Augusta, GA
By Corporal Gripweed
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the boisterous sea of liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
Operation Rolling Thunder.
Three words that have been resonating loudly in the ears of CSRA residents for the last few weeks.While there have been many who have raised questions about the legality, constitutionality , and effectiveness of the roadblocks associated with this operation, so far the only measurable difference made, by the RCSO's own admission, is the number of citations written for child restraint violations.
No small matter to be sure, but hardly a great return on the massive investment in man hours and law enforcement resources that could be put to better use in other areas apprehending violent criminals.
While no fan of these roadblocks, I also understand their intent and purpose. The well worn phrase often used by our friends on the left is "if it saves one life it's worth it".To me, this is a monumental oversimplification of the core issue.
At what point do we freely give up liberty in order to protect us from ourselves?.
More than one founding father has been attributed as having said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither".
This past Thursday local activist and stalwart libertarian Rocky Eades was ensnared in this tricky argument.
Reports are, that upon seeing flashing lights and noticing stopped traffic, Mr. Eades decided to avoid the area and seek an alternative route. In doing so, he brought down the wrath of the Georgia State Patrol who pursued him, stopped his vehicle and asked why he avoided their roadblock. Rocky reportedly answered, that he saw the lights, thought it may be an accident and was merely trying to avoid being stuck in traffic. A plausible explanation to anyone with an ounce of common sense…But remember we are dealing with "Operation Rolling Thunder"...So his explanation was not good enough for the officers on duty that day. Further reports state that Mr. Eades and a passenger were "rousted" from the vehicle and treated as criminals from this point on. Guilty until proven innocent I suppose.
Mr. Eades was ultimately arrested for "obstruction of an officer" and his passenger was allowed to drive Mr. Eades vehicle home after passing a blood alcohol test.
From what I've heard Rocky is reasonable, intelligent and in this case may know the law better than those who were sworn to uphold it. I also believe he has retained counsel and should pursue the matter vigorously.
Of course, there are two sides to every story and the side of law enforcement should be heard before any judgements are made.
To be sure, the vast majority of law enforcement officers are hard working honest public servants who want to do just that; serve the public. And they may have acted within the law in this case, but I wonder if this time they let their zeal to arrest someone they ASSUMED to be guilty of DUI, get the better of them.
While it is certainly true that it is the job of law enforcement to keep the roads safe, should law enforcement have the authority to arrest a citizen merely for the act of avoiding contact with them when they have done nothing illegal?
Safety vs. liberty……that is the question.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the boisterous sea of liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
Operation Rolling Thunder.
Three words that have been resonating loudly in the ears of CSRA residents for the last few weeks.While there have been many who have raised questions about the legality, constitutionality , and effectiveness of the roadblocks associated with this operation, so far the only measurable difference made, by the RCSO's own admission, is the number of citations written for child restraint violations.
No small matter to be sure, but hardly a great return on the massive investment in man hours and law enforcement resources that could be put to better use in other areas apprehending violent criminals.
While no fan of these roadblocks, I also understand their intent and purpose. The well worn phrase often used by our friends on the left is "if it saves one life it's worth it".To me, this is a monumental oversimplification of the core issue.
At what point do we freely give up liberty in order to protect us from ourselves?.
More than one founding father has been attributed as having said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither".
This past Thursday local activist and stalwart libertarian Rocky Eades was ensnared in this tricky argument.
Reports are, that upon seeing flashing lights and noticing stopped traffic, Mr. Eades decided to avoid the area and seek an alternative route. In doing so, he brought down the wrath of the Georgia State Patrol who pursued him, stopped his vehicle and asked why he avoided their roadblock. Rocky reportedly answered, that he saw the lights, thought it may be an accident and was merely trying to avoid being stuck in traffic. A plausible explanation to anyone with an ounce of common sense…But remember we are dealing with "Operation Rolling Thunder"...So his explanation was not good enough for the officers on duty that day. Further reports state that Mr. Eades and a passenger were "rousted" from the vehicle and treated as criminals from this point on. Guilty until proven innocent I suppose.
Mr. Eades was ultimately arrested for "obstruction of an officer" and his passenger was allowed to drive Mr. Eades vehicle home after passing a blood alcohol test.
From what I've heard Rocky is reasonable, intelligent and in this case may know the law better than those who were sworn to uphold it. I also believe he has retained counsel and should pursue the matter vigorously.
Of course, there are two sides to every story and the side of law enforcement should be heard before any judgements are made.
To be sure, the vast majority of law enforcement officers are hard working honest public servants who want to do just that; serve the public. And they may have acted within the law in this case, but I wonder if this time they let their zeal to arrest someone they ASSUMED to be guilty of DUI, get the better of them.
While it is certainly true that it is the job of law enforcement to keep the roads safe, should law enforcement have the authority to arrest a citizen merely for the act of avoiding contact with them when they have done nothing illegal?
Safety vs. liberty……that is the question.
Stay Tuned.
C.G.
1 comment:
They are going to stop some guy who has just gotten news of a death of a close family member, their spouse has been unfaithfull,ect and has just had enough for one day. They will be naming streets after these brown shirt thugs who are just following orders.I will not shed a tear for any of them.
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