I’m going to post this with no comment and just see how it plays out in the comments section. I have strong feelings, though (H/T Guy Benson’s Twitter feed):
The pole is on road-right-of-way. He was notified to move it by certified mail. He didn't. They did. He's the problem. Why should this individual be able to steal state property for a basketball goal?
Probably paid for by stimulus funds, right? Because in the middle of a budget crisis, SURELY the horribly-strapped city government wouldn't use its own scarce dollars on something like this operation?
I feel incredibly frustrated just watching this, as does anyone, I'm sure, who has ever dealt with stone-faced, power mad bureaucrats. This is why every American should want government at all levels involved in our lives as little as possible.
P.S. I hope the official is punished in some way for blatantly lying to the man, on camera no less!
As horrifying as the rest of the video was, I have to admit what bothered me most was that a state police officer responded to the scene in a sweatsuit. Nothing says "trained professional" like over-sized workout clothes.
One of the few videos you watch that leave you stumped - speechless. Swear words, epithets, fantasies of revolution -- all of these things come to mind. I'd be truly impressed by the person who has the composure and presence of mind to be able to form a coherent, incisive, scathing thought-response within 2 mins of watching this nonsense. You can only sit back and wonder where the hell this country's gone.
At first, I thought this was an elaborate "Onion News" Hoax. And then, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a DE St. Trooper with his proverbial 1/4 gallon "cowboy" hat on. And it got more real-feeling. And then there was that undergrad-looking chick in the hoody doin' all the enforcin'. And then I went back to Onion Hoax. And then, I berated myself for being a se_ist [harboring "bias against women"]!
NOW: I totally don't know what to make of this. And the reason is because I cannot fathom a DOT acting in that manner and/or for that purpose, or for any government legislature to legislate these actions on the part of the bureaucrats.
I just cannot fathom it's real. See, in real life, SOMEONE surely would have proposed where the government could put that big metal pole! And no such offer was ever made!
In other words, the sickening nature of a government acting that way leads me to believe (because I must to retain sanity) that this was a made-up stream of events.
But it's becoming increasingly difficult to deny the very real possibilities and every-day real examples of the government at all levels acting just this way.
Sad, is it not, that we can't all just exclaim, "Good video, man! It almost felt real!"
Does this woman, presumably a state employee, think she is this guy's mother? Telling him to go into the house and telling him not "to taunt" the workers? Has she never heard of the First Amendment? Regardless of the validity of the "right of way" issue, this is the nanny state, we know best, sit down and shut up at its finest.
Private property doesn't mean anything when the government is nannying you for your own good. Light bulbs, dishwashing detergent with phosphorous, standard flow toilets, high-capacity magazines, childrens toys with miniscule amounts of lead, I can't wait to find out what is next.
Sad but happening all over America. The rule of the Nanny-State. I wouldn't have moved the car. If my locality wants to work on the street, they have to post it and prevent the parking through signage, meter covers, etc. I would have just stayed in the house. The contents of the certified letter would be nice to know. As far as the complaining neighbor, they would never be able to grow grass of flowers as long as I had Round-Up.
I feel for that couple--I have been on the receiving end of that patronizing, remonstrating police voice. Immune to reason or common sense, implacable in intention and completely oblivious to the idea of serving the citizen. Is there a link to the backstory?
Quite the dillemma, he will have to choose between his two only priorities in life (basketball and enforcing a overbearing nanny state).
On another note, it's sad to see how far Delware has fallen. From being to the first state to ratify the Constitution to becoming a borderline police state that elects bearded marxists.
Unbelieveable. We used to be able to count on even bureacrats to be individual members of the community and thus to be reasonable, now it is just exercise of raw power. The citizens need to make these officials accountable and have their jobs.
I hope the couple put up another basketball hoop just inside the easement, on their property--just as a big FU to the city and to the anonymous complainant. Heck, I'd put up five or six, just to drive the neighbor who complained bonkers.
@JWAL11 > The pole is on road-right-of-way
I would agree with except the pole had been there 60 years. At some point the Doctrine of Laches has to come into play.
Of course, I am sure Laches doesn't come into play against the government.
I can think of one place I'd like to put that pole.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThe pole is on road-right-of-way. He was notified to move it by certified mail. He didn't. They did. He's the problem. Why should this individual be able to steal state property for a basketball goal?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseProbably paid for by stimulus funds, right? Because in the middle of a budget crisis, SURELY the horribly-strapped city government wouldn't use its own scarce dollars on something like this operation?
What a crock!!!!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI feel incredibly frustrated just watching this, as does anyone, I'm sure, who has ever dealt with stone-faced, power mad bureaucrats. This is why every American should want government at all levels involved in our lives as little as possible.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseP.S. I hope the official is punished in some way for blatantly lying to the man, on camera no less!
As horrifying as the rest of the video was, I have to admit what bothered me most was that a state police officer responded to the scene in a sweatsuit. Nothing says "trained professional" like over-sized workout clothes.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOne of the few videos you watch that leave you stumped - speechless. Swear words, epithets, fantasies of revolution -- all of these things come to mind. I'd be truly impressed by the person who has the composure and presence of mind to be able to form a coherent, incisive, scathing thought-response within 2 mins of watching this nonsense. You can only sit back and wonder where the hell this country's gone.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOK, Jonah:
At first, I thought this was an elaborate "Onion News" Hoax. And then, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a DE St. Trooper with his proverbial 1/4 gallon "cowboy" hat on. And it got more real-feeling. And then there was that undergrad-looking chick in the hoody doin' all the enforcin'. And then I went back to Onion Hoax. And then, I berated myself for being a se_ist [harboring "bias against women"]!
NOW: I totally don't know what to make of this. And the reason is because I cannot fathom a DOT acting in that manner and/or for that purpose, or for any government legislature to legislate these actions on the part of the bureaucrats.
I just cannot fathom it's real. See, in real life, SOMEONE surely would have proposed where the government could put that big metal pole! And no such offer was ever made!
In other words, the sickening nature of a government acting that way leads me to believe (because I must to retain sanity) that this was a made-up stream of events.
But it's becoming increasingly difficult to deny the very real possibilities and every-day real examples of the government at all levels acting just this way.
Sad, is it not, that we can't all just exclaim, "Good video, man! It almost felt real!"
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseDoes this woman, presumably a state employee, think she is this guy's mother? Telling him to go into the house and telling him not "to taunt" the workers? Has she never heard of the First Amendment? Regardless of the validity of the "right of way" issue, this is the nanny state, we know best, sit down and shut up at its finest.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"They'll lay it in your driveway."
Felt like watching someone shoot the family dog. My stomach hurts.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbusePrivate property doesn't mean anything when the government is nannying you for your own good. Light bulbs, dishwashing detergent with phosphorous, standard flow toilets, high-capacity magazines, childrens toys with miniscule amounts of lead, I can't wait to find out what is next.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSad but happening all over America. The rule of the Nanny-State. I wouldn't have moved the car. If my locality wants to work on the street, they have to post it and prevent the parking through signage, meter covers, etc. I would have just stayed in the house. The contents of the certified letter would be nice to know. As far as the complaining neighbor, they would never be able to grow grass of flowers as long as I had Round-Up.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseFirst they came for the basketball hoops, and I didn't say anything because I didn't play basketball...
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI feel for that couple--I have been on the receiving end of that patronizing, remonstrating police voice. Immune to reason or common sense, implacable in intention and completely oblivious to the idea of serving the citizen. Is there a link to the backstory?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI wonder which side Obama is on?
Quite the dillemma, he will have to choose between his two only priorities in life (basketball and enforcing a overbearing nanny state).
On another note, it's sad to see how far Delware has fallen. From being to the first state to ratify the Constitution to becoming a borderline police state that elects bearded marxists.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseTo the barricades, I think.
It should become much less attractive to be a public employee.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseUnbelieveable. We used to be able to count on even bureacrats to be individual members of the community and thus to be reasonable, now it is just exercise of raw power. The citizens need to make these officials accountable and have their jobs.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI hope the couple put up another basketball hoop just inside the easement, on their property--just as a big FU to the city and to the anonymous complainant. Heck, I'd put up five or six, just to drive the neighbor who complained bonkers.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"The insolence of office."
Blondie reminds me of Faida Hamdi. She desperately needs, at minimum, a good humiliating firing. In fact, I demand it.
Free Americans should never tolerate such insolence from minor functionaries.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse@JWAL11 > The pole is on road-right-of-way
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI would agree with except the pole had been there 60 years. At some point the Doctrine of Laches has to come into play.
Of course, I am sure Laches doesn't come into play against the government.
Link to the story here: External Link
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse