Well the situation with Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover’s comments about “your rights are suspended” has continued from a simmer to a slow boil. There are several blogs and forums that have now caught on, and it was even on the Moon Griffon Radio Show (about 1 hr 5 mins into mp3).
KTBS Channel 3 ran a story on it including a sort-of retraction from Mayor Glover. The funny thing is that Glover tries to say he was taken out of context. That’s absurd! You can read the full text and watch the full conversation for yourself.
One of the problems is that Shreveport Mayor Glover assumes that Robert Baillio’s weapon was on his person. We all know what happens when we “assume” something right?
Glover: I also know that my right to continue to holster my pistol or otherwise have it within my reach and control has been suspended in the interest of my safety, the officers and the public.
Source: http://www.votetherecord.com/?p=1577
If you read Glover’s response to Matt with VoteTheRecord.com, you can see that Mayor Cedric Glover is also very arrogant. “Flair for the dramatic…”? Give me a break. That is borderline elitism.
As you can see in the police video, the officer went to Robert’s truck, performed an illegal search and seizure and confiscated a weapon that was not easily within Robert’s reach nor on his person. The officer’s politeness and demeanor are not the issue, although his handling of discharging live ammo on the street should be. The issue is the Shreveport Mayor’s policy – one that Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover states repeatedly is explained to each and every officer.
I was in Academy Sports a few days ago buying some .223 ammo and started discussing the issue with one of the gun counter guys. We had a nice discussion, but this guy stated “I’m kinda comfortable with seizing weapons in the interest of getting the drug dealers.” I almost went into shock. Do what? That is a very dangerous path to travel!
Many of the posts and comments on this issue are missing the bigger point – INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS and ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE.
As a glaring example, you can see in this highlight of the Shreveport Police Procedure SPD 602.03 – officers are required to “Immediately identify yourself and advise the driver of the reason for the stop.”
The officer clearly did not do this as the video shows. He first asked about weapons, for no apparent reason other than some pro-gun bumper stickers, then approached the truck, and illegally searched and seized the weapon. As much as I hate to say it, sounds like Robert needs to contact the ACLU on this one.
In the end, Glover is starting to get a lot of heat on this issue, and I hope it continues to increase. We simply cannot have a mayor of any city whose line of thinking is so flawed, and he won’t admit his mistake.
The next Shreveport Mayoral Election is in 2010. Time to make Cedric Glover a one-term mayor. Time for citizens to stand up for our rights.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is not the first nor, will it be the last we see or hear of how Government is working to suspend our rights FOREVER.
Here is a link that will make you think, is it happening or not? Yet our Government would never do these things cause they have our best interests at heart, link below "Terror Storm"
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5948263607579389947&ei=OexQSsbEB5GYrQKg4fCvDg&q=terror+storm&hl=en&client=firefox-a
Look at what happened in the UK dealing with firearms. Mainly due to apathy. The lack of interestc or caring and now no firearms can be owned they turned in all their firearms in many priceless antiques, gone forever.
In the above link to video you will hear a woman say its okay to give up some liberties to keep your freedom liberty is freedom. Look at the UK's crime rate after the population surrendered their firearms. It Skyrocketed.
If we let these changes happen we are in trouble. Oboma and some of his cronies are working to stop our right to firearms. Gunshows, private persons selling firearms to private citizens.
Look through history to see what happened to the masses when firearms were collected….
Bilkii
"That is a very dangerous path to travel!"
Indeed it is. I tried explaining this to some people when the so called Patriot Act was passed and the FBI was given the power to issue their own search warrants – without a judge.
I had a family member tell me 'I don't care if they come in my house, I have nothing to hide.'
Love 'em, but want to strangle 'em.
It is the PRINCIPLE that must be defended. Never mind the present circumstances. Read the founding fathers!
I happen to know Mr. Ballilo and know he tells the truth. Mr. Glover has become cocky,and believes what he says is the law. It is the law as he wants to make it. The policeman did not follow proper procedure . Even some one as uneducated as me can tell that from the videos. Come on people, and lets make a difference this year by getting rid of all these politicians who are in it for their own selfish gain and care nothing about the rights of the average person. Lets clean house,each election time, and maybe God will show His favor on this our nation once more.
We need to spread the word. Let everyone know what happened and point them to the information. Anyone that listens to Glover say “rights are suspended” will be outraged.