328 replies to this topic

[ChipShot]

our capital would probably be empty if we did that

It already is, brain-wise.

But if it was *physically* empty, would we be much worse off??

I doubt it.

[Dave Burrell]

It already is, brain-wise.

But if it was *physically* empty, would we be much worse off??

I doubt it.

hehe I fully agree

[mylo]

I'm glad you asked because here's why I bring it up. Laws on the books sometimes lack reason and parity. For example, the "illegal transportation" of used grease being a misdemeanor. I mean, how many people fry turkeys at Thanksgiving these days? Do you realize if you were to bottle up your used grease and take it to a recycler, you're guilty of a misdemeanor too?

Interesting that you point out the Thanksgiving scenario. I believe the Spirit of the Law isn't to punish thanksgiving turkey friers even though the Letter of the Law permits it. The Spirit of the law is to cut down on bootlegging biodiesel grease thieves, like Officer Landahl is accused of.

[ChipShot]

The Spirit of the law is to cut down on bootlegging biodiesel grease thieves, like Officer Landahl is accused of.

Gotta hand it to the grease thief, though.

Pretty ingenous way to "get over" on the gas companies.

Too bad his greed and poor judgment got the best of him.

I feel bad for his now-disgraced family, not him. Give him a desk job, a fine, and community service, but certainly not a badge and gun.

[jafount]

Interesting that you point out the Thanksgiving scenario. I believe the Spirit of the Law isn't to punish thanksgiving turkey friers even though the Letter of the Law permits it. The Spirit of the law is to cut down on bootlegging biodiesel grease thieves, like Officer Landahl is accused of.

You're right about that. Which brings me back to my original question. How much grease was taken? A gallon? A hundred gallons? Shouldn't that be taken into consideration? I'm curious about the details because just as with so many other crimes, totality of the circumstances should be taken into account.

In this case, everyone is right. The officer should be treated the SAME as any other citizen. Based on my experience, in a case like this, it is VERY unlikely the DA would file on such a minor violation unless there were special circumstances. For example, if this is a repeat offense on the part of the man, there was an exceptional amount of grease taken, etc., then I can see it. otherwise, but for the fact there is/are some obscure law on the books prohibiting it, it's really a very minor civil issue at best. based on my experience with District Attorney offices, this is how it would be looked at with any other citizen.

In short, the punishment should fit the crime. In this case, the punishment should be, pay the fine and move on, NOT hang the guy in the court of public opinion AND end his career, thus negating all of the good things he's done in his career. That's not a higher standard, that's a different standard. Police officers are human beings first, yet everyone expects them to never stumble. When they do, even with something as overall petty as this, all the perfect people come running with stones in hand. It's offensive.

When cops knowingly break serious laws they're entrusted to uphold, you gotta get tough with them and not coddle them and make excuses for them.

{EDITED}

You know Chip..I've taken those jabs from you plenty. I'm a retired cop because of a career ending injury.

What's your excuse for being such an <insert expletive here> all the time? Clearly you don't even actually play golf as you've racked up nearly 5000 posts in just over a year, an average of 11 per day. You never have anything positive to add to a discussion but always feel the need to render your completely uninformed opinion about a topic. You're one of those pansies that hides behind his veil of anonymity waiting for a chance to cry because your delicate sensibilities were hurt and beg some third party to handle your fights for you because your mouth writes checks your arse can't cash.

[jafount]

BTW, grease is pretty heavy. How much do you people think one man could lift?

[ChipShot]

Post #200 has been reported as over-the-top rude.

BTW, over time, that cop could have stolen thousands of dollars worth of grease.

I'd bet that's what happened...this was not a one-time deal.

[Dave Burrell]

Post #200 has been reported as over-the-top rude.

BTW, over time, that cop could have stolen thousands of dollars worth of grease.

I'd bet that's what happened...this was not a one-time deal.

no - it was no worse then the stuff you post daily about demlibs calling them stupid idiots, commies and worse...

plus that description seems to be fairly accurate - sorry, that's just the way you come off to most people with your constantly agro anti dem political posts
- just sayin, no offense

BTW, have you ever factored in how much time you are stealing from your employer while you're online daily? and if you're using your company computer to do it you are also misusing company assets for personal usage

[jafount]

Post #200 has been reported as over-the-top rude.

You're one of those pansies that hides behind his veil of anonymity waiting for a chance to cry because your delicate sensibilities were hurt and beg some third party to handle your fights for you because your mouth writes checks your arse can't cash.quote]

Thanks for proving this part of my comment. This is comedy gold.

BTW, over time, that cop could have stolen thousands of dollars worth of grease.

I'd bet that's what happened...this was not a one-time deal.

Wow conjecture. Brilliant. I guess I could speculate too...how do you like being in NAMBLA?

We all dream of a world of sunshine and rainbows and peace. The problem is some people think this would be a great place to live, while others think it would be a great place to pillage.

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[ChipShot]

All I have to say is "Thank God you're no longer carrying a badge and gun".

No offense.

The cop is guilty. 6 months of investigation.

Slam dunk.

[Dave Burrell]

Provide one example of that. You can't. I call people Dems and Libs....whooopdeedoo. They are!! Is that an insult to them? And they call me a Neocon. So? Who cares?

And what I do at work is none of your business.

Or is it??

here's your example:

And for people who support an obviously dangerous Obama, I really think we may need to question your judgment as well.
No offense, but rational individuals need to really examine his record, judgment, and character

well you've made it your business to judge every single thing a cop does so why shouldn't anyone else be able to judge you as well?

sure does suck to be judged doesn't it - maybe now you know why jafount doesn't like hearing you slam the police force all the time

[mylo]

BTW, grease is pretty heavy. How much do you people think one man could lift?

If it's really $350 worth, I'd estimate it's two 55 gallon drums. Most grease thefts involve simply pumping the grease out of a drum into a warmed tank in the rear of their vehicle. Not saying that's what happened here, but that is very common.

From: http://beauty.nagog....ves/000333.html


Here's an example of a grease tank in the back of a diesel car:


Here's a link to purchase a pump kit, fancy stuff but it can be done manually, too:
http://www.greasecar...il.cfm?prodID=9

[mylo]

You're right about that. Which brings me back to my original question. How much grease was taken? A gallon? A hundred gallons? Shouldn't that be taken into consideration? I'm curious about the details because just as with so many other crimes, totality of the circumstances should be taken into account.

Again, I estimate around 110 gallons. And if he's running cars on used grease, this likely isn't the first 'pickup'. I'm sure the legal system will determine the extent of any crimes, my point in this thread has entirely been that it is a crime, and despite being a respected officer should be investigated and fined/punished according to the law. He should not be given a "gimme" because of his career or because some people don't value the commodity stolen. I feel that is within the letter of the law and aligned wiith the spirit of the used grease theft/transport laws he is accused of violating.

[jafount]

All I have to say is "Thank God you're no longer carrying a badge and gun".

No offense.

The cop is guilty. 6 months of investigation.

Slam dunk.

I'm retired...I still have a badge and gun.

[Dave Burrell]

I'm retired...I still have a badge and gun.

way off subject... is it really just a misdemeanor if caught carrying a handgun? I thought something like that would be a much more serious offense(?)