware that civil forfeiture laws in this country allow cops to take your money if you can’t prove it yours? At any time, with no charge. They just have to allege that you got the money illicitly and then the burden of proof is in you to show that it is your money.

And they can take your real estate too. For the “public good.” “We need to build a runway (or maybe a wall). Here’s you $18.99, we’ll take this acreage; hit the road jack.” Cumbersome, ridiculous, unjust, unconstitutional.

If you support them when they take my guns, what will you do when they come for your property?

Where does it end?

If you support them when they take me away, or kill me, when I resist, what will you do when they come for your daughters and sons?

Cumbersome, ridiculous, unjust, unconstitutional.

If you ignore your rights, they will go away.

I’m sorry for your loss

Donovan Nin

Westhaven, CA

Burned trailer

Burned trailer

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97 Comments
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mike
Guest
mike
3 years ago

Get your head out of your ass. Talked to someone the other day that saw you driving down the freeway with your wheel on fire

Grrrr
Guest
Grrrr
3 years ago
Reply to  mike

Yeah, “someone said”. The most reliable source of information on the planet. [edit] Bagging on people recently traumatized is SO cool.

b.
Guest
b.
3 years ago
Reply to  mike

Read the story and pay attention to the details. Yes they drove to where it was safe to pull over! Fortunately nobody lisstens to you, mike.
From Ullr Rover:
Read below. On the way to a shooting class.

https://kymkemp.com/2020/09/13/trailer-on-fire-near-salmon-creek-exit-in-sohum/#comment-1175442

Frank Lee
Guest
Frank Lee
3 years ago
Reply to  mike

Pass out asshats to all of ’em.

Coletta Hughes
Guest
Coletta Hughes
3 years ago

Damn, what a f*cked up story. The sheeple are cowards who sell their freedom for false security. And that’s why the thugs that wear a badge can kill the innocent and get paid time off.

A Well Regulated Militia has a specific definition
Guest
A Well Regulated Militia has a specific definition
3 years ago

I am not sure what to make of this. Maybe an attorney can figure it out.

The Second Amendment is often misunderstood. Thus: “The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people {meaning as in today’s circumstance the National Guard} to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Such language has created considerable debate regarding the Amendment’s intended scope. On the one hand, some believe that the Amendment’s phrase “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms” creates an individual constitutional right for citizens of the United States. Under this “individual right theory,” the United States Constitution restricts legislative bodies from prohibiting firearm possession, or at the very least, the Amendment renders prohibitory and restrictive regulation presumptively unconstitutional. On the other hand, some scholars point to the prefatory language “a well regulated Militia” to argue that the Framers intended only to restrict Congress from legislating away a state’s right to self-defense. Scholars have come to call this theory “the collective rights theory.” A collective rights theory of the Second Amendment asserts that citizens do not have an individual right to possess guns and that local, state, and federal legislative bodies therefore possess the authority to regulate firearms without implicating a constitutional right.

In 1939 the U.S. Supreme Court considered the matter in United States v. Miller. 307 U.S. 174. The Court adopted a collective rights approach in this case, determining that Congress could regulate a sawed-off shotgun that had moved in interstate commerce under the National Firearms Act of 1934 because the evidence did not suggest that the shotgun “has some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia . . . .” The Court then explained that the Framers included the Second Amendment to ensure the effectiveness of the military.

This precedent stood for nearly 70 years when in 2008 the U.S. Supreme Court revisited the issue in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller (07-290). The plaintiff in Heller challenged the constitutionality of the Washington D.C. handgun ban, a statute that had stood for 32 years. Many considered the statute the most stringent in the nation. In a 5-4 decision, the Court, meticulously detailing the history and tradition of the Second Amendment at the time of the Constitutional Convention, proclaimed that the Second Amendment established an individual right for U.S. citizens to possess firearms and struck down the D.C. handgun ban as violative of that right. The majority carved out Miller as an exception to the general rule that Americans may possess firearms, claiming that law-abiding citizens cannot use sawed-off shotguns for any law-abiding purpose. Similarly, the Court in its dicta found regulations of similar weaponry that cannot be used for law-abiding purposes as laws that would not implicate the Second Amendment. Further, the Court suggested that the United States Constitution would not disallow regulations prohibiting criminals and the mentally ill from firearm possession.

Thus, the Supreme Court has revitalized the Second Amendment. The Court continued to strengthen the Second Amendment through the 2010 decision in McDonald v. City of Chicago (08-1521). The plaintiff in McDonald challenged the constitutionally of the Chicago handgun ban, which prohibited handgun possession by almost all private citizens. In a 5-4 decisions, the Court, citing the intentions of the framers and ratifiers of the Fourteenth Amendment, {After the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court favored a process called “selective incorporation.” Under selective incorporation, the Supreme Court would incorporate certain parts of certain amendments, rather than incorporating an entire amendment at once. }held that the Second Amendment applies to the states through the incorporation doctrine. { incorporation doctrine is a constitutional doctrine through which the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution (known as the Bill of Rights) are made applicable to the states through the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.} However, the Court did not have a majority on which clause of the Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the fundamental right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense. While Justice Alito and his supporters looked to the Due Process Clause, Justice Thomas in his concurrence stated that the Privileges and Immunities Clause should justify incorporation.

However, several questions still remain unanswered, such as whether regulations less stringent than the D.C. statute implicate the Second Amendment, whether lower courts will apply their dicta regarding permissible restrictions, and what level of scrutiny the courts should apply when analyzing a statute that infringes on the Second Amendment. As a general note, when analyzing statutes and ordinances, courts use three levels of scrutiny, depending on the issue at hand:

strict scrutiny
intermediate scrutiny
rational basis

Recent lower-court case law since Heller suggests that courts are willing to uphold regulations which ban weapons on government property. US v Dorosan, 350 Fed. Appx. 874 (5th Cir. 2009) (upholding defendant’s conviction for bringing a handgun onto post office property); regulations which ban the illegal possession of a handgun as a juvenile, convicted felon. US v Rene, 583 F.3d 8 (1st Cir. 2009) (holding that the Juvenile Delinquency Act ban of juvenile possession of handguns did not violate the Second Amendment); regulations which require a permit to carry concealed weapon. Kachalsky v County of Westchester, 701 F.3d 81 (2nd Cir. 2012) (holding that a New York law preventing individuals from obtaining a license to possess a concealed firearm in public for general purposes unless the individual showed proper cause did not violate the Second Amendment.) More recently, the Supreme Court reinforced its Heller ruling in its Caetano v. Massachusetts (2016) decision. The Court found that the lower “Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was wrong in the three reasons it offered for why the state could ban personal possession or use of a “stun gun” without violating the Second Amendment.” The Supreme Court, however, remanded the case without further instructions, so this per curiam, {An opinion from an appellate court that does not identify any specific judge who may have written the opinion ruling did not do much to further clarify the Supreme Court’s stance on the Second Amendment.} “by the court.”

Juanita
Guest
Juanita
3 years ago

That is sure a lot of words. Bottom line, these folks were legally transporting legal guns that they legally possessed. They had an accident. The accident in no way affected their rights or the legality of their actions. Citizens are supposed to be treated with respect by law enforcement, whose salaries we pay. We are the ones they have sworn to serve and protect, aren’t we?

14th amendment
Guest
14th amendment
3 years ago

The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution officially ended slavery in America. It was ratified on December 3, 1865. The 14th Amendment, ratified on July 28, 1868, granted full citizenship to the formerly enslaved people, something southern governments had been holding out on since the end of the Civil War. The 15th Amendment, the final of the Reconstruction amendments to the Constitution, granted African American males the right to vote { All women’s vote came much later} and was ratified on March 30, 1870.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago

“I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers.”
– George Mason, Address to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 4, 1788

“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country.”
– James Madison, I Annals of Congress 434, June 8, 1789

“…the ultimate authority, wherever the derivative may be found, resides in the people alone…”
– James Madison, Federalist No. 46, January 29, 1788

“Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.”
– William Pitt (the Younger), Speech in the House of Commons, November 18, 1783

“A militia when properly formed are in fact the people themselves…and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms… “To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.”
– Richard Henry Lee, Federal Farmer No. 18, January 25, 1788

“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined…. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.”
– Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 5, 1778

Weapons 4 Lyfe
Guest
Weapons 4 Lyfe
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

On one hand, they were transporting explosives in an unsafe manner and almost caused a new branch of the August Complex.

On the other hand, I fetishize and worship murder weapons, so I also view these guys as Jesus Christ Murder Messiahs.

What a confusing issue!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago
Reply to  Weapons 4 Lyfe

Guns are more than 99% peaceful… quite a bit more peaceful than the protests.

Willow Creeker
Guest
Willow Creeker
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

All your quotes are from the 1700’s. I agree those fellows were great thinkers but I think the point of gun control is that those arguments are outdated and the realities on the ground nowadays are very different. I don’t think the framers of our constitution could have envisioned the position we are in today, but in fact they did leave the option open for amendments, which is what we need for the second amendment.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Willow Creeker

When discussing the definition of the word “militia” in regard to the bill of right (which includes 2A, we are talking about what the Framers intended.

The right if the people (the militia) to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against governmental overreach (tyranny) shall NEVER be outdated.

Mayflower family .George Sole.
Guest
Mayflower family .George Sole.
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

Yeah…. the primary reason the base of 2nd amd became worthless…. drum roll please!!!!….NUKES were invented. Do you have a nuke? Because back when the 2nd was written in 1789 they were using muskets!! Fkn muskets. Now if the gvt still had muskets the 2nd would be valid. You are not going to over throw anything Or deter any 1st world gvt anymore unless you have a nuke. Beside now that Big Barr thinks he’s large and in charge you’re gonna get locked up for sedition just for exercising your other right……the 5th amendment. The right to protest. Which includes the right to protest your government. Good trouble.
Good night flakes of ash can’t wait for the “cold rain and snow”🎤 drop…..

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago

5th Amendment
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

???”…you’re gonna get locked up for sedition just for exercising your other right……the 5th amendment. The right to protest.”???

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
3 years ago

Yeah cause the powers that be will nuke their own country and render it useless to themselves and everyone else. Try again.

The Big Liebowski
Guest
The Big Liebowski
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

Like our last names!

Thank you, Donovan, for telling your story and educating the newcomers to civil liberties.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago
Reply to  Willow Creeker

Not gonna happen.

The quotes are a response to the intended definition of the word ‘militia.’ The framers are crystal clear on their intent.

b.
Guest
b.
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

The framers intent was that ALL weapons of war were to be in the hands of the people, not just hand arms. The word “arms” had the same meaning then that it does now in the phrase “arms dealer.” It is not limited to personal fire arms.

A friend today argued that the National Guard is the equivalent of “A well regulated militia.” The words “well regulated” do not point to a nationally controlled, state contingent of the national army. The militias at Lexington and Concord had cannons and were strictly a local defense force. They were not controlled by the state nor were they commissioned by the state. They were well armed enough to contribute to the defeat of the British regular army at Bunker Hill. However they were also not marauders and vigilantes.

If we reinterpret the word “arms” to mean “guns” we may also need to reinterpret other parts of the 2nd amendment. Or we can pretend to be consistent when we are fudging some things and not others.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago
Reply to  b.

An Amendment to the 2nd amendment:

No public official, law enforcement or military personnel shall use and/or possess arms that are illegal or unlawful for the People to use and/or possess.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

What he said.

Local farmer
Guest
Local farmer
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

Thank you Ullr! You’re always very apt and informed on issues around our rights. Usually come with the facts and a cool head and bring clarity to the issue with quotes and links. Appreciate!

Humboldt Girl
Guest
Humboldt Girl
3 years ago

Too much to read oh my good gawd. Few words are more memorable than an entire article on one subject, mainly that of your own opinions. Ugh. (Sorry I’m not trying to be mean, just honest)

reality
Guest
reality
3 years ago

you cite it, but then inject your words in it, and act like that is now law.

Fact

back about 40 years ago Congress passed a law that for some people takes their 2cnd despite they have never:
Been in front of a Judge, ever
Been in front of any sort of “mental health” person
Never been investigated or charged with a crime

yet its never been invalidated by the courts. Its still on the books.

The “national guard” is the Government. The people make up the Government, but, the Government is NOT the people. Thinking they thought the Government should be armed but not the citizens themselves is idiotic.

Let your government take your freedoms.

Truth is, liberals wanted the weapons away from the black person. Us “priviledged” country “deplorables” mostly still have ours. Maybe if the black person had been able to still have legal firearms (and they stopped murdering each other) then cops would be more “civil” when approaching them?

Ouch, now isn’t that some concept?

But, your side disarmed them, criminalized them (1994 crime bill a perfect example), and used them for near slave labor in jobs you didn’t want to do. You kept them out of Government jobs. Isn’t it odd that Trump put out a EO that said he wanted Government employees hired based off merit and not a degree? Ouch.

did that hurt?

One of my old neighbors got drunk one day, a very liberal “educated” lady who had worked as a nurse. She started blurting off “I saw all those black kids being abused and thought it would be better if they died in the womb than live the life they would have lived outside it”.

Keep selling that the person who wants all of us to have a equal shot (based off merit) is “racist”. That he’s racist cause he thinks “all babies lives matter”. Its no coincidence that the founder of “planned parenthood” stated she wanted it so their would be fewer black babies and now we have about 50,000,000 less black people in our country due to those murders you call rights.

Seamus
Guest
Seamus
3 years ago

Where exactly was this gun training/seminar/class you were heading to? Who was putting it on? When was it held?

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
3 years ago
Reply to  Seamus

Pretty sure it was up north in Oregon.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
3 years ago

Lakeview Oregon probably.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Seamus

Not that it’s relevant, but the courses I attend semi regularly (2-3 times a year) are at a reputable, professional academy in another state, as referenced in my original comment.

I’ve been asked not to name the school specifically, so I won’t. But classes there are on an ongoing basis. Multiple LEOs from Humboldt county attend classes there.

There are courses happening there every week. Including as we speak right now.

Seamus
Guest
Seamus
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

Why on earth would you not name the school, I would love to attend. Who keeps a business a secret. How do we know you weren’t transporting guns and ammo to your antifa friends in Portland. That is what it sounds like to me. Your story reeks of bullshit. Was is a gun show or a super secret gun circle academy that must not be named.

Angela Robinson
Guest
Angela Robinson
3 years ago
Reply to  Seamus

LOL…it’s easier to get guns in Oregon, no need to “import” them from California of all places.

Oregon has a third of the gun laws of California, and Idaho is “right next door”. Idaho has like 4 or 5.

That said, it is weird to not want to name the academy. Is it a CIA black site or something? (That is me being slightly sarcastic) The “academies” I know in Oregon advertise.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
3 years ago

Thunder Ranch in Lakeview Oregon if I had to take an educated guess.

b.
Guest
b.
3 years ago
Reply to  Seamus

Businesses avoid mentions in a negative context all the time. The company whose brand was on all of the salad mix that caused e coli deaths a decade or so ago avoided all mention of their name. They actually influenced (paid?) another company and an organic certifier to have their names tarnished in news reports.

rollin
Guest
rollin
3 years ago

That’s what cops do. They act like militant assholes. Unfortunately, the left wing, ass kissing race baiters keep perpetuating the lie of systemic racism. They have hijacked the issue and made it about race, thereby destroying actual credible arguments regarding the very real problem of militant police acting like tyrants representing the police state . Congratulations assholes. You’ve even got me standing up for the police now.

b.
Guest
b.
3 years ago
Reply to  rollin

Certainly you are more creative than that. Because someone doesn’t set their agenda to align with yours doesn’t mean you can’t come up with a creative synthesis and join their cause to yours. Get creative instead of reactive.
I agree, some of the BLM approach is divisive. They are pointing to a real problem, however. I live in a majority minority community; though I’m European American, I’m in the minority. I recognized early on that my non-white neighbors were getting pulled over a lot more than I was. And I got asked, “Did you see anything suspicious?” a lot more than I got asked for ID or an explanation of what I was doing. It was the same when I lived in a city neighborhood that was majority black. The cops, like all of us, operate on checking for PERCEIVED DANGER. The least safe place on the planet for me is a rich white neighborhood. . . where the first words out of a cops mouth are “Can I see some ID?” and the next words are about hands and pockets. I drive directly to my sister’s house and only go for groceries with her or her family. I know the neighborhood; the good citizens there will treat me more like (chose your victim’s name) than I would like anyone to be treated.
I know, the cops are a problem for the riffraff everywhere.
Team up with BLM for customs and legal structures that promote everybody’s freedom and dignity. Why amplify a division that you hate.

Marc
Guest
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  rollin

So, your argument is that one cannot be both a militant asshole and a racist? Really? I can assure you that the two are not mutually exclusive, as I know several officers who are both. Hell, one was even the chief of police In a small town of about 5,000. One of the most racist people I’ve ever known!

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Marc

No, that’s not my argument. I’m just saying that this particular militant asshole is not racist. I don’t speak for all militant assholes. In fact, I’m not even speaking for the militant asshokeI was riding with. I’m quite sure I’ve said a few things he’d rather I hadn’t. I’ll let the other militant assholes speak for themselves.

Rod Gass
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Rod Gass
3 years ago

test

thecookie
Guest
thecookie
3 years ago

Don’t worry about the kommuist trolls!
They wouldn’t be here running their yaps if it wasnt for good people taking up arms. Don’t expect a single one of them to have any sort of brain capacity to understand it either.
All gun laws are infringements!

onrust
Guest
onrust
3 years ago
Reply to  thecookie

The only Communist trolls in this country are Republicans everywhere that take money from the Russians. [edit]

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
3 years ago
Reply to  onrust

Yeah, very depressing when Trump continually kisses dictator asses around the world and wishes so very much to be Dictator of America and the Repubs love it. They can’t wait.

Yet I’m with Ullr Rover on gun rights. Trump is a worthless person whom I would never go hunting with or do anything with. Yeah, I know it’s his kid who hunts.

I can’t vote America down the drain over gun rights so I write my little notes to CAlifornia Rifle and pistol Assoc. with donations and to Dems as well. Look, everything sucks at several levels. But please ditch Bunker Baby or we really are lost.

T. Miller
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T. Miller
3 years ago
Reply to  onrust

Bingo!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago

If available, check with your home owners insurance. They should cover some losses.

Donovan
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Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

We’ve been getting done help. A friend from our firearms institute circle set up a go fund me, but then go fund me shut it down because (gasp!) he said the word (wait for it…) GUNS.

Dave Sky
Guest
Dave Sky
3 years ago

Whew!

Once again Trump's america
Guest

Trump’s America

Willow Creeker
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Willow Creeker
3 years ago

What happened to the story about going to a gun show? That seems absent in this account. Also I have to say, just imagine it was a couple of Muslims Americans or black guys or Bulgarians, would they have been afforded the same ‘rights’? Doubt it. Guns for fun and entertainment are stupid and will someday soon hopefully be illegal.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
3 years ago
Reply to  Willow Creeker

Every gun has a purpose.

guest
Guest
guest
3 years ago

And no gun is illegal!

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Willow Creeker

That “story” about the gun show was nonsense from the start. Pure misinformation. I’m not exactly sure how that got started. We never said that.

As far as your assertion about “guns for fun m entertainment” being stupid. Well a lot of things for fun and entertainment could be considered stupid, depending on the considerer. Personally, I think NASCAR is one of the list stupid and wasteful endeavors on the planet. They should carpool and save gas. But whatever.

Furthermore, while I can’t claim that I don’t find my use of firearms to be pleasurable and entertaining, my use of firearms is far more pragmatic than that. I don’t have the time or the energy to try to explain it to the likes of you, and besides, I’m pretty sure my logic would be wasted on you.

Good day, sir.

Don Allan
Guest
Don Allan
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

I love the NASCAR reference – hilarious. Glad nobody was hurt. It reminds me of a trailer fire I encountered on Hwy. 299 one time. We were the first car coming from the opposite direction and decided to not try passing it because the flames were billowing into our lane. We heard loud pops and I wondered if it was ammunition. Their traveling companions said they noticed smoke coming from the trailer wheel. He thought a brake locked up,, overheated, and melted a propane line, and with a large source of fuel the trailer was engulfed in seconds. The man and woman in the flaming pickup got out safely but lost everything in the fire. The companions passed and pulled over on the wide shoulder about 100 feet up the road. They flagged us down as we were coming around the curve, at about the same time we saw the flaming trailer, which quickly spread to the pickup. When I heard the pops I asked them if their friends had guns and ammo in the trailer – the guy said he didn’t think so. He thought it was cans of food popping from the heat.. I was worried about stray flying bullets – good to know they’re not as dangerous as when coming from a barrel but one of the firefighters at your scene did say he got hit but was protected by the thick padding of his turnout (fire jacket and pants). At our scene, one of the propane tanks in the trailer ignited and launched like a rocket out over Burnt Ranch gorge, starting a fire downhill. Fire ahead, fire downhill, traffic behind us – we were stuck and flames were licking at the overhanging oaks. I was thinking we might have to abandon the car and run for our lives when the Burnt Ranch volunteer FD showed up and started dousing the trailer and wetting down the trees. A helicopter showed up and started dipping buckets out of the Trinity River to douse the fire downslope. An hour later the fire was out and we were able to continue our journey. The pickup and trailer completely burned and melted. All that was left was the frame, engine block, and rims. Thanks to Burnt Ranch VFD and Calfire the forest didn’t catch fire and we didn’t have to abandon our car and run for our lives. Your story reminded me of the fire we witnessed.

Erik
Guest
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Willow Creeker

Thanks to the fact you have to declare your race (and gender)on the form 4473 nics application, and the aggregated statistical data are available to the public, we know that people of color and women have been buying guns in increasing statistically significant numbers since the start of the pandemic, and even more with the civil unrest. A high percentage of the people are first time buyers, and likely a decent percentage of them vote Democrat. Gun control, or gun probation, is going to do nothing to keep anyone safer, will make average citizens criminals, and create a thriving, uncontrolled blackmarket. Heroin is illegal, how’s that working?

Local
Guest
Local
3 years ago

Donovan , a quick Facebook check reveals endless anti police posts dating back several years. I have a feeling you are a pot grower that keeps all those guns and ammo to defend your illegal grow. Prove me wrong

The Big Liebowski
Guest
The Big Liebowski
3 years ago
Reply to  Local

Police don’t like educated and well armed. Citizens.

At least the brass.

Rank and file just follow orders.

I’ll take a pot Grower over a hard drug dealer every day of the week.

✔️
Guest
✔️
3 years ago
Reply to  Local

He’s a member of the Boogaloo Boys, the anti-cop/cop killing domestic terrorist organization.

G Deny
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Local

Local I think the way the way it works in this country is innocent until proven guilty. I believe it’s up to you to prove your accusation.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Local

What you call anti-police, I call anti-state sponsored murder. But, hey, tuh-may-toe, tuh-mah-toe. I done tol’ you already, I ain’t no copsucker.

Did you know that 7 y.o. Aiyana Jones and 6 y.o. Jeremy Mardis could actually be considered elderly when it comes to victims of state sponsored murder?

Gunner Page was 5 months old when his police officer dad shook him to death. The poor wi lad was frothing at the mouth in the ER. Stupid kid had it cumin’ tho, he refused to comply and was resisting a rest. Resisting a rest; get it? Ha Ha, so funny. Hilarious.

Prove you wrong? Like I’m gonna answer your questions. Did you read my posts? If I assert my rights in the face of a gun thug with a badge, a firearm, and practical impunity to murder me (state sponsored murder, at that), what makes you think I’m gonna fold to some anonymous troll on the internet? That actually is kind of hilarious.

Good day, sir.

Jed the coffee maker
Guest
Jed the coffee maker
3 years ago

I am actually really curious why anyone needs so many guns…? I mean how many can you shoot at one time? And what kind of situation are you envisioning yourself to be in to need all those guns? Am really wondering about this. And I am not anti gun, it’s
Good to have one at home for protection but that Kind of arsenal ( it is the right word) puzzles me always…

Ullr Rover
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Ullr Rover
3 years ago

Different tools for different jobs. I have about a dozen hammers and a few dozen screwdrivers… how many is too many?

Erik
Guest
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

Come on Uller, those are rookie numbers. Pick up the pace.

onrust
Guest
onrust
3 years ago

I didn’t hear anything about an arsenal. I personally own about 15 guns, and it’s none of your fucking business. Go to the National Guard Armory if you want to see an arsenal. How many times have you been shot at anonymously? I have had it happen. It’s not fun. I take my rights seriously and owning guns is one of those. What I have determined in my almost 70 years on the planet is that God must love assholes and idiots because he/she made so many of them.

Willie Bray
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  onrust

🕯🌳I know I don’t have horse in this show but I have 25 guns and I just collect them what do people think about that?

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Willie Bray

Half of us think you’re alright, some of that half wanna talk shop. The other half think you’re a gun nut who belongs in prison.

Don Allan
Guest
Don Allan
3 years ago
Reply to  onrust

And that’s why the USA is number one in gun deaths. The right to bear arms was put in the constitution when the US was freeing itself from British tyranny and needed a well armed militia to fend off the British. You could still have a well armed militia without having assault rifles and hand guns in the hands of every person who wants one, regardless of their intent for its use or their mental stability.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago

I’ve answered this question more times than I can recall. I have a rote answer by now.

The answer is: for a single user, six, at the minimum. But that is barely adequate and leaves no room for backups.

1) personal carry handgun (semi auto mid caliber pistol, I prefer a Glock 19, 9mm) but wait, I need a backup. Which would be better if it was smaller for added concealability and/or possible ankle carry. I think I need a Glock 43 as well …

2) shotgun for home defense (I prefer Remington 870 12 GA pump action), can also be used for larger nuisance animals and duck hunting. But wait, I need a 20 GA for the kiddos and the smaller/elderly members of the family…

3) small caliber rifle for small game/nuisance animals (I prefer Ruger 10/22 .22 LR) but maybe I want it in a Takedown model. But I don’t really need to take it down for use on the ranch. But I need to take it down for use in my go bag, but, but, but …. dammit, I NEED two Ruger 10/22s.

But wait, I also need a bolt action .22LR to train the kiddos. (I prefer the trusty Remington 514) Plus bolt action .22 really helps improve marksmanship and conserves ammo, so now I need three .22 LR rifles…

4) hunting rifle (I prefer Remington 700, bolt action, .308). Can double up in the (hopefully never) need as a sniper rifle. Tho this is not at all optimal if I need to reach out past (god forbid) 500 yards. But wait, I also need a real sniper rifle…

5) battle rifle. God forbid I’m ever facing a well armed opponent trying to kill my family and steal my “Arsenal”. I prefer a Smith & Wesson M&P-15 .223/5.56 AR-15 style semi auto rifle). But wait, that doesn’t hit nearly as hard as the trusty AK-47. But AK rounds are so damn heavy, I can carry twice as many .223s in the same load out. But wait… AR, AK, AR, AK. Dammit, I NEED two battle rifles.

6) .22LR semi-auto pistol. Everyone needs a .22 pistol. (I prefer a Walther P22). Good to practice pistol marksmanship at 5 cents a round instead of 50 cents a round. But wait, revolvers are simple to use and basically never fail. I need a revolver…

So, I need six guns. Or maybe I need 12. Oh, my wife needs a gun to guard my six (o’clock). So do my sons, daughters, mom and dad. Actually, I need multiple types of guns for each of them.

Plus, when the WRoL (without rule of law) situation occurs, I need a gun for your dumb ass, because even tho you are a dumb ass who refuses to prepare, you’re still a good neighbor and part of my community. A valued part. So I guess I need a simple gun so I can train you to use it in a single day, so yeah, I NEED revolvers and bolt/lever actions, because I sure as hell ain’t gonna put an AK-47 into the hands of an ignorant SOB such as yourself…

Any more questions?

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Donovan

Erik
Guest
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

What, no Garands, M1As and my favorite, the fn-fal? Face it, beyond a certain point it’s just nice to collect and run various platforms and challenge yourself to be a better marksman. Every once in a while i go on a antique wheel gun bender, and my friend has gotten me into blackpowder. Thanks for sharing your experience, it should be noted that any long gun ( or reciever ) purchased in California before 2014 is going to come back as unknown, if it doesn’t come back stolen and your not a prohibited person(s) than the firearms need to be released immediately. I hope you have a good, well versed lawyer. This guy sounds like he would be better suited beating up the maskless in Australia or New Zealand or something. So far the interactions i have had with the local chp here in trinity (on the road and at the range) have been pleasant, haven’t encountered any higher up brass though. One another note, the wiring in newer trailers, even expensive ones, seems pretty sub par. My friend had several issues with eith his, he had to spend his first night out with it rewiring the brakes in a campground, lol.

Dinky
Guest
Dinky
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

This ⬆️ Donovan, you have done a great job describing how you need different tools for different purposes. I hope you all get your property back promptly.

The Big LieBowski
Guest
The Big LieBowski
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

You sound like an extremist for being well versed in the art of self defense.

I hope your lawyer is as passionate about civil liberties as the silent majority.

The hill folk will always be tested ,but thank god I’m a country boy, teaching and living the county life.

DQ
Guest
DQ
3 years ago
Reply to  Donovan

“5) battle rifle. God forbid I’m ever facing a well armed opponent trying to kill my family and steal my “Arsenal”. I prefer a Smith & Wesson M&P-15 .223/5.56 AR-15 style semi auto rifle). But wait, that doesn’t hit nearly as hard as the trusty AK-47. But AK rounds are so damn heavy, I can carry twice as many .223s in the same load out. But wait… AR, AK, AR, AK. Dammit, I NEED two battle rifles.”

Mr. Donovan, you really need to see more of the outside world. Really.

The delusional thinking driving this “need” for scores of guns, which is best represented in your requirement of a “battle rifle” to face a “well-armed opponent,” is one of the reasons the rest of the developed world looks on many Americans as ignorant, entitled children bent on destroying themselves.

Ordinary, law-abiding human beings don’t cultivate this warped obsession with stockpiling weapons and ammo in preparation for an impending battle. Such a preoccupation suggests much, much more about you and your mode of life, and probably your line of work, than it does about any potential, imagined threat to your family and belongings.

Good citizens in functioning democracies are preoccupied with these things: bettering themselves by learning about their own society and the world outside it (which includes going to university or at least abroad); ensuring their children are properly educated and open-minded, and that they have access to good higher education (as opposed to isolating themselves for their entire lives—culturally and politically—in rural areas and stockpiling weapons); and, to accomplish the latter, ensuring they live with some financial discipline (which is antithetical to spending lavishly on guns). They don’t see their future time on this earth as a *series of impending armed conflicts*. Thinking this way doesn’t make a person shrewd or intelligent. Or self-reliant. It certainly doesn’t make them a patriot or protector of community. It has the opposite effect: it projects fear and ignorance, and a mind gripped by feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.

A gun is an important tool that everybody should probably learn to use in adulthood. But normal people don’t make guns the focus of life. The sooner you recognize this the happier you will be (and the safer the rest of us will be).

Finally, I’m going to disabuse you of this notion that you and others are part of this “well-regulated militia” that is going to protect society against cops, the deep state (whatever that means), foreign invaders, etc. and that you are acting for the public good:

if this imaginary armed deep state seizes control, or God forbid, a foreign invader reaches our shores, gun enthusiasts like yourself aren’t going to make a bit of difference. You are going to be nothing more than sport. Nothing more. It would take all of a week for an advanced military, like China’s PLA, to reduce civilian gun owners in America to pink mist or a smoking crater.

P*** W***lies
Guest
P*** W***lies
3 years ago
Reply to  DQ

Life is sport.

Some people die without ever having truly lived.

Look at Australia.

Freedom of speech is not protected over there, aND neither the 2A.

There’s plenty of retired military to take on the Phuknoughts at the UN.

So many people with guns, because they understood that 1917, 1933, isn’t that long ago.

Defund the political class.

What is the benefit of being normal in a sick society.

The reason people don’t shoot their mouths off to people much bigger than they are is the same reason why a well armed society should be a Civil Society.

DQ
Guest
DQ
3 years ago
Reply to  P*** W***lies

These are right-wing platitudes.

And putting them all together doesn’t change that fact.

The Big Liebowski
Guest
The Big Liebowski
3 years ago

How many pairs of shoes do our wives really need?

That always settles that question.

Bang bang
Guest
Bang bang
3 years ago

Have you ever walked down a liquor aisle or looked at all the cigarettes behind the counters? Have you ever shopped for a car? Variety is the spice of life, duh.

Shud Upp
Guest
Shud Upp
3 years ago

You people are exhausting.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
3 years ago

Love my glock 43. It pays to have law enforcement friends to be able to buy firearms off the non compliant ca list for me.

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago

That is a very handy thing indeed. I was trying that route for the g40 but broke down and got a usp elite instead.

FBnative
Guest
3 years ago

Your first and biggest problem, was mentioning GUNS! You could have omitted that one word, and gotten sympathy en masse. Expecting constructive empathy, if that was your intent, ain’t gonna happen with this bunch. Sorry for your loss, keep the faith.

Pike Mortar
Guest
Pike Mortar
3 years ago

I agree in part with the main point of the letter. The weirdly interjected rants and names of black people killed by police on the opposite side of the country were pointless and distractionary. The concerns about “blue” murdering you were obviously bullshit. Anyone who spews that obviously doesn’t even believe it themselves.

Bottom line, your shitty trailer caught fire and you inconvenienced a bunch of people – other motorists, cops, firefighters, others as a result. Now you’re being mildly inconvenienced and you feel disrespected. Sorry. You’ll get your stuff back after it’s been validated as being yours, and life will go on.

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Pike Mortar

I had the CHP confiscate a bolt action rifle left to me by a late relative. Because it wasn’t registered to me. The gun was likely bought a couple decades before I was born. At the time it wasn’t required to be registered to me, the confiscation by our local cops was sheer BS. They said all I had to do was prove ownership, which was impossible. Long story short after several months of arguing with them I contacted to DOJ who made me take the standard background check to prove I could legally own the rifle, then they faxed me forms to give the chp to release it. The DOJ was easy to work with, the local CHP still wouldn’t release the gun. I had to get someone at the DOJ the call the redway station while I was physically there to chew out the local cop, informing him that what he was doing was illegal and it was in his best interest to return the rifle, they finally did. I wouldn’t say it was a nightmare, but if I hadn’t been extremely persistent on the issue there was no way I was going to get the gun back. My only guess was that one of the cops wanted it in his gun safe not in mine.

P*** W***lies
Guest
P*** W***lies
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Great share, Mike

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

I used to have a lever action Winchester .22 mag that the cops confiscated from me when they noticed it on the table in the dining room when they responded to my house for a burglary. It was on the dining room table where the burglars had been staging items to take out the back door. They don’t make lever action Winchester .22 mags anymore, my grandfather had left me that gun when he passed, because of that, it wasn’t registered to me. So I called the cops because my house had been broken into and then they confiscated one of the few things my grandfather had left me after he passed.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago
Reply to  Pike Mortar

Some of those people were white.

I doubt we’ll get all of our property back, we had the proof and were ready to validate. Cops don’t like guns in the hands if citizens. Individual cops might, but cops as a whole, and certainly most of the brass. Do not.

I never indicated I was concerned about blue murdering me the other day. I’m just concerned about blue nurdering unarmed innocents in general, which happens on a regular basis. I’m not saying daily, but it is a distressingly high and alarming rate.

I was on one occasion concerned blue would murder me, but I’m not going to bother with the story, as you likely wouldn’t believe me anyway.

Vitruvius
Guest
Vitruvius
3 years ago

Despite the underlying bias you express within your story I am sympathetic to your losses.

However one very important lesson that must be remembered and learned in your case, any activity you engage in within the confines of the state of California has to be on the up and up or you will be punished by law enforcement. You can be as nice and as cordial as you like but there are always those that take professionalism to the highest level and any violation of any law must be enforced. You shouldn’t be offended by people who take their jobs seriously and operate at a high level.

You and your buddy were essentially wishing that Sargent put his a$$ on the line for you and let you walk with your un-papered weapons to wherever you were off too placing the liability on him. The very thing your bias expressed in your story is exactly what you wanted.

We all have things in our safes that were willed, handed down or at one time purchased off the classifieds. Those items have to stay within the confines of such a place or you risk loosing them at the least or being charged with a crime and loosing your freedom at the worst.

It’s tough to play the middle road between outlaw and boot licker, that’s were most of us are however one thing is certain, the tags on your ride have to be current and any weapon you leave your house with better have papers or you will more than likely lose it if contacted by LE.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Vitruvius

Wow. A point is made.

Erik
Guest
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Vitruvius

Having “unpapered” (un-registered) firearms is not a crime in California for non-prohibited persons, particularly long guns transferred before 2014 (which, as I stated above, come back as “unknown”) and handguns transferred before about 1990. Carrying a concealed un-registered pistol without a CCW is a felony. If you want to list an un-registered handgun on your CCW, you can voluntary register it with the state by filling out a form and undergoing a background check first before listing. Are you suggesting the the “sargent” is putting his ass on the line by not violating peoples civil rights? And that this is some form of professionalism? I don’t think that word means what you think it means, especially in light of the fact he’s a sworn LEO. Sworn to protect the constitution. You either have civil rights, all of them, or you don’t. There is no middle road here.

burblestein
Guest
burblestein
3 years ago

In all the ranting about the Second Amendment, no one ever looks to see just what it amends.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  burblestein

some people do and did from the very start. The Bill of Rights was not part of the original Constitution because it was so acrimonious that it was given a pass with a promise to fix it as soon as possible. “In the ratification debate, Anti-Federalists opposed to the Constitution, complained that the new system threatened liberties, and suggested that if the delegates had truly cared about protecting individual rights, they would have included provisions that accomplished that. With ratification in serious doubt, Federalists announced a willingness to take up the matter of a series of amendments, to be called the Bill of Rights, soon after ratification and the First Congress comes into session. The concession was undoubtedly necessary to secure the Constitution’s hard-fought ratification. ” http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/billofrightsintro.html

local observer
Guest
local observer
3 years ago

a real winner. This is his main quote on Facebook “If you’re a girl, I’ll tell over breakfast tomorrow morning.”

maybe if you had serviced your trailer axle you wouldn’t in this mess that has now made you a famous fool.

Pike Mortar
Guest
Pike Mortar
3 years ago
Reply to  local observer

Well he sounds like a gentleman! He’s giving them breakfast!

memy selfandi
Guest
memy selfandi
3 years ago

I’m no fan of guns and am so sorry that happened to you and your friend. I now know of one gun proponent that I like.

Thank you for paragraphs . Thank you especially for the one about Say Their Names. “Sergeant Slaughter” LOL. “copsucker or copalogist” my vocabulary is improving.

Thank you for writing about the bad treatment – many of the police in this area when in less group and public situations do far worse and no way it can be so pervasive lest it comes from the top. I have seen and experienced much in my life and have been shocked by what I have seen EPD do repeatedly (naive privilege to be so shocked). A cop saved my life when I was a kid so I didn’t fear them generally though was aware there were bad apples in any profession, it was theoretical. We poor or of modest means can’t afford lawyers so were stuck and scared…not scared easily and what I’ve experienced and seen makes my hair go up on my neck whenever I see a cop car and I’m an older white woman with zero criminal charges ever, great driving record, no drug or alcohol nor mental hospital stays and did not fear cops still what they did to me broke my spirit..haven’t been the same since it happened and then witnessed what they are doing to others also. Sickening. Nothing I can do…I’d like to at least move from this city and neighborhood though I love Humboldt and want to stay here. I wish I could fight Police and County Mental Health cause I would for the sake of others.

Donovan
Guest
Donovan
3 years ago

I’d like to state for the record that my friend did in fact cry when his mother died. I just didn’t see it. Not did anyone else.

Bomgholio
Guest
Bomgholio
3 years ago

It’s disgusting that this person would commandeer the names of dead black people to justify this diatribe. Complaining that a cop hurt their little feelings in a situation dripping with white privilege. Based upon this one day alone, should not be allowed to have guns. No. You are definitely not heroes for nearly setting the forest on fire and impeding traffic. That part I agree with.

Screwed Sideways
Guest
Screwed Sideways
3 years ago

A pathetic and stupid story.

“We drove down the 101 with a shitload of guns and ammo. Somehow, our trailer caught on fire. Then, the cops hassled us about all those rounds going off.”

Too bad. You are a nuisance and a public menace. You very well could have caught the world on fire. Nice going.

Now, we have to hear from every cop hater and gun nut in the general vicinity. For my money, you should receive a bill for services received, and your “gun dealer” license should be revoked, if you even had one…

People like you, should go hide, out in Westport or wherever the fuck, and nurture your innate desire to shoot everyone you see…

We know you just wanna make some bread flipping guns and arming crazy people, so carry on… Just don’t break laws or endanger everyone in the area with your mania…

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

Setting aside 2nd Amendment issues, CHP had no authority, absent a warrant, to ignore the 4th Amendment & seize and data base check firearms for ownership registration for which there was no probable cause to believe were criminally possessed or were evidence of a crime.

LE does not get to go on a fishing expedition. Lack of registration, which is not required to possess a firearm in Ca, does not negate the fact they were in possession of their property. There appears to be no justification to take firearms for “safe keeping” from those who possessed them absent proof it was the property of another who was not present.

Sunset
Guest
Sunset
3 years ago

All lives matter!!!

Screwed Sideways
Guest
Screwed Sideways
3 years ago

Every citizen is required to cooperate with the police. No such law, requiring cooperation, exists, however.

The police are responsible for enforcing the law, in a situational manner. LEOs have many responsibilities, but they are not attorneys.

Every citizen has the right to file suit and attempt to manipulate the legal system towards his own aims, at his own cost.

These folks, should maintain their rolling stock in a manner that ensures their own safety, and the safety of everyone else. I see many ways that their activities, on that day, resulted in legal exposure.

It is not for us to make assumptions about what the officers saw or encountered, on that day.

In my opinion, these gun dealers placed the public at considerable risk, the safety of first responders and LEO’s at risk, and created a nuisance in addition to risking everyone else’s safety, and apparently nearly causing considerable property damage.

“Cooking off rounds” is gun-nut slang for transporting ammunition not in safety containers.

I should like to see proof that every firearm and every bullet in their possession was properly registered, legal in form and that there wasn’t “something else” in that travel trailer which was contraband…

Bitching about your rotten luck on a local news blog just seems obtuse, and more likely to cause the kind of attention these freedom loving “cop haters” probably don’t want. Someone smart, would lawyer up, and shut up…

And Guest, your legal opinions, while interesting, are pretty “armchair quarterback”…

Gueat
Guest
Gueat
3 years ago

My opinion is based on Federal and State law and case law.

Talk about a none legal opinion…. Screwed Sideways says,

“I should like to see proof that every firearm and every bullet in their possession was properly registered….”

LOL, demanding proof for something that can’t be proven. There is no “bullet registration” and firearm registration is not a requirement for possession (except a for RAWs).