Land Of The Flea

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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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

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 →

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

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 →

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

Tennessee Highway Patrol using semi-trucks to combat texting

"The stepped-up enforcement of highway laws came as a new CDC study showed most U.S. drivers reported talking on their cellphone and about one in three read or sent text or email messages when driving. Roberts, who usually steers a motorcycle or standard patrol car in Meigs, McMinn and Rhea counties, is one of 97 troopers statewide who hold a commercial driver's license that allow them to use a semi truck. On Wednesday, Roberts spotted seven people breaking the laws below him. He thought he saw a Volkswagen driver texting, but he wasn't sure; maybe she was just dialing a number." Continue reading →

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Man Found Innocent After 20 Years in Prison, But Sent Back Anyway

"A man who spent more than 20 years in a Nevada prison for a crime he didn't commit could be on the hook for three more crimes if the state of Florida has its way. After spending more than two decades behind bars for a murder he said he didn't commit, a Nevada court recently found Fred Steese is actually innocent of the crime. Instead of freedom, though, Steese remains in lock-up awaiting extradition to Florida. It seems the Sunshine State doesn't credit the time he has already served. He remains imprisoned on a hold from Florida for failing to report to his parole officer more than a quarter century ago." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMan Found Innocent After 20 Years in Prison, But Sent Back Anyway

California police use rubber bullets and cherry-picker to remove tree sitters

"Police officers used rubber bullets and a cherry-picker to remove protesters from tall pine trees in northern California on Tuesday. Dozens of California Highway Patrol officers clad in visored helmets and armed with batons removed the activists from their protest spot near Highway 101. The protesters, part of a group calling itself Save Our Little Lake Valley, have sought to block construction of a four-lane highway bypass around the small city of Willits in Mendocino County for nearly two months. The bypass will harm the local environment and economy, according to the protesters. The six-mile-long raised highway will go over wetlands and forests in Little Lake Valley." Continue reading →

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Fresno Police Say “We Are Not An Occupying Force.” Residents Feel Otherwise.

"FRESNO, CA — Police are present 'on every street corner,' visibly carrying rifles through neighborhoods. Extra squad cars, including armored police vehicles, patrol the streets. The excess police presence prompted the police chief to remind the public, 'We are not an occupying force.' Residents may feel otherwise." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFresno Police Say “We Are Not An Occupying Force.” Residents Feel Otherwise.

The Growing Militarization Of U.S. Police

"As politicians exploit the Newtown tragedy to promote new laws to restrict firearms and implement universal background checks that could lead to gun registration and confiscation, another parallel trend– namely, the increasing militarization of law enforcement, most visibly demonstrated by the growing use of massive, SWAT-type raids on businesses and individuals, sometimes with federal involvement or authorization – is heightening concerns that America is moving toward a police state. The increased militarization of police forces and the associated use of SWAT teams for routine law enforcement are a dangerous trend." Continue reading →

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