Category: Cartels vs. liberty

Cops, deputies get refresher: Talk, patience, grace avoid violence, save lives

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies are getting a round of training that will save the lives of people who otherwise might be shot dead, beaten or tazed by them. (Photo David Tulis) Officers around the U.S. get much training in using guns and clubs, but little in peace-oriented negotiating skills, the use of which would […]

Old? Autistic? Deaf? Mentally ill? Don’t call cops

Armed officers are a danger to people who are mentally ill or autistic. Anyone who cares for someone with a developmental disability, as well as for disabled people themselves [lives] every day in fear that their behavior will be misconstrued as suspicious, intoxicated or hostile by law enforcement. —Steve Silberman, The New York Times By […]

Lesser magistrate doctrine helps locals defy evil acts by high officials

This drawing shows the sack of Madgeburg by papal forces in 1550, the city defended under the doctrine of the lesser magistrate. (Photo of drawing by Johann Philipp Abelin, 1646, Wikimedia) This coming Oct. 31 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. On that day 500 years ago – October 31st, 1517 – Martin Luther nailed […]

Go to hell, judges tell Hispanics, others seeking to use TN roads freely

Basil Marceaux of Soddy-Daisy, right, and Jay Hirsch of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., discuss the Hirsch gun and travel case after oral arguments in Nashville. Like Mr. Hirsch, Mr. Marceaux has been in court dozens of times, asserting constitutional rights to travel and to be free of state roadblocks. (Photo David Tulis) An impoverished independent businessman vows […]

Police ethics rules require ‘respect of constitutional rights’

Chattanooga police department officers in a huddle. (Photo Wdef.com) But commoners would fear the officer’s approaching cruiser less if they could learn about the ethics rules he swore to uphold — and trust that he would obey them. And possibly remind him, as he reaches for his citation booklet or his club, of his oath. […]

Basis for overturning city’s illegal ban on AirBnB, Internet economy

David Tulis explains the basic legal principles of legal and constitutional liberty in Tennessee that are a defense for any homeowner in Chattanooga who intends to rent his house through online short-term vacation rental portals such as AirBnB. The ordinance is unconstitutional on several grounds and should be overturned by an appeal out of city court […]

AirBnB ordinance takes effect, illegal on yet new grounds

Donna Williams is charged with enforcing city council’s AirBnB ordinance, an illegal intrusion upon the city’s thriving “Gig City” Internet economy. (Photo LinkedIn) Taking effect this week in Chattanooga is city government’s so-called short-term vacation rental ordinance, one that is illegal on several grounds — including a new one that comes into view on a […]

Can you be arrested if you don’t ‘show’ officer your ID?

Police chief David Roddy gives an interview to Josh Roe regarding his new job with the executive branch of city government. (Photo TV9) In Tennessee, the failure or refusal to produce or give one’s identification is an offense only if the officer intends to either cite or arrest you for a crime or offense. And […]