CLibertyC

Boston Dynamics’ Terminator-like ‘PETMAN’ robot tests chemical suits

"Defense contractor Boston Dynamics has new video of its Terminator-like 'PETMAN' robot standing, walking, posing and… wearing a chemical protection suit, for some reason. The project is funded in part by the Defense Department’s Chemical and Biological Defense program, CNet reported Monday. Despite the apparent usefulness in testing chemical suits in potentially hazardous conditions, it’s likely not the PETMAN’s only objective. All seeming motility aside, this thing is downright creepy to watch in action." Continue reading →

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The Tunnel People That Live Under The Streets Of America

"Did you know that there are thousands upon thousands of homeless people that are living underground beneath the streets of major U.S. cities? It is happening in Las Vegas, it is happening in New York City and it is even happening in Kansas City. As the economy crumbles, poverty in the United States is absolutely exploding and so is homelessness. In addition to the thousands of 'tunnel people' living under the streets of America, there are also thousands that are living in tent cities, there are tens of thousands that are living in their vehicles and there are more than a million public school children that do not have a home to go back to at night." Continue reading →

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The ‘Rain Tax’

"In 2010 the EPA ordered Maryland to reduce stormwater runoff into the Chesapeake Bay so that nitrogen levels fall 22 percent and phosphorus falls 15 percent from current amounts. The price tag: $14.8 billion. And where do we get the $14.8 billion? By taxing so-called 'impervious surfaces,' anything that prevents rain water from seeping into the earth (roofs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.) thereby causing stormwater run off. In other words, a rain tax. And who levies this new rain tax? Witness how taxation, like rain, trickles down through the various pervious levels of government until it reaches the impervious level — me and you." Continue reading →

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Knife Control Lobby Considers Response to Mass Knifings at a Texas College

"The brutal, senseless knifing of a dozen students at a community college in Texas has mobilized the knife control movement. Apparently, authorities expected a series of copy-cat knifings. Knife control advocates are considering whether now is the right time to call for background checks on citizens who buy knives. The possibility of universal knife registration is being considered." Continue reading →

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FBI reports U.S. citizenship renunciations for Q1 2013 nearly doubled year over year

"The FBI has released its latest report on Active Records in the NICS Index, updated to 31 March 2013. NICS now contains the records of 21,504 persons who are prohibited from purchasing firearms in the United States because they swore an Oath of Renunciation of United States Citizenship at a U.S. consulate abroad. This is an increase of 196 records as compared to 28 February, and 850 records in the first quarter of 2013 (since 31 December 2012)." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFBI reports U.S. citizenship renunciations for Q1 2013 nearly doubled year over year

Police Scan Social Media To Identify Likely Funeral Protesters For Pre-emptive Arrests

"Police officers are monitoring social media, internet forums and BlackBerry messaging networks in the expectation that Margaret Thatcher’s funeral procession next Wednesday will be targeted by protesters. The possibility of demonstrations during the funeral has raised concerns that police may adopt the controversial tactic of making pre-emptive arrests. Plans appear to be under way for different groups to demonstrate during the funeral, and to hold celebrations around the country on the same day. Police and security-service planning for Baroness Thatcher’s funeral has been under way for three and a half years." Continue reading →

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San Diego Police Attack and Arrest Man Video Recording Them, Claiming Phone Could be a Weapon

"San Diego police slapped a cell phone camera out of a man’s hands Saturday, claiming it could be a weapon, before pouncing on him and handcuffing him, lacerating his chin in the process. Adam Pringle ended up jailed overnight on charges of obstruction because he refused to hand the phone over when the cop ordered him to do so. In this case, Pringle’s only crime was smoking a cigarette on a Mission Beach boardwalk, a violation for which he was already getting cited." Continue reading →

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CITIZEN SAFETY ALERT: You Have The Right To Go Home To Your Family Too

"Should citizens have the right to resist? Absolutely. Is it wise to resist an unlawful arrest? Probably not. Resisting arrest may indeed help you to avoid jail, at least temporarily. But, it may also be your ticket to the trauma room or the morgue. Thus, the decision to resist must be well informed, not impulsive. I would like to offer some tips that I hope will help you to stay free and alive. When police officers justify a use of force, they often say that they feared for their lives and were just trying to get home safely to their families. You also have the right to go home safely. This should be your primary goal anytime you are detained by the police." Continue reading →

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Idaho Court of Appeals overturns marijuana DUI conviction

"The Idaho Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court's decision upholding a Boise man's conviction for driving under the influence of marijuana. The court ruled last week in the case of Geirrod Stark, who was found guilty in 2010 of driving while impaired. In its ruling, Judge Pro Tem Jesse Walters overturned the conviction, arguing Stark's blood test results only prove he'd used marijuana recently — not the day he was stopped. There's no question Stark was impaired that day Walters said, but there's no proof that drugs — and not some other condition — caused his erratic driving." Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Supreme Court Clears Drivers In Marijuana Search

"In a series of three rulings issued Friday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court cracked down on police who have been using evidence of marijuana possession as a pretext to search automobiles. In 2008, 62 percent of state voters approved an initiative that decriminalized possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. To justify the search, prosecutors argued that by passing around a joint, Pacheco was guilty of 'distribution' of marijuana, which is punishable by two years in jail. The state argued the trooper's search was valid because he was investigating the crime of distribution. The high court did not agree." Continue reading →

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