Drivers of White Vans are being treated as criminals

Vanity | Self

[SamAdams76]

The photos above currently on the Drudge site concern me. I followed the link and the article clearly stated that nobody was arrested last night.

Why then, do we have drivers of white vans, innocent civilians, evidently being pulled out vans at gunpoint and treated like dangerous criminals? One photo shows a man on the ground, evidently in handcuffs, with police officers standing over him as though they have just captured Whitey Bulger. When I first saw the photo, I figured the man was obviously a wanted criminal that police just so happened to come across during their search. But since there were no arrests last night, this man was obviously released and was no criminal after all.

The other photo shows a man by another white van with his hands in the air and a police officer has a gun drawn on him. Again, this was evidently just another innocent civilian who had the misfortune to be driving a white van on I-95 last night.

Now I understand the need for these roadblocks and for the police to be very thorough in their search for the sniper(s). But I cannot see the point of innocent people dragged out of their vehicles at gunpoint with no pretext other than the fact that they happen to be driving a white van.

Now maybe somebody here has an explanation why these two individuals were treated like criminals. Maybe they tried to evade the police or maybe they were driving stolen vans. But again, there were no arrests made last night. So what is the deal with our citizens being treated like Jesse James just for driving a white van?

[TankerKC]

Are you suggesting that you are more of a gentleman than I? That’s just plain mean. I think I’m going to cry. My finger is on the Abuse button—please, oh please, won’t some other Freeper talk me down from this. I…I…sniff, sniff…Waaaaa! Meowaaaaaaaa! That’s it, now I’m crying, you cyber-bully.

[You Gotta Be Kidding Me]

It sure does. I've seen law enforcement in (in)action. It's not a pretty sight and it sure doesn't give me the "warm fuzzys".

"WHAT?!!! Someone's shooting people??? Set up more speed traps and write some tickets!!!"

[bvw]

hysterical Americans

Make that: "hysterical female Americans"!

Men know enough to stand up for freedom, and let ploice know politely but firmly that this is a chinese-fire-drill abuse of police discretion.

(PS. BY "female", I mean female in archtype characteristic, as opposed to actual sex. The female archtype has many characteristics, some good, some bad. "Female hysteria" is one oldie but goodie. The male archtype has a different set of yet equal number of negative characteristics.

And by "Men who stand up" I include both men and women who stand up for their self-respect, rights and God-granted freedoms.)

[bvw]

"Essential" also implies that freedom and liberty are a grant to each individual from the Creator and not to be allowed to be taken away lightly -- to do so can in circimstances amount to a dimunation of appreciation for God.

[bvw]

"The one on the left defiantly has a ladder rack"

While I belive you meant definite, it's more true this way! Today a citizen is defiant for driving a whote van with a ladder rack. What will it be tomorrow?

[redrock]

"The militia is all able bodied men 18 to 40 something that are activated by Congress or by the individual state governors whose sole purpose is to quell civil insurrection."

LOL!!!!....you took that one out of the Democrat's version...didn't ya.

redrock

[bvw]

There is always some temporary crisis.

[B Knotts]

It was an illustration. You know, illustrating absurdity by being absurd. It was merely to make my central point, which really should not be controversial: that felony stop procedures do, in fact, endanger the lives and safety of innocent vehicle occupants moreso than other types of contact.

That's all I'm trying to say. Well, that, and that for that reason, it should be used sparingly. Yes, it does enhance the safety of police officers, but as important as that is, the safety of the public is paramount, and too broad an application of felony stop procedures would compromise the latter goal, in favor of the former.

Now, as it turns out, the white van thing might be irrelevant after all, as it seems the sniper may be bicycling to his getaway vehicle.

[Howlin]

LOL!

[Howlin]

Yes, it would!

[Clovis_Skeptic]

Let's say there was a bank robbery and a witness says that the robber was wearing a blue shirt. Does this mean that the police should go house to house, dragging out at gunpoint any occupant who happens to be wearing a blue shirt that day?

I remember reading about a case in Australia, where police were asking all men in one part of town to voluntarily provide a dna sample, to help police solve a murder.

In other words, "would you like to prove yourself innocent?"

[RedBloodedAmerican]

But I cannot see the point of innocent people dragged out of their vehicles at gunpoint with no pretext other than the fact that they happen to be driving a white van.

I think you ignore the fact that the sniper suspect(s) are alledged to be driving a white van. So the statement "with no pretext other than the fact that they happen to be driving a white van" is not right.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Gee, nunya, I agree with you.

I think the law enforcement agencies should stand along the side of the road with a sign that reads

IF YOU ARE THE SNIPER, PLEASE PULL OVER HERE ---->

I think that will work much better. Along with Moose asking them to call back, this place will be safe again in no time! Nice conclusion, nunya.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

These are people who are just rebellious to any authority. Don't let it bother you ;o)

[BSunday]

I used to drive a white Dodge Ram 3500, and I felt like the dealer who sold it to me was the real criminal. I think this kind of thing should be done to whoever sells anyone a white Chrysler product. Maybe Chevys too, but not Fords.

[Mo1]

BTW .. Fox News is reporting a Swat Team is surrounding a phone both in VA

[1Old Pro]

Imagine if they had gun fingerprinting.....

ALL legal gunowners would be treated as criminals.

[Velveeta]

Man in *white van* arrested. Let's hope they got the guy!

[SamAdams76]

Let's hope this is one of them. If so, it will be great news. I will also be surprised if this only turns out to be one guy. I hope nobody lets their guard down for a while because there may still be more out there.

[Iron Eagle]

Thanks. I agree. Certainly these folks have the right to have an opinion, but I would feel much better if some of these opinions were informed. The problem, of course, is that some of these folks simply don't have the cognitive ability to peel back issues and truly analyze them. The are the consumers of sound byte hysteria TV. They believe themselves to be informed, which makes it that much more facinating.