Is this the democracy

mkpdavies · 06-07-2006, 12:59 AM

that we (the US and UK) are trying to bomb other countries into having?

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publ...icle_956.shtml

Quote:

Huh?" I asked intelligently, not quite sure what he was talking about.

"You can't be in here protesting," Officer Adkins said, pointing to my Veterans For Peace shirt.

"Well, I'm not protesting, I'm having a cup of coffee," I returned, thinking that logic would convince Adkins to go back to his earlier duties of guarding against serious terrorists.

Flipping his badge open, he said, "No, not with that shirt. You're protesting and you have to go."

Beginning to get his drift, I said firmly, "Not before I finish my coffee."

He insisted that I leave, but still not quite believing my ears, I tried one more approach to reason.

"Hey, listen. I'm a veteran. This is a V.A. facility. I'm sitting here not talking to anybody, having a cup of coffee. I'm not protesting and you can't kick me out."

"You'll either go or we'll arrest you," Adkins threatened.

"Well, you'll just have to arrest me," I said, wondering what strange land I was now living in.

You know the rest. Handcuffed, led away to the facility's security office, past people with surprised looks on their faces, read my rights, searched, and written up.

Unbelievable.

Intbel · 06-07-2006, 06:24 AM

Lots of stories like that coming from the land of the free.

It is inevitable that some, when written up, will be embellished a little as are most stories.

However, the general substance is true and in today's America is quite believeable ... and already we have signs of similar attitudes here.

John Carter · 06-07-2006, 01:21 PM

In your efforts to find a way to bash Bush, did you miss the following?

Quote:

a Veterans Administration cop

Yes, that's right - a private cop. So basically a security guard working for the building.

You've never been refused entry to a town-centre pub because your "smart casual" wasn't smart enough?

Intbel · 06-07-2006, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

You've never been refused entry to a town-centre pub because your "smart casual" wasn't smart enough?

I have been refused entry into a pub for the sole reason I arrived on a motorcycle.

John Carter · 06-07-2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intbel

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

You've never been refused entry to a town-centre pub because your "smart casual" wasn't smart enough?

I have been refused entry into a pub for the sole reason I arrived on a motorcycle.

And did you then post about it on a blog to suggest that democracy is failing?

(BTW, I've seen folks not allowed into pubs because they weren't bikers.

)

Intbel · 06-07-2006, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intbel

I have been refused entry into a pub for the sole reason I arrived on a motorcycle.

And did you then post about it on a blog to suggest that democracy is failing?

Nope - if the landlord doesn't want motorcyclists in his pub then he loses customers.

Went back a few weeks later (by car) with some friends.
Ordered drinks ... then, suddenly 'remembering' that he wouldn't serve motorcyclists we walked out and left the drinks unpaid for.

We were not the first and will not be the last to do this.

John Carter · 06-07-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intbel

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intbel

I have been refused entry into a pub for the sole reason I arrived on a motorcycle.

And did you then post about it on a blog to suggest that democracy is failing?

Nope - if the landlord doesn't want motorcyclists in his pub then he loses customers.

Right. So explain the difference between the pub landlord and the private security guard that this thread is about and tell me how either of these people has anything to do with the status of democracy in their respective countries.

mkpdavies · 06-07-2006, 08:31 PM

Do security guards have the right to "arrest" people?

Intbel · 06-07-2006, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

Right. So explain the difference between the pub landlord and the private security guard that this thread is about and tell me how either of these people has anything to do with the status of democracy in their respective countries.

The security guard claimed the guy was protestuing - when he wasn't.
Crass stupidity

The landlord refused to serve me 'cos simply because of my mode of transport, or maybe the mode of dress adopted by motorcyclists.
Crass stupidity

Okay - they have a democratic right to be stupid.
Others have a democratic right to respond appropriately.

John Carter · 06-07-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

Do security guards have the right to "arrest" people?

Go do a bit a shoplifting in your local Tesco to find out.

06-07-2006, 06:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Intbel Uber Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a field near you - look for the yellow and purple tent ... Posts: 4,665	Lots of stories like that coming from the land of the free. It is inevitable that some, when written up, will be embellished a little as are most stories. However, the general substance is true and in today's America is quite believeable ... and already we have signs of similar attitudes here. __________________ We are all free to choose - every step of the way - no exceptions.

06-07-2006, 08:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 30,604	Do security guards have the right to "arrest" people? __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

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