The Public Opinion Soapbox

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 490

I agree fully with that. if its allowed, you can't punish Rotz. I believe however that guns should be banned from polling locations because of their ability to intimidate away voters.

BadKarma42 · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:42 am Post subject:

Did this guy do things the way I would have? No.

I read his "blog" and the 40+ pages of threads on the website he is a member of. I know I am only getting one side of the story, but so far I don't have an issue with what he did, provided the information presented is accurate.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2750 Location: Chambersburg

Whew.

Anonymous Coward and BadKarma42,

I feel MUCH better now.

I realize it is not the duty of either one of you to make me feel warm and fuzzy, but you did; so, "YAY!" for you!

It was becoming obvious that our arguments were being colored by our beliefs and, I must admit, I was getting worried. (It was hard for me to not think of an a** I used to know who liked the stares he got from wearing his 9mm. He didn't respect the weapon, he'd only fired the thing twice, never cleaned it, etc. --I had to push that feeling aside and remind myself that I didn't know Greg Rotz and it was illogical to compare him and judge his actions based on someone he'd never met...)

My concern was Mr. Rotz's denial of due process and the lack of recourse he was given. His license was stripped without just cause and in order to get it back he had to shell out money for a lawyer and jump through hoops within a relatively short period of time (45 days, I think?)

(Forgive the following sentence) It wasn't FAIR.
(yeah, yeah, I know--life's not fair)
And the gall of the sheriff!... actually acknowledging that the judge would most likely side with Rotz. Is that really the kind of attitude we want our law enforcement officials to display?

>Well, now, I know you ain't a criminal, but you rub me the wrong way, boy. Maybe it's time someone taught you some humility...Now, Dance!<

I'm rambling and my lack of grammatical skill is probably driving Coward crazy, so I'll sum it up.

Thanks for using a dispassionate perspective. I have found, that when the freedoms of others are involved, such a viewpoint can be necessary.
(Not as much fun, but necessary nonetheless.)
_________________
I demand euphoria!

me · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 119

I have read, re-read and re-re-read the article and have yet to see where Mr. Rotz was irresponsible, reckless, careless or negligent.

The Constable suggested/ asked him to take the weapon to his car. This was not, nor it could it be, a lawful order as there is presently NO LAW that says you can not take a firearm to a polling place.

Mr. Rotz excerised his rights was and still is being punished AND now he is being labeled with various derogatory titles.

I've asked before and I'll ask again, what's the difference between this and a Constable or other LEO requesting you to put on or take off a symbol of some type of religious belief??????
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Certainly there is no hunting like the hunting of man and those who have hunted armed men long enough and like it, never really care for anything else thereafter.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2750 Location: Chambersburg

BadKarma42 · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:25 pm Post subject:

He has amassed a nice little legal defense fund from donations across the state and some out of state. If he has to pay anything I imagine the donors would fully support him using that money. The rest is to be donated.

me · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 119

Well I hope action will be taken to address this abuse of rights and abuse of office !!!
_________________
Certainly there is no hunting like the hunting of man and those who have hunted armed men long enough and like it, never really care for anything else thereafter.

Irish1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Montgomery Township

The sheriff is a short timer, he should restore the permit, apoligize, and not let the door hit him in his arse on his way out. Hopefully Mr. Rotz will not press this issue into the courts once he gets his permit back since we the taxpayers will be footing the bill.
I am not 100% sure but I dont think a constable is a full fledge peace officer, I think they are the civil end of the SO's for that matter The sheriff and all of his/her deputies are the civil end of the law and must all have complete training in order to be a peace officer. Unlike other states where the SO"s routinely patrol there this is not the case in PA, CT&HI have done away w/ sheriffs.

EdGeb69 · Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

On this carry matter with Mr. Rotz. Carrying a firearm is a responsiblility.
That means that you carry it responsibly. If you want to carry concealed then by all means carry it concealed. That means not flashing it in public or allowing others to be aware that you are armed. When you allow your firearm to be exposed, you are putting yourself and others at risk of harm. Mr. Rotz started this when he got out of his vehicle with his weapon exposed. No that is not a violation of the law, however it was in poor judgement or lack of judgement on his part. I support the Sheriff in what he did. If you act irresponsibly, then there should be repercussions for your actions. There were people at that polling place that were probably very concerned about their safety and "flashing" a weapon is not the sign of a responsible person.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 490

BadKarma42 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:49 am Post subject:

As I review various posts, many statements being made are reminding me of the political correctness movement of years ago and still seems to be festering.

Several people are are saying it was poor judgement and they didn't like it and things to the effect of them not feeling ok about it.

Here's my side-issue from this debate: Would someone explain to me why I have to think about every person I may encounter during the day and filter my thoughts, actions, and statements because someone may decide they don't like something and their "rights" or feelings are now hurt?

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2750 Location: Chambersburg

me · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 119

I echo .45cehl's comment about ebing PC.

It's the biggest bunch of non-sense I've ever heard. WHY is it that I MUST change, alter or conceal MY beliefs just to appease the beliefs of others??????
_________________
Certainly there is no hunting like the hunting of man and those who have hunted armed men long enough and like it, never really care for anything else thereafter.

BadKarma42 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:56 am Post subject: Re: Carrying Guns

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2750 Location: Chambersburg