Improving prod upon officials — the idea of administrative notice
The Rachel Jackson building in Nashville houses the state department of correction, an executive branch agency operating under administrative law. (Photo Google Maps) We have been exploring the process of administrative notice as a possible — even theoretical — remedy to the problem of legal immunity claimed by state actors who abuse their office and […]
State obliterates landmark, rips poor via ‘driver licensing’ regime
Most users of the road are private, but Tennessee imposes a fiction upon them: That no one may use the roadway unless they are common carriers for hire, subject to licensure and taxation, like the trailer truck hauling Target goods. (Photo WikiCommons) The Bible on which governors swear to uphold the constitution forbids the moving […]
Mayor Berke, sit down, listen to what happens ‘talking while black’
Officer Steve Meador, right, takes an oath in joining the Chattanooga police department. (Photo Wrcbtv.com) Cameron Williams recounts his arrest on “disorderly conduct” charges in March in a “talking while black” case in Chattanooga. (Photo NoogaRadio) Mayor Berke, sit down and listen to what happens “walking while black” in your city. (Courtesy NoogaRadio 92.7) Tweet […]
Holt asks you to get local legislators behind bid to ban traffic cameras
This dunning letter purports to seek compensation from someone who is photographed having run a stop light. (Photo Andy Holt) Rep. Andy Holt says traffic tickets not personally delivered by an officer are unconstitutional and unenforceable. (Photo Guns.com) If you happen to be one of the countless people who have received one of these in […]
With loud thump, Rhea tables ‘police powers’ bill
George Thacker, the besuited county executive, stands among critics of a Rhea County police powers bill tabled by the county commission, with Mr. Thacker’s strong blessings. (Photo David Tulis) More than 70 people throng a Rhea County Commission meeting room Tuesday, most all of them angry at a sweeping plan to give county government harassment […]
Rhea plan would ‘define, prohibit, abate, suppress, prevent, regulate’
A law to regulate much innocent activity as a nuisance in Rhea County, Tenn., is under consideration by the county commission. (Photo Tnvacation.com) The Rhea County commission is considering a proposal to seize power against the people under authorization of a state law that gives broad authority to cities and counties with token language about the […]
Sharp raps TIF subsidy for local developer
Helen Burns Sharp Helen Burns Sharp is a model for other concerned localists in knocking commercial government in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. She offers list of criticisms for a F$5 million tax subsidy for Evergreen Real Estate to extend West M.L. King Boulevard to the Blue Goose Landing Trailhead on the Tennessee Riverwalk. Note artist’s depiction […]
Join me in hearing surprise speaker at bill of rights banquet Dec. 15
Constitution-loving Tennesseans salute the U.S. flag at the bill of rights dinner December 2016. June Griffin, Southeast Tennessee’s matriarch of the constitution, is at center, top photo, in Dayton, Tenn. (Photo David Tulis) Enjoy fellowship and a hot meal on Dec. 15 in Dayton at the 16th Bill of Rights dinner organized by a prominent defender […]
66% inmates in jail unconvicted as system ignores ‘guilty mind’ rule for prosecutions
Accountable to voters, Jim Hammond, center, opens a re-election bid for sheriff of Hamilton County as supporters gather at an event Oct. 19 downtown. Next to him is his wife, Jeannie, mother of their three children. (Photo David Tulis) The refusal of the judicial industrial complex in Hamilton County to uphold Tennessee’s guilty intention (“premeditation”) law […]
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 […]