Of Course: DOJ Using Subpoena to Compel Reason.com to Disclose Information About Its Anonymous Commenters

... who made alleged "threats" (of the "tar, feathers, some assembly required" sort) about the judge in the Silk Road case. Per that second link, the Silk Road case was about the prosecution of the Silk Road website founder; "Ross Ulbricht will spend the rest of his life in jail for creating a revolutionary website that made it easier and safer to buy and sell illegal drugs (along with just about everything else)."

Are the Reason.com Comments "True Threats?" No. NO. AND HELL NO!
"True Threats" are those threats that are outside the protection of the First Amendment; they are not mere political hyperbole or bluster. For instance, in 1967, when Mr. Watts said that if he were drafted the first man he'd want in his rifle sights was President Lyndon B. Johnson, that wasn't a true threat: it was conditional political hyperbole. In other words, it was mere angry bluster of the sort no reasonable person would take to be a serious threat.3
What of these comments on Reason.com, then? I submit that they are very clearly not true threats --that this is not even a close call.
True threat analysis always examines context. Here, the context strongly weighs in favor of hyperbole...
....
Consider this purported "threat":
Rhywunl5.3l.15 @ 11:35AMIIt
I hope there is a special place in hell reserved for that horrible woman.
Is it the position of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York that a reasonable reader would conclude that "Rhywun" is in league with the Dark Ones, able to bring into existence a hot place in the afterlife for an errant judge? Ridiculous. If that's a threat, then so is "go to Hell."
So: the government has used the grand jury to subpoena a news magazine for the identity of anonymous commenters who have engaged in political rhetoric that is clearly protected by the First Amendment.
Can they get away with this?

The answer, alas, is "probably yes," because the government has All the Power. But you'll have to go to Popehat for that.

And speaking of the government having All the Power: Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money to pay someone off and then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place.

Posted by: Ace at 01:40 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first

Posted by: ALH at June 09, 2015 01:41 PM (JrKKc)

2 I'll go get the others.

Posted by: ALH at June 09, 2015 01:42 PM (JrKKc)

3 How about the threat of public humiliation for any DOJ that tries this crap?

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:42 PM (ji45d)

4 Does this mean Libertarian Fonzie is in trouble?

Posted by: tu3031 at June 09, 2015 01:43 PM (YFFpo)

5 How about the threat of public humiliation for any DOJ that tries this crap?

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:42 PM

Go on, Citizen....

Posted by: DoJ at June 09, 2015 01:43 PM (h4vJk)

6 So: the government has used the grand jury to subpoena a news magazine for the identity of anonymous commenters who have engaged in political rhetoric that is clearly protected by the First Amendment. Can they get away with this?
=====

One would think that "Reason" magazine would fight this. . .so the answer is "maybe not". . .but I'm guessing they're not going to be that "reasonable".

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (ji45d)

7 And the same is that we are paying for that harassment ourselves.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (GpgJl)

8 Well, hell. If those kinds of statements are classified as "threats," then I'm screwed. Royally.

Posted by: bicentennialguy at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (vg8iE)

9 Lawfare, pure and simple.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (GpgJl)

10 Gots to get those comment makers.

Posted by: Nu Black Pantherz at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (W5DcG)

11 >>then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place.

Only appropriate answers in this case would have been 1. Pound Sand or 2. Call my lawyer.

So stupid of him.

This reason thing is crazy.

Posted by: Le-a at June 09, 2015 01:44 PM (lIU4e)

12 Goth Fonzie must be troubled by this turn of events.

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:45 PM (Yf6eY)

13 Could have sworn the Supreme Court ruled on this kind of thing last week.

Also, Insty could be in trouble because he uses the "tar and feathers" comment quite often.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at June 09, 2015 01:45 PM (659DL)

14 Sounds like many of us are headed to prison for expressing our opinions in the near future.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 09, 2015 01:45 PM (QA8q2)

15 I lied to the government and nothing happened to me.

Posted by: Billy Jeff Clinton at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (TV9BR)

16 Evidently the DOJ has a tame judge somewhere who will issue a subpoena for nothing.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (GpgJl)

17 I think I might like to see these Grand Jurors.

Posted by: nip at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (a6Odp)

18 Somebody give me the Cliff Note version, please. I'm just not that smart.

Posted by: ALH at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (JrKKc)

19 What? My comment? The one where I said, "get in their faces and punch back twice as hard?" Yeah i was quoting the President of the United States.

Anything else?

Posted by: Blue Hen at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (Spluw)

20 So Platinum Membership protects my identity right? Right?

Posted by: wrg500 at June 09, 2015 01:46 PM (sWgE+)

21 I lie. I lie incessantly. I am lying now.

And I'm gonna be your next president!

Posted by: Hill! at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (vg8iE)

22 Steyn is on Rush talking about this and the new magic federal regulation that purports to outlaw talking about guns on the internet.

My rage at the demons in power knows no bounds.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (xInS4)

23 Goth Fonzie will be fine. He's got his weed to comfort himself and probably a hooker named Pinky Tuscadero

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (Yf6eY)

24 Hmm, can't remember if I comment over there. Its been awhile.

Posted by: Iblis at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (9221z)

25 This is a test case, to see if they can get away with it. If they can establish a precedent, then they can go after someone else.

and so on & so forth & etcetera.

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (pRzg2)

26 They bring a knife you bring a gun.

Posted by: King Barky the Liar of Fecal Touch at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (TV9BR)

27 Go on, Citizen....

Posted by: DoJ at June 09, 2015 01:43 PM (h4vJk)

Serf

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (fWAjv)

28 My friends, you have nothing to fear from Loretta Lynch.

Posted by: GOPe at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (F2IAQ)

29 I, for one, welcome our DOJ overlords, and remind them that as a trusted member of the horde, I can useful in rounding up others to toil in their underground thoughtcrime caves.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (vgIRn)

30 Sounds like many of us are headed to prison for expressing our opinions in the near future.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 09, 2015 01:45 PM (QA8q2)

Harsh opinions turn off the moderate voter!

Posted by: The GOP at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (zF6Iw)

31 Leather jackets for all!

Posted by: Goethe Frosty at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (W5DcG)

32 So, "Die of a festered asshole" is right out huh?

Posted by: Dave at Buffalo Roam at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (1HNqn)

33 When will Hastert's blackmailer be prosecuted?

Not excusing Hastert's original, heinous crime, but that doesn't excuse extorting $3+ million from him, right?

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 01:48 PM (k2QA3)

34 This is not the hill to die on.

Posted by: John Boehner & Mitch McConnell at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (TV9BR)

35 You vill not impugn your betters! Yahwol?

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (+aCe4)

36 How many death threats from leftists on Twitter go by in a given nanosecond?

Posted by: Eskimo Customer Service at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (oVJmc)

37 You bring a knife, and I'll bring a fork. And several of those styrofoam clamshell containers.

Posted by: Michelle Obama at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (UlJ3l)

38 What was the Silk Road case?

Posted by: logprof at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (i2Ep5)

39 Must be they figure Reason is Easy and high-profile enough to establish a precedent for raking in all the others. Like here, for example.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (3ZtZW)

40 Der Kommisar's in town? When did she ever leave?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (ifSWP)

41 Also, Insty could be in trouble because he uses the "tar and feathers" comment quite often.
===
Hard to see how anyone is going to subpoena Glenn Reynolds to reveal the name of the author of comments he's making publically, under his own name, on his own blog!

They won't go after Reynolds for his utter non-threats for many reasons, not the least of which is that he's a lawyer, himself, he's well-regarded, and he still has a forum.

At that point the "tar and feathering" will start to hit closer to home.

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (ji45d)

42 Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (CfqM9)

43 One would think that "Reason" magazine would fight this. . .so the
answer is "maybe not". . .but I'm guessing they're not going to be that
"reasonable".
***
Good thing Reason has helped fight those evil Christianists from taking over the government. I mean they might abuse their power or something.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (78TbK)

44 22 Steyn is on Rush talking about this and the new magic federal regulation that purports to outlaw talking about guns on the internet.

Shit is only going to get worse. They are building an honest to God tyranny.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (d3oPV)

45 Oh look. The next great libertarian crusade: stepping up for a child molester who paid a blackmailer, because, privacy.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (8rRE+)

46 This is craziness. If they really want to find people saying objectionable things they should visit the YouTube comments section.

People expressing anger in a comments thread is not an actual assassination plot, you guys.

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (k2QA3)

47 Is this about Brian Williams?

Posted by: ALH at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (JrKKc)

48 I;m all for the First Amendment but these people that say things the government disagrees with should be thrown in jail or shot.

Posted by: Typical Leftist at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (TV9BR)

49 I never thought I'd live long enough to see 1984 become reality.

Posted by: Darth Randall at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (6n332)

50 If I say that Michelle 0bama smells squatchy, does that constitute a threat?

Posted by: logprof at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (i2Ep5)

51 Steyn is on Rush talking about this and the new magic federal
regulation that purports to outlaw talking about guns on the internet.

So will that shut down Bloomberg's astroturf groups as well?

Posted by: Eskimo Customer Service at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (oVJmc)

52 Goth Fonzie really has let Reason jump the shark

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (Yf6eY)

53 Are we secretly being marked for drone strikes?

*grabs vinegar spray bottle*

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (P25Hh)

54 Step by step. Day by day.
Pushing ever so slightly more.
I'm coming.

Posted by: Burning Times at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (JOG+K)

55
Was just looking at a foreign language translator for a word and it said "No Human Translation For This Word."
So if I really WAS a killer whale I guess I'd have been set.

Posted by: Tilikum Killer Assault Whale at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (+aCe4)

56 NPR was hitting the Denny Hastert thing hard today. It's as if they have an agenda or something.

Posted by: 13times at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (WHVu+)

57 What kind of information can they get on anonymous commenters anyway? made up email addresses? spoofed IPs?

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:51 PM (3ZtZW)

58
Sounds like many of us are headed to prison for expressing our opinions in the near future.
***
A common argument made by the left now in regards to gay marriage is that you are entitled to your own opinion, but you should expect to be punished for it if it differs from theirs.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (78TbK)

59 If blog owners have to give up the identity of anonymous comments do newspaper and TV journalists have to give up the identity of their inside sources?

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (pRzg2)

60 Silk Road case

If I'm not mistaking, it was a case where a guy created a web site that put drug deals in contact with drug buyer. The web creator got life in prison because I believe 6 people died from overdose traced to purchases from his web site.

Posted by: wrg500 at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (sWgE+)

61 38 What was the Silk Road case?
Posted by: logprof at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (i2Ep5)

A man made a website where it was intended that you could buy and sell anything.

He succeeded, and illegal items were bought and sold there. The Feds said they had evidence of this man himself engaging in illegal transactions.

He is going to jail for the rest of his life without parole as currently stands. Appeal pending, one presumes.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (xInS4)

62 Steyn is on Rush talking about this and the new magic federal
regulation that purports to outlaw talking about guns on the internet.
====

Good luck with that one.

I'd like to see the DOJ try this.

(Hint. . .the ones on the internet talking about guns, are usually the ones that HAVE the guns. . .etc).

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (ji45d)

63 It's not a threat unless the target feels threatened?

Isn't this the same logic that gives us you're not a woman unless you feel like you're a woman? (I'm looking at you Bruce).

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (lHb9q)

64 Will they come for Hector and his comments on slaughtering whatever group he's fixated on today?

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (oVJmc)

65

Don't think for a minute they haven't already dug up info and all of us and we're on the Watch lists.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (qCMvj)

66 >>If blog owners have to give up the identity of anonymous comments do
newspaper and TV journalists have to give up the identity of their
inside sources?

Good point.

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (k2QA3)

67 Next up, 'Summer Camp' for AGW skeptics.

Posted by: The Left at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (F2IAQ)

68 Did Chachi really love Joanie? I think he was cheating on her with Leather Tuscadero.

I don't blame him. Suzie Quatro was pretty cute.

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (Yf6eY)

69 They won't go after Reynolds for his utter non-threats for many reasons, not the least of which is that he's a lawyer, himself, he's well-regarded, and he still has a forum.
At that point the "tar and feathering" will start to hit closer to home.

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (ji45d)

The problem with the "tar and feathering" non-threat is that is remains just that. Exactly when do we show - not say, show - that enough is enough?

Posted by: The GOP at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (zF6Iw)

70 Must be they figure Reason is Easy and high-profile enough to establish a precedent for raking in all the others. Like here, for example.
Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:49 PM (3ZtZW)

--------------------------------------------

Not here. AoSHQ is too big to fail.

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (P25Hh)

71 Why are they picking one me? I cheered the harassment of those awful Christian pizza shop owners in Indiana. I'm on your side!

Posted by: Nick Gillespie at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (OD2ni)

72 So if I tweet "my Broncos are gonna go to KC and destroy the Chiefs on Sunday" it's illegal because I've identified the specific time and place and implement of the Chiefs' destruction with an admission that the weapon is mine but if I say "the Broncos are gonna obliterate the Bills in Buffalo" it's fine because the threat doesn't cross a state line?

Posted by: FireHorse at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (8fgsi)

73 I was actually on that thread at the time though I don't comment at Reason. I'll bet any amount of money my IP and personal information gets collected "inadvertently".

The Country would be better off if we hung most politicians and bureaucrats in DC on lamp posts and stuffed dead possums into the mouths of DoJ investigators.

Hows that sound assholes?

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something SMOD 2016 = Real Change at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (NHtMs)

74 First they came for the Climate Heretics.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (CfqM9)

75 #61

It wasn't so much that this guy created an anonymized internet black market. IIRC, It was the bit where he tried to commission a murder-for-hire that got him into the deepest ca-ca.

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (ji45d)

76 I, for one, am looking forward to meeting all of you people in real life, at the happy fun camps.

Posted by: simplemind at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (5vV+V)

77 What was the Silk Road case?

----------

Silk Road was a site to buy drugs, prescription or not, with bitcoins, and it was *uploaded to the darknet!* dun dun DUNNNNNN

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (3ZtZW)

78 Ace, serious question, is this going to happen to you and us?

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (Yf6eY)

79 Don't think for a minute they haven't already dug up info and all of us and we're on the Watch lists.
Posted by: artisanal
--------------------------------

Yeah..., you're all in the log.

Posted by: Bob at NSA at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (F2IAQ)

80 A common argument made by the left now in regards to gay marriage is that you are entitled to your own opinion, but you should expect to be punished for it if it differs from theirs.
****

Also restated as "We hope you will go along voluntarily, but if not we are prepared to force you to go along voluntarily."

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (lHb9q)

81 "Hard to see how anyone is going to subpoena Glenn Reynolds to reveal the name of the author of comments he's making publically, under his own name, on his own blog! "

Ron Paul, on the other hand....

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (8rRE+)

82 Don't think for a minute they haven't already dug up info and all of us and we're on the Watch lists.
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at June 09, 2015 01:52 PM (qCMvj)

------------------------------------------

This is true. I figure, why bother trying to hide anymore?

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 01:54 PM (P25Hh)

83 >>The problem with the "tar and feathering" non-threat is that is remains just that. Exactly when do we show - not say, show - that enough is enough?
===
Reason has that opportunity right now. I'm not optimistic, but we'll see what they do with it.

I'm pretty sure Reynolds would take it, if it were presented.

Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:55 PM (ji45d)

84 Well Hastert is a Republican - so guilty. Why all this talk about rights and trials and justice. Its simple - be a victim the NYTs can cuddle and you are home free.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 01:55 PM (oDCMR)

85 Why are they picking one me? I cheered the harassment of those awful Christian pizza shop owners in Indiana. I'm on your side!

Posted by: Nick Gillespie at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (OD2ni)
I suspect that's not far from reality.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 01:55 PM (oVJmc)

86 When you think about it the First and Second Amendments should just be thrown out.

Posted by: Typical Leftist at June 09, 2015 01:55 PM (TV9BR)

87 Steyn is on Rush talking about this and the new magic federal regulation that purports to outlaw talking about guns on the internet.

My rage at the demons in power knows no bounds.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at June 09, 2015 01:47 PM (xInS4)

Almost enough to make me turn on rush. I think this Blackberry smoke stuff is better for my blood pressure, though.

Posted by: Le-a at June 09, 2015 01:55 PM (lIU4e)

88 Next up, 'Summer Camp' for AGW skeptics.
***
Oh come on, you know they'll have us mining in Alaska in January. Its the way it is done comrade.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (78TbK)

89 So no one subpoenas Lois Lerner. Why is that?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (oDCMR)

90 >>72 So if I tweet "my Broncos are gonna go to KC and destroy the Chiefs on Sunday" it's illegal because I've identified the specific time and place and implement of the Chiefs' destruction with an admission that the weapon is mine but if I say "the Broncos are gonna obliterate the Bills in Buffalo" it's fine because the threat doesn't cross a state line?<<

It's illegal in the first case because Native Americans have rights and should not be slaughtered.
It's illegal in the second case because bison are a protected species.

Seriously though, tt's illegal in both cases because you are a conservative.

Posted by: MacGruber at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (sWgE+)

91 Dammit. Off, feckless, worthless sock.

Posted by: The GOP at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (zF6Iw)

92 Citizen! Know your place!

Posted by: The New, Improved DOJ at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (YFFpo)

93

Thanks Thom!

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (kdS6q)

94 I think Potsy was gay

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM (Yf6eY)

95 I'm gonna go kill a Sam Adams.

Come and get me, coppers.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (oVJmc)

96

if the IRS can target conservatives, surely other parts of the government, even more equipped can target commenters

so what happened to those that wrote, produced and directed the movie about Bush?

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (qCMvj)

97 Fear: it's what we're all going to have to live in.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (d3oPV)

98 They only went after Reason and not AOSHQ because we give them so many good ideas

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (3ZtZW)

99 Dammit!!

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (zF6Iw)

100

what happened to the editor who put Bush's head on a stick?

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (qCMvj)

101
So no one subpoenas Lois Lerner. Why is that?

--

Some laws are ok to break, if you support a certain party. Other laws (and non-laws) must be obeyed, if you support a certain party.

It is so obvious now, that we have gone beyond the point where our freedoms can be restored through discussion.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (QA8q2)

102 My friends, you have nothing to fear with Barak Obama as president.

Posted by: John McCain, Card Carring Maverick at June 09, 2015 01:58 PM (TV9BR)

103 45 Oh look. The next great libertarian crusade: stepping up for a child molester who paid a blackmailer, because, privacy.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (8rRE+)

Ah.... having the trial in the press, by innuendo.... nicely done...

If he is a pedo, he should go to jail for that.... but he is not CHARGED with that.

But going to jail for withdrawing legally your own money from your own account???

The State has become powerful enough to jail anyone.... they will just make up a law... and we will ALL be guilty of something...

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 01:58 PM (qh617)

104 Repression doesn't need a law or reason - it just is what it is. See the 2012 election for an example.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 01:58 PM (oDCMR)

105 75 #61

It wasn't so much that this guy created an anonymized internet black market. IIRC, It was the bit where he tried to commission a murder-for-hire that got him into the deepest ca-ca.
Posted by: Looking closely at June 09, 2015 01:53 PM (ji45d)

I figured (hoped) there was more to it.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at June 09, 2015 01:58 PM (xInS4)

106 logprof,

I added something in the first paragraph explaining it.

Honestly I didn't really know what it was myself, other than having a vague awareness that the Silk Road website faciltated anonymous traffic in drugs and pornography (including child porn).

I was hoping that by just saying "The Silk Road case" like i knew what it was, and that everyone *should* know what it was, no one would actually ask me what it was, and I could get away with not knowing what it was myself.

but of course someone had to call my bluff

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 01:58 PM (PA7DS)

107 Steyn on Rush.

http://tinyurl.com/3a7m3ef

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 01:59 PM (CfqM9)

108 When we get control of the Executive branch back (with the DOJ) we need to exercise power in the same way the democrats have for the past 7 years.

It's essential that we criminalize being a liberal.

For those on the lower end, bureaucrats and functionaries in politically appointed positions in agencies, summary firing with full audits and reviews with an eye on filing charges for any infraction. At that point, bargain dropping charges for crippling fines and total career destruction.

For politicians, target the highest profile and the most blatant offenders. Use any and all laws, bent to whatever extremes needed, to pile criminal charges against each one. Bankrupt them financially trying to mount a defense, then go for the maximum sentences. Use the same tactics with their families. Aim for three generations in the same cell.

Until and unless we learn to play the same game as the democrats, this type of political prosecution will continue. All one sided.

Posted by: jwest at June 09, 2015 01:59 PM (9ZZd+)

109 Step by step. Day by day.
Pushing ever so slightly more.
I'm coming.
Posted by: Burning Times

Need bus fare?

Posted by: rickb223 at June 09, 2015 01:59 PM (i/Iet)

110 Fear: it's what we're all going to have to live in.
***
Yes, the left sees the appeal of governing via terror. It tends to keep most people in line and you get to do bad things to the people that most publicly disagree with you so...win win.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 09, 2015 01:59 PM (78TbK)

111 95 I'm gonna go kill a Sam Adams.

Come and get me, coppers.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (oVJmc)

Oh... Huzzah!!! good show you loyal Citizen!

Posted by: RedCoat 1774 at June 09, 2015 01:59 PM (qh617)

112 FYNS

Posted by: Reason at June 09, 2015 02:00 PM (JOG+K)

113 They only went after Reason and not AOSHQ because we give them so many good ideas
Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM (3ZtZW)

----------------------------------------

So they only read the comments too?

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:00 PM (P25Hh)

114 We just orgasmed!

Posted by: Josef Stalin, Napoleon and every tinpot dictator in history at June 09, 2015 02:00 PM (sCHw2)

115 >>>Ace, serious question, is this going to happen to you and us?

serious answer: it's a worry. That's why I'm always telling people not to make threats or something an eager government fascist can claim sounds like a threat.

They're very serious about controlling us and punishing us.

I don't understand how the very people who speak in revolutionary rhetoric about an oppressive state seem to be the least believing of what they're saying: that the state really is legitimately oppressive and wants to destroy any alleged citizen it considers a Political Deviant.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (PA7DS)

116 Hey, Department of Justice!

Subpoena this, you fascists:

I, Zombie McZombieton, hereby announce that I am not just in league with the Devil -- I am the Devil Incarnate!

And in my role as the Devil, I will lead a parade of doomed souls -- that is to say, the Obama Administration's entire Department of Justice -- through the Gates of Hell for a complimentary 90-minute tour. Oh wait -- I meant to say 90-eternities tour.

This threat of supranatural torment is real! Pinky-swear!

Posted by: zombie at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (jBuUi)

117 113 They don't have enough man hours to read the movie reviews.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (CfqM9)

118 Scratch a Democrat, find a tyrant who believes they're a saint and you need supervision. We should start calling this crap what it is: the Democrat Inquisition.

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (2DD2m)

119 Look. We're just trying to protect you from terrorism and...stuff.

Posted by: The New, Improved DOJ at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (YFFpo)

120 Top of the World Ma!

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something SMOD 2016 = Real Change at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (NHtMs)

121 "Seriously though, it's illegal in both cases because you are a conservative."

Posted by: MacGruber at June 09, 2015 01:56 PM
________

The heck I am! I'm an Obama-supporting progressive liberal progressive Obama supporter. Long live Obama!!

(And now there's an electronic document in the eternal ether to prove it, y'know, for my trial.)

Posted by: FireHorse at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (8fgsi)

122 Progressive = Fascist

Always remember that.

Posted by: Jukin, Former Republican at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (TV9BR)

123
Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money to pay someone off and then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place.

Short Eyes Dan was instrumental in renewing and extending the structuring laws. Pity that boomeranged on him.

And there has been no allegation of a "payoff", blackmail or extortion by anyone related to the events. There was a mutually agreed compensation for Hastert's past acts.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (kdS6q)

124 I thought pedophilia was a perk all Congressmen got for being elected. Did I miss something in Civics class?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (oDCMR)

125 If someone doesn't fix this website I'm gonna strangle a certain Ewok.

Posted by: freaked at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM (ytdLI)

126
Vincent Bugliosi died. He wrote that brilliant book on Oswald but totally lost his marbles in regards to Bush.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at June 09, 2015 02:03 PM (iQIUe)

127 "But going to jail for withdrawing legally your own money from your own account??? "

Nope. For illegally withdrawing your own money from your own account.

"Ah.... having the trial in the press, by innuendo.... nicely done... "

Has he denied it? As in "I filed those reports online!" or "Your math is way off" or "Those were deposits not withdrawals"?

Anything?

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:03 PM (8rRE+)

128 >>>> My friends, you have nothing to fear with Barak Obama as president.

My take is McCain was totes brainwashed to go along with commies after he was broke. Not a joke.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:03 PM (3ZtZW)

129 What will they do to the blog owner if the information identifying the person making the comment is all bogus?

There are banking regulations to prevent money laundering that require the bank to 'know your customer'.

What can Facebook do to you for violating their terms of service for giving them a false name and address?

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 02:03 PM (pRzg2)

130 It should at the "this goes without saying" stage, but don't answer any questions posed to you by the FBI. The FBI can lie to you, but you can be charged with a felony if anything you say can be interpreted as a lie.

They made the rules. Make them eat them. Cooperation with the FBI is a dangerous fool's game.

Posted by: GnuBreed at June 09, 2015 02:03 PM (6sL58)

131 "And there has been no allegation of a "payoff", blackmail or extortion by anyone related to the events. There was a mutually agreed compensation for Hastert's past acts."

Look up "compounding a felony".

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (8rRE+)

132 Gonna let me finish my waffle NOW?

Posted by: Emperor Clusterfuck I at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (YFFpo)

133
I don't understand how the very people who speak in revolutionary
rhetoric about an oppressive state seem to be the least believing of
what they're saying
***
Because the left doesn't believe in what it says it does?

The left wants power. If lying gets you that fine. If imprisoning the opposition does that fine too.

The sooner your recognize that the sooner you can make figure out how to really try to stop them as opposed to the scripted Republican failure theater...

Posted by: 18-1 at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (78TbK)

134 >>>Nope. For illegally withdrawing your own money from your own account.

jesus christ, such a statist.

yes, the state can make anything illegal. they've chosen to make a non-illegal act an illegal act. So you're right, he was arrested for ILLEGALLY doing what should never be a crime.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (PA7DS)

135 I'm beginning to understand how the Nazis came to power.

Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (nb5QL)

136 "But going to jail for withdrawing legally your own money from your own account??? "

Nope. For illegally withdrawing your own money from your own account.

Because Simon didn't say.

Posted by: rickb223 at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (i/Iet)

137
I, Zombie McZombieton, hereby announce that I am not just in league with the Devil -- I am the Devil Incarnate!

And in my role as the Devil, I will lead a parade of doomed souls -- that is to say, the Obama Administration's entire Department of Justice -- through the Gates of Hell for a complimentary 90-minute tour. Oh wait -- I meant to say 90-eternities tour.

This threat of supranatural torment is real! Pinky-swear!

Posted by: zombie at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (jBuUi)

Hey now.... I still submit I was the First American!

Revolted against a King (of Heaven)...

Freedom of Religion? I'm all over that...

Self rule? Freedom of Speech?

Posted by: Satan at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (qh617)

138 126
Vincent Bugliosi died.
________________

I couldn't stand that "Loving Each Other" book and all that other treacle he spewed out of his typewriter.

Posted by: Furious George at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (UlJ3l)

139 129
What will they do to the blog owner if the information identifying the person making the comment is all bogus?

They'll demand IPs and any other identifying metadata.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:05 PM (oVJmc)

140 "The prospect of being tarred and feathered in the morning has a tendency to focus the mind of a government worker quite nicely, thank you."

Posted by: Sharkman, paraphrasing at June 09, 2015 02:05 PM (72D6h)

141 Is it okay to mention that Hillary smells of talcum powder, bourbon and urine? No threat there, just an obvious statement of fact. I'm asking for a friend.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:05 PM (oDCMR)

142 Cooperation with the FBI is a dangerous fool's game.

Ffft.

Posted by: Cigarette Smoking Man at June 09, 2015 02:05 PM (ZKzrr)

143 LONG LIVE OBAMA!LONG LIVE OBAMA!LONG LIVE OBAMA!

Okay, ace. You're off the hook now.

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:05 PM (P25Hh)

144 the important thing is that we Punish All the Evil-Doers even if it means we have to criminalize noncrimes in order to Get Them.

We must Punish. Punish, Punish, Punish. No one can ever be permitted to get away with something. If one guilty man goes free, we must change the laws to criminalize Moar Things so that we can arrest him for something else

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (PA7DS)

145 the important thing is that we Punish All the Evil-Doers even if it means we have to criminalize noncrimes in order to Get Them.

We must Punish. Punish, Punish, Punish. No one can ever be permitted to get away with something. If one guilty man goes free, we must change the laws to criminalize Moar Things so that we can arrest him for something else

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (PA7DS)

146 If I am a victim of a felony, and I agree to not disclose that you victimized me, for money, as if the crime was just a civil matter, between us, I'm guilty of a felony.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (8rRE+)

147 Ace, the closer you get to the truth the more dangerous it is. I have several 'canaries' I keep track of in case they 'disappear'. I'm thinking of adding you to the list.

Posted by: just bob at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (wkuqO)

148 >>It was the bit where he tried to commission a murder-for-hire that got him into the deepest ca-ca.

Actually, that makes me feel a little better about his sentence, because it doesn't seem like setting up a website should be quite enough for life in prison/no possibility of parole.

We let murderers out in less time.

Posted by: Le-a at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (lIU4e)

149 >>> They're very serious about controlling us and punishing us.

Yep. I've had odd encounters with very fit and observant men.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (3ZtZW)

150
The state is nothing but force. It was designed that way. They use the power of a gun to compel citizens to pay taxes, to follow the rules of the road, and to behave in ways the government would like.

This is why our constitution was designed to limit the government to only a small sliver of power, and it is why those tyrants who inhabit the government are trying to destroy the constitution.

Their goal is to control all behavior, the laws are meaningless to them, and the one thing which stands between them and complete control is the constitution, so it must be destroyed.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (QA8q2)

151 Hmmm, my own Web site seems to be down suddenly.

DOJ DDOS -- or did some Middle Eastern shithole just discover the Mo Archive?

Usually it's the latter. I'll go check for an uptick in emailed death threats - -that's usually a good indicator of which shithole became aware of taboo Mo pix this week.

Posted by: zombie at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (jBuUi)

152 139 129
What will they do to the blog owner if the information identifying the person making the comment is all bogus?

They'll demand IPs and any other identifying metadata.
--------------------------
Will this become the law for Credit Card campaign donations under a certain dollar threshold? Methinks, oddly, that it won't.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:06 PM (oDCMR)

153 I really hope those commenters used a VPN.

Posted by: New Normal at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (XpAxm)

154 serious answer: it's a worry. That's why I'm always telling people not to make threats or something an eager government fascist can claim sounds like a threat.
They're very serious about controlling us and punishing us.
I don't understand how the very people who speak in revolutionary rhetoric about an oppressive state seem to be the least believing of what they're saying: that the state really is legitimately oppressive and wants to destroy any alleged citizen it considers a Political Deviant.
Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:01 PM (PA7DS)

Then, for God's sake, what is to be done?

As far as I'm concerned, Solzhenitsyn had it on the money:

http://goo.gl/t3Luf9

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (zF6Iw)

155 Thanks for the honest answer, Ace. You guys stop with the tree of liberty stuff. Ace has been through enough lawfare. We have to behave better.

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (BN/jk)

156
What difference, at this point, does it make?!/1//!?!?!?!/!?1!?1?

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (HSmrB)

157 I'm beginning to understand how the Nazis came to power.

That ain't hyperbole.

The chess pieces keep getting moved in the same way. And the incremental moves kept society getting used to the changes, like the frog in the pot.

The LiVs and the Faithful won't catch on until its far too late.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (oVJmc)

158 "I don't understand how the very people who speak in revolutionary rhetoric about an oppressive state seem to be the least believing of what they're saying"

They don't believe the rule will apply to them.

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (pRzg2)

159 >>>And there has been no allegation of a "payoff", blackmail or extortion by anyone related to the events. There was a mutually agreed compensation for Hastert's past acts.

when you pay someone 3.2 million for a past bad act for which there can be no legal recovery due to the statute of limitations, we're talking more about "blackmail" than someone just seeking to assuage his guilty conscience.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (PA7DS)

160 "We must Punish. Punish, Punish, Punish. No one can ever be permitted to get away with something. If one guilty man goes free, we must change the laws to criminalize Moar Things so that we can arrest him for something else"

That's pretty much the basis for civilization.

Kind of how you could feel safe moving to Florida and knowing your son's butt will not be groped by a coach. I mean, you don't know anybody there, they don't know you, but there's this agreement that people won't get away with it.

And please stop posting stuff about how nobody is legally liable for online content.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (8rRE+)

161 Vincent Bugliosi died.

Will it never end?

Posted by: Abe Vigoda at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (Dwehj)

162 >>>Nope. For illegally withdrawing your own money from your own account.

Wrong.

It was totally legal to withdraw the money. What was claimed to be illegal was the intent to hide the transactions, structuring the withdrawals in less than $10K increments.

Posted by: jwest at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (9ZZd+)

163 btw, I have no sympathy for Denny Hastert and I would not mind seeing him hanged -- if the law permitted it.

But the fact that he is a bad guy does not justify Bad Laws.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (PA7DS)

164 I love Obama and the federal government. They are spectacular in their wisdom and benevolence.

*dreamy stare while thinking of Dear Exalted Historic First President.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (fWAjv)

165 I'm beginning to understand how the Nazis came to power.
Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (nb5QL)

-------------------------------------------

The evidence of this has been growing since 2006.

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (P25Hh)

166 147 Ace, the closer you get to the truth the more dangerous it is.

==========

Exactly! The same happened to Oedipa Maas.

Ace, dont attend any tupperware parties!!!

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (iQIUe)

167
Will this become the law for Credit Card campaign donations under a certain dollar threshold? Methinks, oddly, that it won't.

Nor for Lefty threats of death that are their stock in trade.

Selective enforcement is the way to eliminate your enemy and spare your friends.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:08 PM (oVJmc)

168 Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (PA7DS)

Its worse... because withdrawing that money is NOT illegal, unless you are trying to hide the withdrawl of said money, from the Government.

Thus, they are prosecuting him for INTENT of what is otherwise, a perfectly legal action...

Which is a very dangerous road to go down...

You can say 'this' if your INTENT is to entertain.... but not if your INTENT is to hurt (thus hate speech).... and WE get to determine your intent....

Founders would be horrified by where we are.

Posted by: Satan at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (qh617)

169 ZOMG zombie just outed him/herself! Now the muzzies will get him/her!

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (3ZtZW)

170 "Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money to pay someone off and then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place."

Republicans have it in their power to repeal the law that Dennis Hastert is accused of breaking.

Until then, I don't give two fucks about Dennis Hastert or the next Republican they go after for violating this law. I hope they continue to go after Republicans using this very law, until such time as Republicans repeal it.

Now you're going to say that there's no way Republicans can get this law, or any other law repealed. And you'll be lying when you say that, because they can attach repeal of this law to the Defense Authorization or any other bill they wish to. Next, you'll claim some House or Senate rule precludes this, and you'll be lying about that too.

So fuck off, Ace.

Don't like these laws? Repeal them. Until then, Republicans should enjoy their jail time.

Posted by: someguy at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (3z91g)

171 I thought pedophilia was a perk all Democrat Congressmen got for being elected. Did I miss something in Civics class?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:02 PM

FIFY

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (h4vJk)

172 Doesn't everybody know the magic words when speaking to a Federal Agent? Per Hillary - 'I do not recollect' seems to be as powerful as Abracadabra.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (oDCMR)

173 "yes, the state can make anything illegal."

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:04 PM (PA7DS)
________

Solzhenitsyn made this point in "The Gulag Archipelago." He said the Soviet criminal code had contradictory laws so that anyone could be seen as a law-breaker at any time.

(And since it was the criminal code, the USSR could always claim that an arrest and conviction had nothing to do with politics.)

Posted by: FireHorse at June 09, 2015 02:10 PM (8fgsi)

174 I am very glad that Reason was the first website to get this. Reason has such a long history of classic Libertarianism: totalitarian socialism before any social conservatives.

As mentioned up-thread, Gillespie probably thought he bought himself protection by attacking social conservatives first, last, and always.

It's gratifying to see them attacked first.

Posted by: Arkady at June 09, 2015 02:10 PM (Aa885)

175 "It was totally legal to withdraw the money. What was claimed to be illegal was the intent to hide the transactions, structuring the withdrawals in less than $10K increments. "

Clarification: for withdrawing money in an illegal manner.

" Repeal them. Until then, Republicans should enjoy their jail time."

Spot on.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:10 PM (8rRE+)

176
So you're right, he was arrested for ILLEGALLY doing what should never be a crime.
Posted by: ace

The initial structuring laws were passed 45 years ago under the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, and have been renewed and extended by both political parties, and confirmed as constitutional by the courts, repeatedly since then.

About as settled as settled law gets. Unless one believes in nullification, you follow the laws until they're changed.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:11 PM (kdS6q)

177 Nobody wanted to discuss driving records back when Ted Kennedy was running.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 02:11 PM (CfqM9)

178 >>>Republicans have it in their power to repeal the law that Dennis Hastert is accused of breaking.

Until then, I don't give two fucks about Dennis Hastert or the next Republican they go after for violating this law. I hope they continue to go after Republicans using this very law, until such time as Republicans repeal it.

...

you're a fucking idiot. I have repeatedly said these laws should be repealed. I have also said that it is a good that Hastert was hoist by his own petard -- but I don't want more people hoist by this petard, which you seem okay with, I guess.

So fuck you. You've always been an angry, stupid moron, and you will die an angry, stupid moron, probably of a heart attack.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:11 PM (PA7DS)

179 Some laws are ok to break, if you support a certain
party. Other laws (and non-laws) must be obeyed, if you support a
certain party. It is so obvious now, that we have gone beyond the point where our freedoms can be restored through discussion.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 09, 2015 01:57 PM

Just because you have the cloak of membership in "a certain party" doesn't mean you're absolutely invulnerable. I seem to recall an instance when, at one point during our lifetimes, a President was impeached for blatantly lying under oath. His party I.D. saved him from suffering the consequences, of course, but he WAS impeached.

But if you have today's Favorite Protective Characteristic, you are home free. Look at Choom Boy, who has broken more laws than Al Capone, and has actually gained more power (and probably more wealth) by doing so. Not only has that "certain party" deified him, but the alleged "opposition" both in elected office and among the self-appointed Deep Conservative Thinkers has remained silent, except to admonish those who are dumb enough to believe in the law that punishing his worthless ass by prescribed methods would be "bad optics."

Posted by: MrScribbler at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (P8YHq)

180 The Nazi's took out the communists before they took control of Germany. So the donk's are going to take out the libertarians?

Posted by: simplemind at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (5vV+V)

181 If the DOJ is worried about the girly-men at Reason then they must have a dedicated task force for us.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft - another beautiful soggy, foggy OH morning at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (nqiq9)

182 "Founders would be horrified by where we are."

Some of those guys passed the Sedition Acts.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (8rRE+)

183 >>> Posted by: someguy at June 09, 2015 02:09 PM (3z91g)

Banhammer please?

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (BN/jk)

184 >>Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:01

Amen!

Let's hope neither Ace (and co-bloggers) nor the horde catches their attention.

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (k2QA3)

185 Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (BN/jk)

the First Rule of Jeffersonian thought.... is not to talk about Jeffersonian thought.... ONLINE....

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (qh617)

186 >>>
The initial structuring laws were passed 45 years ago under the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, and have been renewed and extended by both political parties, and confirmed as constitutional by the courts, repeatedly since then.

About as settled as settled law gets. Unless one believes in nullification, you follow the laws until they're changed.

..

yes I want the laws changed

but do keep agitating for the untrammeled power of the State -- the State is such an underdog, it needs tireless defenders such as yourself coming to its aid.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (PA7DS)

187 42 Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
Posted by: Boss Moss at June 09, 2015 01:50 PM (CfqM9)

Yep. That says it all.

Posted by: Arson Wells at June 09, 2015 02:13 PM (UnJ7w)

188 In the case of the Solzhenitsyn quote, no one wants to be first. No one is certain that others will back them up. There is always the risk of an informant that will sell you out in return for special or lenient treatment.

The state can play to that fear by examples of informants who did sell someone out.

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 02:13 PM (pRzg2)

189 181 If the DOJ is worried about the girly-men at Reason then they must have a dedicated task force for us.
------------------------
They'd better get some hip waders and a lot of bacon if they want to take us. Silly Feds.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:13 PM (oDCMR)

190 Oooh cat fight

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 09, 2015 02:13 PM (rDqRv)

191 Geesh, you lazy ass some guy, read the effing comments. Ace just said he wanted Hastert to go down

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (BN/jk)

192 "but do keep agitating for the untrammeled power of the State -- the State is such an underdog, it needs tireless defenders such as yourself coming to its aid. "

You could make the same complaint about traffic lights.

We like this law. It nailed a real scumbag.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (8rRE+)

193 "but do keep agitating for the untrammeled power of the State -- the State is such an underdog, it needs tireless defenders such as yourself coming to its aid. "

You could make the same complaint about traffic lights.

We like this law. It nailed a real scumbag.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (8rRE+)

194 You've always been an angry, stupid moron, and you will die an angry, stupid moron, probably of a heart attack.

While punching down.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (oVJmc)

195 About as settled as settled law gets. Unless one believes in nullification, you follow the laws until they're changed.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:11 PM (kdS6q)

Slavery was once 'settled Law'....

as was Prima Nocta....

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (qh617)

196 This is why we have to start thinking seriously about secession. We went through the looking glass so smoothly and gradually that barely anyone notices everything is crazy now.

Posted by: TallDave at June 09, 2015 02:15 PM (/s1LA)

197 >>>We like this law. It nailed a real scumbag.

gotta get the bad guys

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:15 PM (PA7DS)

198 Ace just said he wanted Hastert to go down
Posted by: L, Elle
_____________________

Oh rest assured that Hastert went down.

Posted by: Informant A at June 09, 2015 02:15 PM (UlJ3l)

199 For a while and something I never understood, Bugliosi was hawking music tapes in late night television ads.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at June 09, 2015 02:15 PM (iQIUe)

200 We have to behave better.

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:07 PM (BN/jk)

Remember your audience

Posted by: wrg500 at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (sWgE+)

201 I hate to say it but I'm a lot more worried about the FBI lying to us than a fat RINO child molester lying to the FBI.

Posted by: The Great White Snark at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (XUKZU)

202 Well, I was going to make a bitter devastating joke, but my site won't load, so I'll just make it anyway with the link, and maybe later it will make sense when my site (presumably) comes back online:

--------------------

Hey wait -- I just discovered a real threat against the government that someone posted! :

http://www.zombietime.com/prairie_fire/

Better subpoena the people who made the threat!

Posted by: zombie at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (jBuUi)

203 If it were not for this law, Carlo Gambino would have got 7% on his cash income and the taxpayers would have insured the deposit.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (8rRE+)

204 >>Ace just said he wanted Hastert to go down

Denny is a little old for my tastes, but that Ace guy is diminutive...

I'll allow it.

Posted by: Harry Reid at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (dt+UH)

205 Two guys saying fuck you to each other and I wasn't involved. Some days I'm just luckier than others. LOL

Posted by: just bob at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (wkuqO)

206 I am very glad that Reason was the first website to get this. Reason has such a long history of classic Libertarianism: totalitarian socialism before any social conservatives. As mentioned up-thread, Gillespie probably thought he bought himself protection by attacking social conservatives first, last, and always. It's gratifying to see them attacked first.
Posted by: Arkady at June 09, 2015 02:10 PM (Aa885)

-------------------------------------------

Hate to tell you this, but your attitude is the same as the regime's right now.

I don't care if it's Huffpo getting the reaming, the government is overstepping the 1st Amendment.

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (P25Hh)

207 We like this law. It nailed a real scumbag.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:14 PM (8rRE+)

Ahhhh.... so you are Judge, and Jury???

and apparently the End Justifies the Means for you...

got it...

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (qh617)

208 as was Prima Nocta....

Actually, it was always a myth - a sort of stereotypical "bad king" behavior in medieval legends - but point taken.

Posted by: Grey Fox at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (a42f0)

209 >>> If the DOJ is worried about the girly-men at Reason

They're not. They're a Good Example.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (3ZtZW)

210
lotta hardcore statists absolutely love state power but will tell you they're all about All the Liberty that flows from making everything possible illegal.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (PA7DS)

211 About as settled as settled law gets. Unless one believes in nullification, you follow the laws until they're changed.

--------

The important thing is to be popular and not cause trouble. Sure, you may have to publicly denounce friends or family but the pretty girls just have nicer houses and better families.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something SMOD 2016 = Real Change at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (NHtMs)

212 I know a lot of folks here think none too kindly of Reason, but today, we are all Reason.com

Posted by: Citizen X at June 09, 2015 02:17 PM (7ObY1)

213 >>> Ace just said he wanted Hastert to go down
Posted by: L, Elle
_____________________

Oh rest assured that Hastert went down.
Posted by: Informant A at June 09, 2015 02:15 PM (UlJ3l)

----------

Phrasing! That was unintentional but it worked, didn't it?

Posted by: L, Elle at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (BN/jk)

214
Someone is using Atlas Shrugged as a guide.

Someone should perhaps point out to TPTB what happened to the society that was abandoned by those who went Galt.

That which cannot continue, won't.

Posted by: irongrampa at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (jeCnD)

215
If Senator Graham is elected President of the United States, he plans on using rotating First Lady's to staff the White House, and I therefore throw my hat in the ring for selection to that high honor.

First Lady Caitlyn Jenner has a great ring to it, and I would go down in history as the first transgender woman to hold the ceremonial office. I'm so excited about the possibility, and am tearing up at the prospect. Toot-a-loo girls!

Posted by: Caitlyn Jenner at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (P330y)

216 "Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money to pay someone off and then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place."

So when do they investigate the bludgeons and bribes involved in the ACA?
OHHHH...it was money from the public purse so...

Posted by: Mr Wizard at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (eOpVe)

217 They'd better get some hip waders and a lot of bacon if they want to take us. Silly Feds.
Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:13 PM (oDCMR)

Shit. A Kate Upton look-alike for the 'rons and Rick Perry for the 'ettes, and they'd have us all in camps by midnight. Especially if there was pudding and Val-U-Rite.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft - another beautiful soggy, foggy OH morning at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (nqiq9)

218 will the DOJ be going after these people?

As Obama civil rights advisor Al Sharpton frantically tries to distance himself from the revenge execution style slayings of two NYPD officers Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn, keep in mind that just one week ago protestors at his march in New York City were chanting, "What do we want? Dead cops! When do what them? Now!"

http://tinyurl.com/mzqewpt (and oh boy you get to see a postage stamp size pic of Katie Pavlic, too)

Posted by: mallfly at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (qSIlh)

219 211 About as settled as settled law gets. Unless one believes in nullification, you follow the laws until they're changed.
_______________

The legal principle you're thinking of is known as "super duper precedent."

Posted by: Zombie Arlen Specter at June 09, 2015 02:19 PM (UlJ3l)

220 Hey, thanks for confirming Loretta Lynch, you mealy-mouthed GOP cocksuckers.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:19 PM (oVJmc)

221 Re Denny Hastert: I haven't followed the story too much because of lack of interest and also not wanting to go to bat for the guy because of what might eventually come out (i.e., if it turns out to be a Jerry Sandusky-type situation). But I have indeed wondered when it had become illegal to pay off blackmailers.

Posted by: Nicholas Kronos at June 09, 2015 02:19 PM (8tzNS)

222 You died during the nite in the gulag, they just put your body outside where it froze. In the morning the guards would chop off the hands of the stiff and hang them in a heated office to defrost so they could get fingerprints. So you could come into a room and see row after row of amputated hands dripping blood and water. And this is how a few American leftists wound up.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at June 09, 2015 02:19 PM (iQIUe)

223 68 Did Chachi really love Joanie? I think he was cheating on her with Leather Tuscadero.

I don't blame him. Suzie Quatro was pretty cute.

Suzie may have been cute, but Leather was a bulldyke, straight up.

Behind closed doors, it was Joanie loves Leather.

Posted by: Citizen X at June 09, 2015 02:19 PM (7ObY1)

224 btw, the same government that could Give A Fuck about stalkers terrorizing citizens goes into Legal Warp Drive the moment a state employee is fake-threatened.

Funny that, huh?

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:20 PM (PA7DS)

225 If you like this law there are others just as bad. So many fucking laws and they can pick and choose. Rico is being applied in ways never understood when it was signed into law. On and On.

Posted by: just bob at June 09, 2015 02:20 PM (wkuqO)

226 Same DoJ that turfed the Black Panther case.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:20 PM (oVJmc)

227 We like this law.

You have a mouse in your pocket or something?

Posted by: he's actually being charged for behaving legally at June 09, 2015 02:20 PM (ZtFr+)

228 218 will the DOJ be going after these people?

As Obama civil rights advisor Al Sharpton frantically tries to distance himself from the revenge execution style slayings of two NYPD officers Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn, keep in mind that just one week ago protestors at his march in New York City were chanting, "What do we want? Dead cops! When do what them? Now!"

http://tinyurl.com/mzqewpt (and oh boy you get to see a postage stamp size pic of Katie Pavlic, too)
------------------------
The Feds don't care about dead cops - they care about terror. Hell Al Sharpton was picked to increase the terror.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:20 PM (oDCMR)

229 >>>Republicans have it in their power to repeal the law that Dennis Hastert is accused of breaking.

Although this is a shitty law, well beyond the intent of the Constitution in being secure in your papers, it's not the real problem.

As I mentioned, democrats have begun to criminalize being a republican without fear of having the tables turned on them.

Any law can be misused. Any power can be abused against the "enemy". If democrats continue to believe that they can use every sleezy tactic to get conservatives without reciprocity, the witch hunts will continue.

Posted by: jwest at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (9ZZd+)

230 >>> I know a lot of folks here think none too kindly of Reason

Kind of the point of why to go after them. They're the apex site for a friendless point of view.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (3ZtZW)

231 >>>Re Denny Hastert: I haven't followed the story too much because of lack of interest and also not wanting to go to bat for the guy because of what might eventually come out (i.e., if it turns out to be a Jerry Sandusky-type situation). But I have indeed wondered when it had become illegal to pay off blackmailers.

i have no doubt Hastert is guilty. It is never "illegal to pay off blackmailers," if you really meant that -- paying off blackmail is not a crime.

Demanding blackmailed money is the crime. Not paying it off.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (PA7DS)

232 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Not dead yet at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (kff5f)

233
but do keep agitating for the untrammeled power of the State -- the State is such an underdog, it needs tireless defenders such as yourself coming to its aid.
Posted by: ace

One believes in the rule of laws enacted by our representatives and confirmed by our courts, or one has joined the "deemed passed" results orientated folks.

Kinda hard to thwack Obama for not following laws he doesn't like, while endorsing similar actions yourself.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (kdS6q)

234 Also, they already know all the people at the III sites, the survivalists, the militias, etc.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (3ZtZW)

235 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Not dead yet at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (kff5f)

236 >>So when do they investigate the bludgeons and bribes involved in the ACA?
OHHHH...it was money from the public purse so...

Or Hillary's bribes via the "foundation" while serving as SoS?

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (k2QA3)

237
216 "Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money to pay someone off and then lying to the FBI about that which they had no right to ask in the first place."

So when do they investigate the bludgeons and bribes involved in the ACA?
OHHHH...it was money from the public purse so...

Posted by: Mr Wizard at June 09, 2015 02:18 PM (eOpVe)

and the better question.... how in the hell does a Poor guy who got elected to Congress, have the MONEY to pay someone over 3 Million???? for Anything????

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (qh617)

238 >>>f you like this law there are others just as bad. So many fucking laws and they can pick and choose. Rico is being applied in ways never understood when it was signed into law. On and On.

civil asset forfeiture, etc.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (PA7DS)

239 Frankly, my only hope now is to die before the camps are established.

And no, I'm not joking.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (zF6Iw)

240 Let's hope neither Ace (and co-bloggers) nor the horde catches their attention.
Posted by: Lizzy
--------------------

Waaaay too late for that.

Posted by: Bob at NSA at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (F2IAQ)

241 i have no doubt Hastert is guilty. It is never "illegal to pay off blackmailers," if you really meant that -- paying off blackmail is not a crime.

Errr... then guilty of what?

I guess the "Lying to the FBI," but I'm very well prepared not to care about that.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Not dead yet at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (kff5f)

242 This is community organizing.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (oVJmc)

243 Nobody came to the aid of the communists when the Nazi's rounded them up either.

Posted by: simplemind at June 09, 2015 02:23 PM (5vV+V)

244 How about they investigate Bill's trips to "Pedo Island" and Sen. Menedez's trips to the Dominican Republic (?) on a donor's plane to partake in underage hookers? I say prosecute ALL the scumbags, not just the ones with an "R" beside their name.

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 02:23 PM (k2QA3)

245 Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:16 PM (8rRE+)

You are wrong. And full of shit.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 09, 2015 02:23 PM (7G/wk)

246 incidentally, the $10,000 limit was set in 1972 and has not been changed since.

in 1972, $10,000 represented a huge amount of money -- but in today's dollars, it's not so much.

2015's 10,000 dollars would be equal to a bit over $1,6000 in 1972.

So that's what's going on now-- the state demands to be informed of any transaction exceeding the huge sum of $1600 (in 1972 dollars), and in fact says it's a crime to move money in $1500 chunks.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (PA7DS)

247 Joannie was a minty fresh Dime Piece.

Posted by: The Fonz at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (dt+UH)

248 Barack Obama, Community Disorganizer.

Posted by: zombie at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (jBuUi)

249 This brings to mind the post that Ace wrote about the Social Compact and We the People being civilized and not hanging our law enforcers in the public square. I wonder if this is how it begins.

Posted by: Arson Wells at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (UnJ7w)

250 Its interesting to note that 73 known or actively suspected terrorists were reportedly permitted to join TSA and work in airport security, but internet critics of federal law enforcement are targets of subpoenas.

Posted by: MTF at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (DkJ4E)

251 Kind of the point of why to go after them. They're the apex site for a friendless point of view.

Yup. Anyone who thinks they won't use an easy case like Reason to gain precedent which can then be used against more popular sites hasn't been paying attention.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (B/VB5)

252 FNC: WH briefing suddenly stopped. Reporters told to leave.

Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (P25Hh)

253

Woman Who Claims To Own The Sun Is Suing eBay For Blocking Sales Of Solar RealEstate

You go girl!

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (iQIUe)

254 This is community organizing. Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM

And Choom Boy has always had a good grasp on it, right from his first campaign in IL. Opponents has sealed records? Nooooo problem....

Posted by: MrScribbler at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (P8YHq)

255 I get the misty-eyed reverence for the Rule of Law that we all once had. Back when there was such a thing.

Posted by: Furious George at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (UlJ3l)

256 Wow. If they are doing this to an American political blog they must be getting ready to nuke the PRC for that data hack.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something SMOD 2016 = Real Change at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (NHtMs)

257 I guess the "Lying to the FBI," but I'm very well prepared not to care about that.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Not dead yet at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (kff5f)

Only with our Supreme Court... could they decide that it IS Legal for the Cops to lie to you... but not for you to lie to the Cops...

Even with a supposed Right to not incriminate yourself...

The sophistry of that position, is staggering...

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (qh617)

258 Nope. If he could have moved all the cash in and out of the bank without reporting it, he'd have used a bank.

Posted by: Chris Balsz at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (8rRE+)

259 >>>> And no, I'm not joking.

What did you do? Oh, what did you doooo?
/K. Hepburn voiceover

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (3ZtZW)

260 >>>
One believes in the rule of laws enacted by our representatives and confirmed by our courts, or one has joined the "deemed passed" results orientated folks.

Kinda hard to thwack Obama for not following laws he doesn't like, while endorsing similar actions yourself.

...

you're either not understanding "the law should be changed," or you are refusing, perhaps out of shame, to explain why this odious law should be kept on the books.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:25 PM (PA7DS)

261
Kinda hard to thwack Obama for not following laws he doesn't like, while endorsing similar actions yourself.
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (kdS6q)

If you try to fit those laws into the framework of the Constitution, they don't. Therefore are illegal.
Remember the supreme court is a political court.

Obama is using the Constitution as ass wipe and deserves to be condemned.

Posted by: just bob at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (wkuqO)

262 Frankly, my only hope now is to die before the camps are established.

And no, I'm not joking.

***
people are so stupid....and they'll cheer as the trucks arrive on the block

Posted by: Mr Wizard at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (eOpVe)

263 NC: WH briefing suddenly stopped. Reporters told to leave.
Posted by: Soona at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (P25Hh)

----

..... teleprompter down???

Posted by: fixerupper at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (8XRCm)

264 Denny Hastert is being arraigned to day for withdrawing his own money

-
First of all, it's all Obama's money.

Posted by: The Great White Snark at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (XUKZU)

265 Normally I am still upset when bad laws happen to bad people, but with Hastert the bad law in question is one he enthusiastically supported. So, I'm more ambivalent.

Posted by: Ken in NH at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (qFlZT)

266 Its already begun, this is the part where some people have realized its begun, and the next level effects start this summer. 2016 should be a doozy.

Posted by: simplemind at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (5vV+V)

267 FNC: WH briefing suddenly stopped.
Reporters told to leave.

Tee time!

Posted by: rickb223 at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (i/Iet)

268 First of all, it's all Obama's money.

Which is to say the PEOPLES' money.
Or at least, certain people.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at June 09, 2015 02:27 PM (W5DcG)

269 181 If the DOJ is worried about the girly-men at Reason then they must have a dedicated task force for us.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft - another beautiful soggy, foggy OH morning at June 09, 2015 02:12 PM (nqiq9)

TW Nominee!

Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:27 PM (nb5QL)

270 263

..... teleprompter down???
Posted by: fixerupper at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (8XRCm)

It's been haxx0red by Iran.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (l3LvV)

271 Always end your threats with a smiley emoticon. It's like a get out of jail free card.

Posted by: buzzsaw90 at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (/eTPT)

272 >>Its interesting to note that 73 known or actively suspected terrorists
were reportedly permitted to join TSA and work in airport security, but
internet critics of federal law enforcement are targets of subpoenas.

Kinda like Obama's re-election team getting to re-brand themselves as the non-partisan 501c "OFA" - all while still maintaining Obama's presidential twitter feed - while some little mom 'n pop organization in Texas gets the IRS, OSHA, ATF, etc. all up in its business because they dare to check the voter rolls.

Posted by: Lizzy at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (k2QA3)

273 nood up on wh security situation

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (PA7DS)

274 If the DOJ is worried about the girly-men at Reason then they must have a dedicated task force for us.

They dropped that task force when the last one tried to summon Cthulhu.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Not dead yet at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (kff5f)

275
If you try to fit those laws into the framework of the Constitution, they don't. Therefore are illegal.
Posted by: just bob

The laws have been confirmed as constitution in multiple cases in multiple courts for over four decades.

They are legal. Doesn't mean they are good, doesn't mean they are wise, but they are legal.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (kdS6q)

276 i mean, it's nothing more than what you already know, but it's a thread for that purpose

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (PA7DS)

277 Don't drive over the speed limit, we'll give you a ticket.

We'll also give you a ticket for driving too slowly.

Posted by: Morseus at June 09, 2015 02:29 PM (5wW/W)

278 In 1973 most cars sold for less than $10k. This threshold should be inflated to account for Obama dollars at somewhere around $30 - 35k.

Or we cold kill the IRS and go to a National Sales Tax and forever refer to 15 April as Lois Learner the Dirty Union Whore Day. Maybe give our kids candy a bat and an old Lois mannequin to beat on to salve their sugar high. Good Times.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at June 09, 2015 02:29 PM (oDCMR)

279 238
>>>f you like this law there are others just as bad. So many
fucking laws and they can pick and choose. Rico is being applied in ways
never understood when it was signed into law. On and On.

civil asset forfeiture, etc.

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:22 PM (PA7DS)

My crim law prof wrote RICO.

He has made quite a living for himself defending people against it, 1.) because mob guys have money, and 2.) because he's horrified at what it has become.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at June 09, 2015 02:29 PM (yxw0r)

280 So, this is how it ends.

Posted by: That Guy Who Always Thinks It's Ending at June 09, 2015 02:30 PM (NHtMs)

281 There is an old legal maxim that hard cases make bad law. I suspect that now it is just the opposite, bad laws make hard cases.

Posted by: The Great White Snark at June 09, 2015 02:30 PM (XUKZU)

282 231 >> Demanding blackmailed money is the crime. Not paying it off.

Misprision, or knowing of a felony and not reporting it.

Posted by: GnuBreed at June 09, 2015 02:31 PM (6sL58)

283 Where is the guy who thinks it's already started?

Posted by: 1bulwetweft - another beautiful soggy, foggy OH morning at June 09, 2015 02:31 PM (nqiq9)

284 The laws have been confirmed as constitution in multiple cases in multiple courts for over four decades.

They are legal. Doesn't mean they are good, doesn't mean they are wise, but they are legal.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:28 PM (kdS6q)

Only if you admit that the Supreme Court is the final arbitrator of Constitutionality.... which you will find no where IN the Constitution...

its a role they took upon themselves in the very beginning... but it is only Precedent... never set into either LAW or the Constitution (which would take Acts of Congress, or State Ratification).

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:31 PM (qh617)

285 If this is the beginning.... I was going to ask, then I went to Fox...

the question I was going to ask, If this is the beginning, how bad is it going to get and how quickly over the next eighteen months.

answer at fox. A senate hearing on TSA security was cut short by a bomb threat.

Posted by: hobart barnstock at June 09, 2015 02:31 PM (pRzg2)

286 A senate hearing on TSA security was cut short by a bomb threat.

Anybody else see the irony dripping off that statement?

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at June 09, 2015 02:32 PM (nqiq9)

287 "WH briefing suddenly stopped. Reporters told to leave."

The White House press corpse all remained in place following the order, there being no actual reporters in the ranks of that body.

Posted by: torquewrench at June 09, 2015 02:33 PM (noWW6)

288
>>I'm gonna go kill a Sam Adams.

Doing that as we type. Irish Red.

Posted by: HH at June 09, 2015 02:33 PM (Qia1Z)

289 nood up on wh security situation

En fuego!

Posted by: Sock puppet filling in for the guy who says en fuego at June 09, 2015 02:33 PM (ZKzrr)

290 Misprision, or knowing of a felony and not reporting it.

Posted by: GnuBreed at June 09, 2015 02:31 PM (6sL5

The Obama admin has knowingly aided and abetted Illegals staying in this country.... Which is a Felony under current law...

you know this.... have you reported it?

If not... you are guilty of misprision....

See how this works?

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:33 PM (qh617)

291 Frankly, my only hope now is to die before the camps are established.
***
They're already established

Posted by: The guy who thinks it's already started at June 09, 2015 02:34 PM (eOpVe)

292
you're either not understanding "the law should be changed," or you are refusing, perhaps out of shame, to explain why this odious law should be kept on the books.
Posted by: ace

Folks aren't making a "the law should be changed"argument. They're making a "Whahhhh I don't like the law!" argument, which is quite different.

Don't like these particular laws? Challenge them in court -- which won't work because the trial history is clear at this point, or elect representatives to change them -- which is also a problem because both parties have joined to renew the Patriot Act which also renews these laws.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:34 PM (kdS6q)

293 247 Joannie was a minty fresh Dime Piece.
Posted by: The Fonz at June 09, 2015 02:24 PM (dt+UH)
---
you ate the shortcake?

Posted by: buzzsaw90 at June 09, 2015 02:34 PM (/eTPT)

294 A senate hearing on TSA security was cut short by a bomb threat.

Probably phoned in by TSA to try and make their jobs seem more important.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 09, 2015 02:35 PM (B/VB5)

295 "i have no doubt Hastert is guilty. "

Posted by: ace at June 09, 2015 02:21 PM (PA7DS)

Judging from all the other pedophile cases I've seen or heard of, it's like Lay's potato chips - you can't do just one.

Hastert was put in the speakership because of his squeaky-clean reputation. All these years, he's been scandal free. It's hard to believe that he messed with one kid (maybe two) in high school and then never fucked around again.

And how did this not come out at the height of the scandal days back with Clinton and Newt?

There has to be a lot more to the story than people think right now. It may be a lot less than what is being thrown around as "fact", but still enough for Hastert to pay 3.5 mil to keep it quiet.

Time will tell.

Posted by: jwest at June 09, 2015 02:35 PM (9ZZd+)

296 I saw Teleprompter Down at the CineMark 8 in Henrietta last fall.

Posted by: Bigby's Pricking Thumbs at June 09, 2015 02:35 PM (3ZtZW)

297 "Don't drive over the speed limit, we'll give you a ticket. We'll also give you a ticket for driving too slowly."

I read of the plight of a homeowning couple down in Southern Commiefornia. The kommissars of local government came round and wrote them a fat ticket for the heinous crime of watering the lawn in front of their house. Earthcrime! Doubleplusungreen!

So they stopped watering the lawn, which went brown and died.

The local kommissars came back around and wrote them a second fat ticket for "creating an eyesore".

Posted by: torquewrench at June 09, 2015 02:36 PM (noWW6)

298
Only if you admit that the Supreme Court is the final arbitrator of Constitutionality.... which you will find no where IN the Constitution...
Posted by: BB Wolf

Personally, I also don't think the courts have an absolute right of judical review under the Constitution. But I'm also over 200 years too late to dick about it.

The system at this point is set.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:38 PM (kdS6q)

299 pro-tip: Pay off your blackmailers with bitcoins.

Posted by: buzzsaw90 at June 09, 2015 02:38 PM (/eTPT)

300 266 Its already begun, this is the part where some people have realized its begun, and the next level effects start this summer. 2016 should be a doozy.

Posted by: simplemind at June 09, 2015 02:26 PM (5vV+V)

This. The bastards haven't learned a thing from the IRS scandal--they're taking it to the next level.

Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:39 PM (nb5QL)

301 Anyway, ninety-five percent of the people on the list were basically nobodies, and they were rarely missed. It's funny how social network analysis works-it's not the famous people, it's the important people. People behind the famous names. The critical nodes. Bloggers in the basement that nobody had heard of. SNA found them all, and plucked them from obscurity.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at June 09, 2015 02:40 PM (fWAjv)

302 Probably phoned in by TSA to try and make their jobs seem more important.

Posted by: Ian S.

The bombthreat is coming from inside the hearing room! Run for your lives.

And then, they set the Reichstag on fire. Wait, what country was this again?

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....lost in America at June 09, 2015 02:41 PM (RFeQD)

303 in 1972, $10,000 represented a huge amount of money -- but in today's dollars, it's not so much.

2015's 10,000 dollars would be equal to a bit over $1,600 in 1972.

Yeah, well I'd love to have $10,000. I'd love to have $1,600. For some, those are huge amounts of money.

Posted by: Null at June 09, 2015 02:41 PM (xjpRj)

304 Personally, I also don't think the courts have an absolute right of judical review under the Constitution. But I'm also over 200 years too late to dick about it.

The system at this point is set.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:38 PM (kdS6q)

A convention of the states could potentially fix this. But then again, Congress won't even stand up for itself as a co-equal branch. Those little bitches LIKE dictatorship.

Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:41 PM (nb5QL)

305 i remember when carmella did the under 10,000 buck thing while she was ripping off tony

Posted by: north and judd at June 09, 2015 02:43 PM (0KrC/)

306
A convention of the states could potentially fix this. But then again, Congress won't even stand up for itself as a co-equal branch. Those little bitches LIKE dictatorship.

Posted by: Hurricane LaFawnduh at June 09, 2015 02:41 PM (nb5QL)

There have been enough State Legislatures who voted for the Balanced Budget Amendment, that it should have triggered an Article 5 already...

But there is no mechanism in place to make it happen....

Kind of like our right to petition the government for Grievance.... no mechanism in place except the Courts, who then get to decide if you have standing.... you can't force them to listen to your petition at all if they don't deem you worthy.

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:45 PM (qh617)

307 "A convention of the states could potentially fix this. But then again, Congress won't even stand up for itself as a co-equal branch. Those little bitches LIKE dictatorship."

Dictatorship is such a strong word. Semantically loaded. It doesn't really flow off the tongue smoothly.

We prefer to speak of it as something along the lines of a consortium.

Posted by: The Permanent Bipartisan Fusion Party at June 09, 2015 02:47 PM (noWW6)

308 Dictatorship is such a strong word. Semantically loaded. It doesn't really flow off the tongue smoothly.

We prefer to speak of it as something along the lines of a consortium.

Posted by: The Permanent Bipartisan Fusion Party at June 09, 2015 02:47 PM (noWW6)

and yes... Executive Action sounds so much better than Illegal Order!

Posted by: BB Wolf at June 09, 2015 02:51 PM (qh617)

309 So the government that can't secure our airports and can't even keep track of all the terrorist suspects it knows about, by its own admission, is going to protect us from anonymous libertarian blog com enters.

Posted by: Reince Priebus & Karl Rove at June 09, 2015 02:54 PM (U2f14)

310 FNC: WH briefing suddenly stopped. Reporters told to leave.
Posted by: Soona
----------------

What...., did someone ask a direct, difficult question?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at June 09, 2015 02:56 PM (F2IAQ)

311 Just accidentally delete them.

Posted by: Bobby at June 09, 2015 02:56 PM (2Y6Hc)

312 Or have a HDD crash. Randomly.

Posted by: Bobby at June 09, 2015 02:57 PM (2Y6Hc)

313 Am I the only one who remembers when the Reason people got together with the Progs and decided that staunch libertarians and commie fascists could in fact be political allies?
The absurdity was completely lost on Nick Gillespie et.al.
I cancelled my Reason subscription, have not been back.

Posted by: CozMark at June 09, 2015 02:58 PM (aKWBd)

314 Founders would be horrified by where we are.

The Goatlegged One is right!

Posted by: Grump928(c) at June 09, 2015 02:59 PM (evdj2)

315 Folks aren't making a "the law should be changed"argument. They're making a "Whahhhh I don't like the law!" argument, which is quite different.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at June 09, 2015 02:34 PM
________

There's a third option: Go after the individual power-hungry people in the government abusing the government's authority. Go after them personally and ruin them.

These folks - the bureaucrats in the IRS, the rangers in the National Parks, and so on - may have followed the letter of the law in their abuses, but they're guilty of something. Immure them, and link their fates to all of their behaviors.

Then remind the 2 million people in the federal government's employ that our side gets four years' reign every so often. Repealing a bad law doesn't solve anything if it can be replaced with another bad law. (Sorry, ace.) These people need genuine fear of facing the consequences of enforcing immoral laws.

Posted by: FireHorse at June 09, 2015 03:02 PM (katoe)

316 The can Snowden pried open has a lot of worms in it.

Posted by: torabors at June 09, 2015 03:03 PM (8ZGGH)

317 Frankly, my only hope now is to die before the camps are established.

And no, I'm not joking.

I hope when they come for me I take as many of those motherf*ckers out as possible.

Posted by: Insomniac at June 09, 2015 03:03 PM (2Ojst)

318 Some of those Reason commenters probably smoke weed, so I hope Lynch jails them all for life!

Posted by: Ken Railings at June 09, 2015 03:08 PM (nlQae)

319 Look at the quote at the top of this website.
Tell me that Ace isn't already on someone's list.

Posted by: rayj at June 09, 2015 03:32 PM (pI/IV)

320 It doesn't have "all the power." It has the same power you or any other person does, the power to murder/harm people and threaten them. the difference is it has lots of people who claim to work for it, and you have you.

Posted by: DocMerlin at June 09, 2015 04:18 PM (jwx27)

321 when I first started reading reason I didn't believe the commenters assertions that most republicans were statist assholes just like the democrats only about different stuff.

but they were right.

I used to think they were ridiculous when they said most people feared freedom.

but they were right.

Posted by: X at June 09, 2015 06:33 PM (qI4Zg)

322
to Maetenloch

I am Ira Wetheral
My Disturbance of some ONTs is directly in response to Cooth's INSISTENCE that I
am responsible for his IT misfortune,

luap nor AKA Tim in Illinois was also called out and harassed, but seemingly didn't get the ban hammer because he did the 'turn the other cheek maneuver' which is cool.

I scream back at cooth, unperson, and a growing band of yahoos who seem to be swayed by his...
Magnificence. Buzzion fell into this as well as bebe.

The main point I want to make here, there is not and never will be any "evidence" pointing toward
implicating me. One night he got a bug up his ass, and never quit.

He is the sphincter in this case.

My belief, is while his fiancee was out of town, He stumbled into some bad shit on a porn site.

Maybe not, but he sure didn't get it from me.

Now my pal Mr Hat has been given over to the dark side.

Do I really have to wait for an apology from cooth?

When will his expensive "investigator" finger the culprit, if ever?

Late at night, all I have ever done was some silly back and forth you-tube music videos with hat and piercello. No fun anymore.

I don't see a resolution to this in the near future

But if you can, I'm amenable.

Seriously,
Ira

Posted by: El Dorado at June 10, 2015 05:08 AM (HNB4q)

Processing 0.04, elapsed 0.0446 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0155 seconds, 331 records returned.
Page size 163 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.