Posted on 08/14/2013 11:23:23 AM PDT by Responsibility2nd
Several residents at the “Garden of Eden” sustainability garden in Arlington, Texas, claim that local police raided their farm because they thought tomato plants were marijuana plants.
The police reportedly damaged the garden's property and the crops during the Aug. 2 raid, which included a SWAT team (video below).
“They came here under the guise that we were doing a drug trafficking, marijuana-growing operation. They destroyed everything,” said garden owner Shellie Smith to WFAA-TV.
Apparently, an undercover officer and a helicopter surveillance crew believed there was probable cause that the wrong kind of plant was being grown in the garden and an armed raid was planned.
“They can’t even tell the difference between tomato plants and a marijuana drug cartel," said farm resident Quinn Eaker to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. "That’s just really bad intel.”
According to the Garden of Eden's website, the raid lasted for an estimated 10 hours.
However, the City of Arlington stated: “No cultivated marijuana plants were located on the premises. Narcotics detectives and members of the tactical unit cleared the scene within 45 minutes.”
According to reports, police officers removed legally cultivated plants such as blackberries and okra. Police also removed pallets, tires and cardboard that were used for sustainability projects.
Instead of the damage done to the farm, police spokesman Christopher Cook seemed more concerned about the reaction on Facebook against the police.
“That’s what concerns me about their social media allegations," Cook told the Dallas Morning News. "Yes, they were initially handcuffed, however once it was determined it was secure they were taken out of handcuffs. Typically we wouldn’t do that, but they were compliant."
Sources: Dallas Morning News, WFAA-TV, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, IntoTheGardenofEden.com
“...First, they came for the tomato plants...”
It was, at that point in time, when the Great Vegetarian Orator, Heado Cabbage, stood up and said, in a deep, mellifluous voice:
“Lettuce Alone!!!”
Amen. I used to stand by them as they have a difficult/dangerous job, but boy, lately it's been getting REAL hard to do so.
From Atlas Shrugged, the classic:
"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."
Christ, I thought it was fiction.
“..political tool to punish political enemies.”
Well, it’s not without precedent, that’s for sure.
Goering used the Prussian political police to go after enemies of the Nazis. They became the basis for the Gestapo, which ultimately was the combination of ALL of the German State police forces from the various states (Hesse, Bavaria, Prussia, etc.).
In a power struggle between Goerng and Himmler, Himmler became head of the Gestapo eventually, since they were a direct part of the larger SS / SD (SicherheitsDienst - Internal Security forces, militarized police) organization. But it was Goering that set it up initially and cut them loose on people. And they were used ruhtlessly against all political opponents of the National Socialists.
What’s happening here? Is it similar? Sure seems so sometimes.
Check Edward Cranskshaw’s book “GESTAPO: Instrument of Tyranny” (1956). It’s frightening how many similarities you can see.
I’ll check my library for it.
I know the L.A. County Sheriff goes after political enemies, as one he went after is a good friend of mine.
ROFLMSS!!!!
Good one :-)
“...Christ, I thought it was fiction...”
Nope.
The left used “Atlas Shrugged” as an Operation Manual.
Same as they did with Orwell’s “1984”.
The real cause of our situation is that our side - or those whom we thought were guarding the gate - didn’t listen or believe them.
When the commie POSs tell you they’re going to do something to you, it’s wise to take them at their word. It may take them a generation or so, but they will get around to it.
I wish our side had that kind of staying power.
Yup!
A conservative views politics as a necessary evil.
A communist views politics as their BIBLE.
This is how we are getting skunked, and may have to duke it out with them for REAL.
Not only have I never had one, I've never even heard of them. I'm kinda partial to the ones we grow here on the Eastern Shore :-)
It goes well beyond politics. We have government of the lawyers, by the lawyers, and for the lawyers. Every new law is a make work project for lawyers, and they take care of their own interest.
“..A conservative views politics as a necessary evil...”
THIS conservative views politics as “war by other means”.
Like Von Clausewitz said, only in reverse.
And our compatriots and allies damn well better start too. It’s too late in the game for Hoyles Rules of the Game.
Time to get out Sun Tzu “Art of War”.
So you have chosen to allow them to corrupt the language? Sorry, but I will not.
Too bad you don't know many gardeners around you, you may need to find better living conditions.
I’m with you, brother.
I would never turn down a good tomato sandwich from the Eastern Shore. I am sure they are most excellent, but the ones grown in & around Hanover are to die for when they are in season.
“...We have government of the lawyers, ...”
Yes, but it’s all still politics. Manipulation of public opinion, getting voted into positions where they CAN make laws and use them as weapons.
It’s all part of it. Is it too late to work within the system? I don’t know. We still have good people out there (LtC Alan west, Mike Lee, Louie Gohmert, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, etc.) who are working within the system.
It’s broke, but it still isn’t beyond repair.
you may need to find better living conditions.
I live in the mountains and haul drinking water like most. Gardening takes lots of water. It is a lot more peaceful and quite here than in the flatland hustle and bustle.
I will take your word for it. That is a part of Virginia I’ve never been to :-(
It's going to cost them a lot more once they win the lawsuit against these coptards.
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