When one makes comments like "why don't you do this instead" in response to vice operations or traffic operations, they are oversimplifying the issue to the point of hurting their argument.
Police officers in larger cities aren't some sort of nebulous entity which fight any sort of crime that comes up; they typically belong to divisions specifically assigned to a particular type of offense. Asking a traffic cop or vice squad member to investigate theft is like asking an orthopedic surgeon to operate on the brain instead.
The question you should really ask is why we need a vice squad at all, or why the vice squad gets funded a particular amount. The answer is one of politics.
Did anyone see the story on "On-line prostitution" on KUSI on Monday night. Showed this site & SD Exotics a lot. It included interviews with vice (of course not the undercover ones that come to see the providers.) The vice cop stated that they watch TER everyday.
Remember KUSI spelled backwards is ........
Hey LE.....if you watch this site everyday, how about going out & finding the guy who broke into my car & leave us alone!!!!!!
Aw c'mon. That's too much like work.
When one makes comments like "why don't you do this instead" in response to vice operations or traffic operations, they are oversimplifying the issue to the point of hurting their argument.
Police officers in larger cities aren't some sort of nebulous entity which fight any sort of crime that comes up; they typically belong to divisions specifically assigned to a particular type of offense. Asking a traffic cop or vice squad member to investigate theft is like asking an orthopedic surgeon to operate on the brain instead.
The question you should really ask is why we need a vice squad at all, or why the vice squad gets funded a particular amount. The answer is one of politics.
Unfortunately, they are more concerned about saving you from yourself than saving your car. And more unfortunately, our society as a whole believes that is a legitimate function of government... saving poor wretched misguided souls from themsleves. Until that changes, watch out for the dark shadows in the underground.
Take this 15 second quiz (at the link) to see how much you really favor freedom... and guess where your local politicians and members of the LE community would stand.
dawctor
I'm wondering if it might be possible to create and maintain a website specifically designed to protect and preserve the well being and safety of both the providers and hobbyists.
Information contained within the site might be described as only unusual or cautionary items that would be posted and not necessarilly related to a specific group or agency. But, this data base of info concerning general activities in our world would be maintained by our community and used by our community and possibly provide a central collection point to obtain indication and warnings of the where, when, what, why and how of indiviudals or organization that may be of danger to us.
I see a number of hits on this item, thing or issue, should I be concerned? Could it be a warning? Sure it could be infiltrated but, who cares who reads it as long as those involved in the hobby are getting and sharing items of info to protect themselves. It could be any variation of the above suggested items. I doubt TER would want to do this but, for those that have the cyberspace expertise to develope this, it may be the beginning of a defense against those who would wish to harm us.
One of the reasons I never allowed these types of threads when I moderated was the potential to get TER in the trap of being accused of impeding an investigation or interfering with LE in the performance of their duties.
Remember, teh Supreme has just recently declared thet freedom of speech is not an absolute. You cannot act in a manner that might be construed as detrimental to the public welfare.
Regardless of your opinions about the leagality of the hobby, the laws currently say some of the fantasies reported on TER could be illegal activities if they actually occurred.
Work to legislate change, but don't try and break the law and claim your "civil rights."
As you know, I am aware of your not allowing certain items to be posted to the board. I have also already expressed my thoughts about that matter to you privately as well, as you may recall. Surfice it to say that you are no longer in the position to not allow postings on the board and I'm sure our current moderator will make those decisions and remove it if he see fit. I say that also because I believe you had your hands full and tried to do the best you could under the circumstances and I do understand your perpective even though I disagree but, maybe you had to deal with it too long. I doubt TER will be accused of impeding an investigation and accusation are not as weighty as full blown charges. I also do not believe TER would be charged for a any third party's expression either. Particularly when there, has in fact, been no breaking of any laws. Unless you have some distinct insight into the DA's planning for this, that and TER, you cannot know that. I doubt that having a data base of info would place TER in any position/trap. We all know TER would not do it anyway. But, others may consider it.
Even moderators cannot speak to the willingness of the person who can potentially be charged with any crime, fabricated or not. It is not up to the moderators to choose the level of risk for the person who will be charged with a crime. How would you like it if somebody asked you to do something that might be considered illegal with the rational of "It's a relatively minor offense?"
Anybody who feels that they can't post their opinions freely on this board is always welcome to be a pioneer and start a new board. Starting a new board is actually easy. Getting people to participate is something else.
I can't say that I always agree with the things that TER does but overall they have done much less censoring than the "Little Puppy" ever did. I am greatful for the open forum that TER provides as the flaws are minor compared to other forums.
-- Modified on 4/29/2003 10:36:45 PM
Yeah! That's fine too!
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