D.C. cops going door to door: We’d like your guns, please
posted at 5:45 pm on March 24, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Via HMJ, I trust, with blind faith, that this has nothing to do with the minor matter that handgun ownership may be a full-fledged constitutional right in the District within three months.
D.C. police are going door-to-door Monday in one of the city’s crime-plagued neighborhoods, asking residents for permission to search their homes for guns and other illegal contraband.
The program, called the Safe Homes Initiative, will offer homeowners and renters limited amnesty for possessing any contraband found by police.
The program is aimed at removing guns and drugs kept by children and young adults in their parents’ homes. The homeowners will be asked to sign a form, consenting to the search…
Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry supports the initiative’s aims, but has some problems with it.
“I don’t understand it. In fact we will fight against it until we find out what will be the end point,” says Barry. “That’s a parental responsibility. Not the government’s responsibility to know what kids are doing, when they come home, who their friends are and what they have in the house.”
Out of the mouths of crackheads. Veteran HA readers may recall that we’ve been over this ground before. Are the searches constitutional? Answer: Damn skippy if consent is given and we’re only talking about adults, but follow the link for some potentially complicating factors about searching kids’ rooms, even with parental consent. Exit question: Why, with the Supremes leaning towards blessing firearm possession, would anyone aware of his rights be intimidated by a gun grab now? Like the lady says, albeit on a different note, “Ain’t nobody in their right mind going to let them in to the house for guns, drugs, nothing.”
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You’re on FIRE today Allah, thanks for the laughs!
omnipotent on March 24, 2008 at 5:48 PM
If you don’t consent to a search, do you get put on some sort of list?
CP on March 24, 2008 at 5:50 PM
It is official, the new ice age cometh. Hell has frozen over… I agree with Marion (B*tch set me up” Barry
Wyrd on March 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Marion Barry is no doubt worried that HIS house will be searched.
Safe Homes Initiative Terror.
MrScribbler on March 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Beat me to it.
NTWR on March 24, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Why don’t they stop D.C. motorists and ask them to voluntarily give up their cell phones?
(Because guns don’t kill people…drivers with cell phones kill people.)
CyberCipher on March 24, 2008 at 5:55 PM
CP on March 24, 2008 at 5:50 PM
wouldn’t doubt it
drift on March 24, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Or Meth Heads, or Pot Heads, or Crank Heads, or X Heads, or Roid Heads, or.. or… or…. does it matter what kinda wacked out head(s) we are talking about?
upinak on March 24, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Bingo. And the DC meter maids have a quota, even though it has long been denied that there is one.
I would in no way trust any part of the DC government.
rbj on March 24, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Why would anyone in their right mind trust anyone else in that dreadful city? Only 2 kinds of people there, politicians and crooks and they are interchangeable.
Wade on March 24, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Hell yes you do. A JBT is a JBT, and telling them no today just means they’ll be back in some other form tomorrow. Google Matthew Corwin or even Randy Weaver. All the more reason to know ALL your rights and tread close to, but never ever across “the line”.
steadyrock on March 24, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Does this mean that Alex Jones has been right all along??
You can check out “Police State!” - as well as some other extremely entertaining offerings from Mr. Jones on Youtube.
Any guy willing to espouse controversial and conspiratorial views via a bullhorn is alright in my book.
Dorvillian on March 24, 2008 at 6:00 PM
I’m guessing the average D.C. resident doesn’t keep up with current affairs much.
Enrique on March 24, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Google Marion Barry
TexasDan on March 24, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I’m sorry officer, I’m not the owner of this house, ergo I cannot consent to a search of the premises, perhaps you’d like to try back in 3-5 years when the owner of the house is available?
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on March 24, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Because DC makes more money by making it illegal talking while on a cell phone without a hands-free device.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 6:11 PM
That about covers it.
Zorro on March 24, 2008 at 6:16 PM
TexasDan on March 24, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I don’t need to, I have my “own” druggie in my family. Why the heck do I want marion?
upinak on March 24, 2008 at 6:17 PM
D.C. Criminal: O.k. this home is safe, no gun, let`s go!
ThePrez on March 24, 2008 at 6:23 PM
They’re counting on the uncertainty to intimidate people into giving permission.
TooTall on March 24, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Wasn’t it Benjamin Franklin who wrote, “Only guilty people deny authorities permission to search their homes.” Well, I might be wrong about that, but didn’t Jefferson say something to the affect that, “Freedom and liberty must be severely restricted and periodic searches of residences are required to maintain the safety of peoples homes.”
Eh, maybe I’m thinking of two other guys. Yeah, probably.
FloatingRock on March 24, 2008 at 6:34 PM
How about searching houses for bicycles? Those people up there on their bicycles think they own the road and don’t have to stop for red lights! I’ve almost ran into or almost been run into by these people! Maybe I should shoot out the tires…
SouthernGent on March 24, 2008 at 6:35 PM
The simple answer to this stupid ant-gun thing (aren’t they all stupid) is to pretend that you aren’t home and not answer the knock on the door. It works for salespeople so why not for cops and others as well.
docdave on March 24, 2008 at 6:35 PM
It will be real interesting if the SCOTUS rules in favor of an individual right to keep and bear arms.
I think back to when I moved to Massachusetts and brought my shotgun there (I shoot skeet and trap). I didn’t get caught with it, but remember my college roomate going ape thinking HE could get busted for it. I also remember having to hire an attorney to write a letter to the local police chief so I could get a Firearms ID card (just to buy ammunition).
I’m looking forward to a good ruling and to watching Teddy Kennedy get his dander up!
FloridaBill on March 24, 2008 at 6:36 PM
A gun or drug surrender/amnesty program is one thing…but this is really taking it to the limits of Constitutionality. Just on principle, I would never allow a search like this.
JetBoy on March 24, 2008 at 6:44 PM
I’m with you on legality, but I still hate it. A lot of people are stupid, and don’t know their rights, and are afraid of standing up to a police officer to assert those rights. See also the Katrina aftermath where the cops beat up an old lady because she had a gun in her house. If she’d told them f*** off in the first place, she could have avoided the confrontation.
Mark Jaquith on March 24, 2008 at 6:47 PM
“That’s a parental responsibility. Not the government’s responsibility to know what kids are doing …”
Wait … Marion Barry said THAT?! Wow. I expect the moonbats to attack him for this any minute now. Crack, hookers, coruption … no problem, but parental responsibility? That’s a big no-no!
Tony737 on March 24, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Get off my porch and out of my Constitutional Rights!
No other reply is worthy of an American.
profitsbeard on March 24, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I have no problem with taking guns away from criminals, and this is D.C. we’re talkin’ about here. How many law abiding citizens actually live there?
Isn’t it already illegal to own a gun in D.C.? That’s why it’s got the highest crime rate in the nation. Normal people can’t defend themselves.
Tony737 on March 24, 2008 at 6:56 PM
I don’t see what all the fuss is about! Look at New Orleans. Those folks were much safer when they had their legal guns taken away! Besides they’ve all got them back now…don’t they? You should always trust the government, they’re smarter than us and have our best interests at heart. Sheesh you guys overract to every thing. “Sarcasm definitely NOT off!”
Oldnuke on March 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Tony my friend it is not DC (or NY’s) fault. You see they have this place called Virginia, where criminals come in stolen trucks break in and steal the firearms and go back to DC.
If places like Virginia Arms did not exist then all of their problems would be solved and they would have a 0% crime rate.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 7:08 PM
ops forgot
Full Disclosure: I purchased my first firearm from Virginia Arms
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 7:11 PM
From what I’ve seen in other threads on this site about drug legalisation, I bet some of them post on here!!
tx2654 on March 24, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Of course, it’s always someone else to blame for all their problems. They are after all a bastion of Democratic integrity and a virtual utopia. How could it be anything but outside influence causing all their woes.
Oldnuke on March 24, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Blame Canada
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Marion Barry said something that makes sense?!
I think a monkey just flew out of my butt.
infidel4life on March 24, 2008 at 7:49 PM
“GOD……..GUTS…….and…………………………………………………………………………………. GUNS”…….
awesum on March 24, 2008 at 7:49 PM
You would be surprised how many people don’t know their rights. People consent to searches ALL THE TIME. If you don’t believe me, watch an episode of COPS.
Don’t believe everything you read.
All Americans should be outraged by this program lest we forget Dartmouth’s Orders to Gage and what really started the Revolutionary War. Thanks Allah for reporting this.
bigbeas on March 24, 2008 at 7:49 PM
I can’t wait for the free TV and web cam combo offers from the DC Police Home Safety Initiative. One in every room! Yaaayyy!
ronsfi on March 24, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Sign a form giving consent to search my house?
Sorry, I’d be laughing too hard to sign my name.
Hollowpoint on March 24, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Did Barry say what I thought I read he said? I am speechless!
build the wall on March 24, 2008 at 8:00 PM
A mam with a rifle is a citizen. A man without one is a subject.
Word.
We once were, and by rights ought to still be, a nation of riflemen. Hopefully, in a few month’s time, we will be once more upon the path to a well-armed citizenry, with the government put on notice that it SHALL respect the constitution, and that whatever power it enjoys rests soley upon the consent of the governed.
AW1 Tim on March 24, 2008 at 8:00 PM
They should all be tased first… for their own safety.
ronsfi on March 24, 2008 at 8:04 PM
I wonder if you refuse consent, and tell the cops at your door to go pound sand and goose-step the hell off your property, if they’ll add you to a non-compliance “list”. Or, a list of “persons of interest”. And if they’ll keep that list for “future reference”.
Cancer starts with one solitary cell. Then it spreads to the adjacent cells. Then it spreads throughout the body from cell to cell to cell if left unchecked.
If the Supremes do the unthinkable, and D.C. cops get their way, it’ll be coming to your home and mine. Who knows, maybe in our lifetimes, if not our children’s, there will not be a consent form… in the name of the liberals for the Public’s Good!
SilverStar830 on March 24, 2008 at 8:14 PM
“Your papers are NOT in order…”
AmericanDad on March 24, 2008 at 8:15 PM
One more thing…
The Barney Frank MJ Decriminalization thread has 363 comments. This one has a whole 44 so far.
Where is the outrage?
This is mind boggling.
SilverStar830 on March 24, 2008 at 8:16 PM
unofficial of course.
allrsn on March 24, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Because the people who got searched live in the ghetto, that’s why.
mram on March 24, 2008 at 8:28 PM
If this is “aimed at residents who want to cooperate with police”, won’t the residents readily cooperate by turning the guns in themselves if they own any, without the police invading their homes and searching it, and search their own home for hidden guns that “their children” may have in the home and turn them in?
What a crock!
SilverStar830 on March 24, 2008 at 8:31 PM
I love the PC names they give these “initiatives”
Jack booted thug comes to my door for my gun… he’s gonna get some… then they can pry it from my dead paws..
Viper1 on March 24, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Well, if they come for mine I will give it to them. Bullets first of course.
boomer on March 24, 2008 at 8:37 PM
When they get to the homes of congressman & other government officials they will ask if we can look in your freezers!
wepeople on March 24, 2008 at 8:42 PM
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Are they going to be knocking on townhome doors in Georgetown, as well as apartments in the NE quarter? Just sayin…
JetBoy on March 24, 2008 at 8:58 PM
HA!
I can see DC police knocking on the doors of a $750,000 to 1.4 million dollar Georgetown home asking can we come in and search? You bet that is going to happen.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Complete BS, if they came to my house, I’d smile, laugh, say FU, and shut the door.
With that said: this is what happens in the Nanny State… Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of liberals.
They should knock on Senator Webb’s office door and ask to search. You know he has one. Oh wait that’s legal, US Senators are above the laws they pass.
m1a1usmc on March 24, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Sen Webb should not have one, he left it in a paper bag, and sent his aide to fetch it for him.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 9:45 PM
What the DC cops are doing is just plain WRONG and should be stopped. The residents need to file arrest warrants with the FBI for civil rights violations, if the Maryland state government doesn’t call it off.
dogsoldier on March 24, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Er,make that file complaints…
dogsoldier on March 24, 2008 at 9:58 PM
No rights violated. They’re not busting down doors but knocking and asking permission. It’s still wrong but I don’t see anything illegal.
It’s the D.C. City Government not Maryland State.
Oldnuke on March 24, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Perfectly legal to ask to search for weapons, no problems with it. Its when they don’t ask….
They do it all the time at routine traffic stops.
EricPWJohnson on March 24, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Does “crime-plagued neighborhood” mean housing project or welfare housing?
If it does, the government should (be able to) go in every damn day anytime they want to check for guns, drugs, cable TV, $200 a pair tennis shoes, x Boxes, cigarettes, alcohol, expensive furniture or food and confiscate it. In fact I wish they’d do this to make sure my tax dollars aren’t being wasted.
If it is not welfare housing I know what I’d do if a cop showed up at my door asking to search for guns. It’d be a short conversation ending with a slammed door.
BowHuntingTexas on March 24, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Someone had better tell the dumbass Chief of Police in DC to start reading case law on warrantless searches. HINT for the Chief Dumb Ass, it’s under “reasonable expectation of privacy”. AND IT ALSO APPLIES TO CHILDREN you stupid shit!
D.C. has got to have one of the most incompetent PD’s in the US. But what can you expect when mediocrity is the norm? Here’s a thought, let’s LOWER THE BAR again and see how many more “qualified candidates” we can get for police officer.
GarandFan on March 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM
“search their own home for hidden guns that “their children” may have in the home and turn them in?” Yep, poor ol’ Grandma’s going to go through her 19-year-old drooling gorilla of a grandson’s room and give his guns to the po-lice. Recipe for a dead Grandma…
GeneSmith on March 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Comment of the Day&trade
steveegg on March 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM
They are not doing warrantless searches. (aka New Orleans)
Go through the HA link posted by Allah this ground has already been covered.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I hate it when I forget a character. That should have been Comment of the Day™
steveegg on March 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM
This is chilling, voluntary or not.
How long before it becomes compulsory?
Dave R. on March 24, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Just ask New Orleans, so far the courts have said no to the actions NO took, however very little have gotten their guns back.
F15Mech on March 24, 2008 at 11:50 PM
What is going to be HILARIOUS is watching the gun grabbers and drive by media (same thing) squirm when gun ownership becomes legal and skyrockets and the crime rate plummets. How are gonna ’splain THAT one?
darwin-t on March 24, 2008 at 11:53 PM
I’d be much more upset if I didn’t think that Washington DC was a completely lost cause already, deserving of the Ripley Solution.
Putting aside me being a jerk ; When this comes to a “real” State, (and it will) I will be more outraged.
Hopefully this is just them trying to get their licks in before the SC does the right thing on the 2nd Amendment case it is working on.
LegendHasIt on March 25, 2008 at 1:07 AM
In the area that I live in, guns are mandatory. For existence, that is.
Johan Klaus on March 25, 2008 at 1:19 AM
Erm…Do they actually buy such things?
OldEnglish on March 25, 2008 at 1:34 AM
F15Mech
“They are not doing warrantless searches. (aka New Orleans)
Go through the HA link posted by Allah this ground has already been covered.”
Excuse me; if a cop does not have a warrant to search, but asks for and receives lawful permission to do so, it’s referred to as “a warrantless search”.
GarandFan on March 25, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Damn you are right my apologies.
I crossed terms regarding searches without a warrant and cops just busting in with no justification
F15Mech on March 25, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Meanwhile, three people are robbed, raped and murdered across town.
labrat on March 25, 2008 at 4:38 AM
You must be from the West Bank…of New Orleans that is.
labrat on March 25, 2008 at 4:44 AM
no, it just means they’ll ask their neighbor to call in a phony complaint on you, lest they get the same treatment, so they can storm in anyway.
MannyT-vA on March 25, 2008 at 6:33 AM
Hmmm. people’s Fourth Amendment rights being violated by a system of “societal pressure” to conform to the government’s edicts.
So, where’s the ACLU?
Oh, right. They only go to bat for people exercising rights they approve of.
My mistake.
/sarc off
cheers
eon
eon on March 25, 2008 at 7:13 AM
Gun control was one of the tenets of racial suppression earlier in the last century. When one could defend yourself against the KKK trying to lynch you with personal firearms, you got your personal firearm rights taken away through legalized “gun confiscation” aka “gun control.”
Same thing in D.C. Suppress the disgruntled masses (who may have personal firearm for protection from the unrestrained criminals thanks to ineffective police forces) by disarming them so they can’t rise up against you.
The government will take all things away from you so they can be the sole source of security, health, and as much prosperity as they deem you worthy to have (the elite ruling class and their like-minded celebrity buddies being exempt, naturally).
Neo on March 25, 2008 at 9:10 AM
I’m from DC, and yes… guns are mandatory. illegal or not.
flipflopper on March 25, 2008 at 9:45 AM
The reason you were told to google him is because the joke Allah made was in specific reference to Marion Barry, not all druggies in general. The man was arrested on drug charges, served six months in jail, and was still elected again not long after getting out.
And this pretty much sums up my opinion on the subject. If the people in DC don’t bother to know their own rights and refuse searches, then it’s their problem, not the government’s. And to those who talk about an unofficial list, DC wouldn’t bother with a list if all the residents refused to be searched.
This seems to fall under the rule of “so long as you’re living under my roof…”
I wouldn’t go so far as to include wreckless spending in a search, but I can’t disagree with the premise of having a stake in knowing who is breaking the law while living off of taxpayer funds.
Esthier on March 25, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Aren’t we told everyday that the reason the Muslim Terrorists hate us is because of our Freedom?
KMC1 on March 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM