Thursday, July 04, 2013

Cradle and Grave of Liberty, Part Deux...

Remember the TJIC incident?

Well, TJIC got his Massachusetts FID* reissued, and has reapplied for an MA LTC**.

Now the local po-po*** is surrounding his crib, wanting to inspect the premises. Without a warrant. In the suburbs of Boston. On Independence Day.

Is irony dead in this country?

I'd type more, but I'm on the phone with casa de TJIC and I need to light the beacon fire...


* FID: Firearm Identification. What you need to own a gun in MA.
** LTC: License To Carry: What you need to take firearms outside of your house in MA oustide of very restrictive circumstances. Comes in many flavors.
***Like, ten cops.

EDIT: See comments below for updates.
.

115 comments:

Hank said...

Ummm, uck-fay?

Anonymous said...

Doubleplusungood.

Jennifer said...

CUT!
this is a movie, right?

Tam said...

No.

Jenn was like "There's a cop looking at me through the window with a flashlight and his hand on his holster!"

I was like "Do you have a video camera? Preferably one that is big and round and pink and looks nothing like a gun?"

Tam said...

Robert,

Doubtful.

Anonymous said...

Clueless irony, thy name is BPD.

And whatever happens there, I am TJIC.

TigerStripe said...

Is the original TJIC "incident" being used as the excuse this time?

Irony is just one of the many things dead in this country.

Borepatch said...

LTC is shall issue and covers long guns only. This is why it's reinstated because nobody really has a say in it.

The LTC is at the discretion of the local Chief of Police. Some won't grant any, some grant all requests. Arlington had a good reputation for granting them until l'Affair TJIC hit.

Tam said...

I'm on the phone with Jenn; she's walking through the house with the officer. They're seizing her guns as we speak.

Roberta X said...

Borepatch, what?

(sekrit not-a-robot word: "altchil." Yes. yes, it is.

CGHill said...

This is as close to Not Good as one could imagine on the Glorious Fourth.

Borepatch said...

Oh good grief.

Borepatch said...

RobertaX, sorry for the brain fart - the FID is shall issue and covers long guns only.

Been looking at too many software bugs today, and brain not quite braining right.

Bob said...

On the FUCKING FOURTH OF JULY?????!!!

Sevesteen said...

Do the police have an excuse other than "because we can"?

Tam said...

Bob,

I KNOW, RIGHT? :o

Roberta X said...

Y'know, I understand fighting the good fight, but there's a point where you effing move to New Hampshire and if it was me, this would be it, or maybe it:45

DaddyBear said...

TJIC and his wife need to get a good lawyer, preferably one that has argued in front of the Supreme Court on gun issues.

Drang said...

At least it wasn't April 19th...

Bob said...

It's a little late for this advice, but for in the future, a cautionary tale from the guy who shot his daughter's laptop:

http://8minutesoffame.com/legal/

Borepatch said...

Bob, the cautionary tale is for anyone who posts anything on the Intarwebz.

Or whose metadata suggests they hang with people who post on the Interwebz.

fast richard said...

After the previous drama I assume they know a lawyer. If they need donations to a legal expense fund, I may have to contribute something. For now they just need to survive this "incident".

Tam said...

Bob,

They're already in contact with counsel.

Greg in Allston said...

TJIC needs to get hold of a good lawyer, yes, and he also needs to get hold of the folks at Comm2A and GOAL. Has anyone posted this on Northeast Shooters?

Discobobby said...

I'm from Illinois, and this is actually worse than Illinois. Yes, it's that bad. Does TJIC still have a legal fund?

DaddyBear said...

If he has a legal fund, can someone post the address or website? We can all start getting the word out.

RevolverRob said...

Irony must be dead. He lives in near Boston in an area that was probably rife with a view Sons of Patriots 237 years ago.

Today we have this F&(**)(&%& disgraceful display by representatives of the state. Instead of being proud to be American, I'm pretty disgusted right now.

-Rob

Anonymous said...

This wouldn't have happened if TJIC had moved to Anchorage to be with Jenn instead of the other way 'round. Just sayin'.

Joel said...

Amazing.

Did they even mention a reason for this?

Discobobby said...

Joe: You couldn't pick a less appropriate time and place to spam. Please go play with gasoline and open flames.

Tam: Is there a forum post someplace that's ground zero, or is this that place?

Bob said...

Same reason a dog licks his 'nads.

Bob said...

First thought of any lawyer involved will be to stop all outflowing information that (s)he doesn't control.

TJIC said...

I had an EXCELLENT gun lawyer on speed dial. It took half an hour to get a callback on a vacation day, but after that, he was with us every step of the way.

I repeatedly refused the cops' requests for a voluntary walk-through of the house.

I repeatedly refused to answer any questions.

The cops repeatedly told me that if I had nothing to hide, I should just allow a walk-through, and if I was a good guy, I'd have a "conversation" with them.

In the end they illegally seized my FID (just plan CAN NOT do it, but they took it and wouldn't give it back) and they illegally seized Jennifer's firearms. My lawyer was appalled but not surprised.

Jennifer and I have been talking about moving out of MA in 3-6 years.

We are officially looking for real estate tomorrow; I will not spend one more day than is necessary in this totalitarian hell hole.

Tam said...

Bob,

Yes. That's why there's no outflowing information here other than what is already on the record. https://twitter.com/tjic/status/352953381062586368

TJIC said...

At the end, some of the cops who ransacked the house tried to shake hands with me. "No hard feelings".

I refused and said "Gentlemen, please think about what you're doing. On the fourth of july, the day we celebrate freedom, you stole legally owned firearms from a women who is engaged to a guy who made a joke you don't like. You are not the good guys. You are 'just doing your jobs'. Look in the mirror. You're the bad guys."

Response: "I'm sorry you feel that way. Have a good Fourth."

My lawyer says that there's a decent chance I may yet be arrested.

And with that, I should probably go radio silent for a while.

Bob said...

*nods* Understood, Tam. Thanks for the update.

TJIC said...

Wait, one final bit: we got to watch the cops carry the illegally seized firearms out through the front door, WHICH HAD A COPY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE TAPED TO IT, then past an American flag and a Gadsden flag.

Tam said...

Discobobby,

"Tam: Is there a forum post someplace that's ground zero, or is this that place?"

Until someone gets something up at Northeast Shooters, I guess this is the place.

Heath J said...

Well that's fucked up.

Anonymous said...

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/general-discussion/214093-police-surround-former-blogger%92s-house-because-he-applied-gun-permit.html

Unknown said...

Un-blanking-believable. I will have to refrain for saying more.

Anonymous said...

The entire sordid episode recorded for posterity, one hopes, to be posted to youtube asap with the iconic chant: "The whole world is watching!".

Discobobby said...

TJIC: You are WAY more composed than I would be. May your lawyer water the fields with the (legal) tears of your tormentors.

Anonymous said...

Who watches the watchers, and who do you call when the police are the thugs ransacking your home and stealing your property?

Jake (formerly Riposte3) said...

Any word on the cops' "official" reason for this obscenity?

Anonymous said...

Magpul left Colorado.
Its time for all gun-owners to leave Massachusetts.
Stop visiting historic sites there.
Stop doing business there.
Cut them off.

Joseph said...

This might be one of those incidents in which someone outside the PD calls in a a SWAT team.

Scott J said...

"Bob, the cautionary tale is for anyone who posts anything on the Intarwebz.
Or whose metadata suggests they hang with people who post on the Interwebz."

Indeed. I've altered a few behavior patterns since I started hanging with Vanderoegh.

For example I don't sell anything to anyone I don't know personally.

Wasn't all that hard since I rarely sell anyway as I always regret it.

Buzz said...

Disgusted? Yes.
Surprised? No.

Our founding fathers warned us and we ignored at our own peril...

Rob E said...

there are pictures or video of this right?????? Please tell me you got some, somehow.

Anonymous said...

Why did you let them in?

Tirno said...

OK, I'm going to say something TJIC-ish now. I might have reason to regret the consequences, even if I don't regret saying it. So, here it is:

A proper, legally executed warrant simply means that the officer executing it may not be fired upon without that constituting a separate crime.

Conversely, I fully support, as a matter of American tradition and the plain language of the Constitution as understood by the people who voted to ratify it unencumbered by the contortions of lawyers, to fire upon any person not presenting a proper, legally executed warrant and attempting to enter, search, seize or occupy someone's home.

I recognize that the authoritarian response to my position will be to employ overwhelming force with no warning to out maneuver this legitimate response.

I forecast the market place counter-response will be to fortify ground floor windows, doors and walls against 'home invasion' threats.

Anonymous said...

Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly are scheduled to preach in NH today, 7/5. I wonder if it's related.

Old NFO said...

Good God... AGAIN??? I'm almost glad I didn't read this last night! And I'll put something in the pot too!!! And yes, TJIC and Jenn, PLEASE move to America!!!

TJIC said...

> yes, TJIC and Jenn, PLEASE move to America!!!

I built this house myself.

My godchildren live two blocks away.

My business is 0.2 miles away.

!@##$ IT.

We're going to New Hampshire TOMORROW to look for real estate; we're leaving Occupied Massachusetts ; I look forward to breathing free in America.

Justthisguy said...

A heads-up, Tam. I got to this post by a link at Vox Day's blog. I dunno if you two would get along, but we all seem to be on the same side in this case.

Joel said...

I look forward to breathing free in America.

*sigh* If you find it, let us know. But at least for gun rights you can do better than Massachusetts.

MSgt B said...

Wish you the best, TJIC.
Try to stay out of jail.

Charles Lee Scudder said...

Seriously, if you aren't in the USA already move now. I mean all of us, leave the statist &*-$holes to drown in their crap. Because it think its time to make these lines hard, it will make things easier later.

Tango said...

Good luck, buddy!

If you need help, let us know.

MrGarabaldi said...

Hey Tam;

I posted a link to your blog about this. I remembered this when I was a *new* blogger and this spread like wildfire through the blogosphere. I also shamelessly cut and pasted the origional explaination of what transpired to cause the harassment.

Respectfully

"MrG" from Mydailykona

ctd said...

Keep us appraised. Any pointers to legal/factual info would be appreciated (police reports, judicial process, etc.).

And do consider joining Borepatch & I around Roswell GA.

ctd said...

Any pointers to the spark of this outrage?

Jennifer said...

Best of luck, TJIC. We are all pulling for you.

George Proctor said...

Move here to Texas...

Thirdpower said...

Licensing and registration. All they need is an excuse. Any excuse.

More power to TJIC and his family

Jake said...

TJIC, while I may not agree with what you originally said, I will fight for your right to say it as much and as loud as you want. Prayers and thoughts headed your way.

TJIC said...

Thank you all for your support.

We already have a great lawyer working for us. An hour ago we contacted a real estate agent.

Jennifer and I are fleeing Massachusetts and moving to America ASAP.

Anonymous said...

I hope that you have captured the names of the (ir)responsible officers, and will disseminate them far and wide.

In the event that the judicial system fails to hold them accountable for their violation of natural rights, disseminating that information will allow the citizenry to do so.

Barrett said...

I'm honestly a bit surprised you didn't move away after what happened with your last blog post.

Take care, TJIC. Congratulations on keeping a cool head, good luck on getting out of MA, and I hope you get lots and lots of spending money from the resulting lawsuit and apology.

Ed Bonderenka said...

Remember "Racial Cleansing"?
This is like "Free Person Cleansing".
By governmental threat, they are driving out citizen patriots to remove any threat to their position.
Oh, that we had a federal guarantor of our constitutional rights.

LMB said...

This is a stunning display of tyranny by the so-called law enforcement agencies in MA.
And antigunners say "More gun laws will make you safe / there should be permits and/or licensing / Nobody is trying to take your guns! "

Discobobby said...

It's more of a slow-motion sorting of the population. We're out of Mordor when family issues resolve in a few years - if not for that we wpuld be in a free state now. There's only so far you can drag a blue state towards freedom, and the refugees that move to free states make those states harder to turn. Let's hope Colorado is an aberration.

Robert said...

It' probably good for me that I live so far away from there. Reading this didn't do my blood pressure any good.

Ed Bonderenka said...

Discobobby: Slow or fast, it's a "cleansing".

Erin Palette said...

Okay, I'm not trying to be a smartass or a douche or anything, I really am curious as to why TJIC let them in the door without a warrant.

I'm sure he has an excellent reason - probably he was afraid they'd come in shooting. I just want to hear it from the man himself, rather than guess.

Tam (remotely) said...

Erin,

He did not let them in without a warrant until the lawyer called him back and told him to, AFAICT.

TJIC said...

> Okay, I'm not trying to be a smartass or a douche or anything, I really am curious as to why TJIC let them in the door without a warrant.

I'll give details when I can.

Erin Palette said...

@Tam: I'm curious why a lawyer would give that advice, but then again I don't have a law degree.

@TJIC: Noted, and thank you for replying. I hope you don't think I'm calling you names; I'm just really curious because there was just this gap in the story between "The police are inside, without a warrant, and want in" and them being inside and confiscating your fiancee's guns.

I sincerely hope your lawyer reams them so hard they'll need colostomy bags for the rest of their lives.

Tam (remotely) said...

Please keep in mind that, TJIC having posted here, I would assume this entire comment thread is discoverable. In the legal sense. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Erin,
If the DOJ is involved in this then they have far deeper pockets than us lesser mortals. If it's the local AG than their pockets are deep as well. I predict Jenny will get her property back but am less confident on TJIC seeing a successful resolution...

TJIC said...

> I hope you don't think I'm calling you names;

Not at all; you've got valid questions - exactly ones I'd be asking myself.

The answer is nothing deep and conspiracy oriented, just pragmatic stuff which I'll share at some point.

Rivrdog said...

RIP, Liberty. This is a case of the Nail That Sticks Up getting Hammered. It will pay the Government to realize that 237 years ago, this Nation was founded by armed Nails who learned to withstand the Hammer blows.

Unlearned History will ALWAYS repeat itself.

Erin Palette said...

@TJIC: I never once thought it was deep or conspiratorial or anything like that. I just remember being told "If they don't have a warrant, never ever let them in" and am curious as to the reasoning of your lawyer.

I look forward to hearing more of the details, but ONLY when it safe for you to share them.

Anonymous said...

Erin, my wild-assed guess:

Given the lawlessness with which the gendarmes were otherwise operating, the attorney figured that, as between not resisting the illegal search and seizure, and having the front door broken down, the family pets shot, the children kidnapped by DFS, etc., the former was the lesser evil.

I'm a California-accredited ambulance-chaser, and I'd give similar advice under the circumstances. Your home is your castle, but the mooks outside are eager to climb into their ninja costumes and storm the ramparts waving MP5s and shit. You can't get justice if you're dead.

Justthisguy said...

Dang, Rivrdog, the same people seem to be showing up on the same blogs, these days.
[Jtg takes time out to fondle his revolver]

Ah, yes, where was I? If "Those People" are recording everything we say, we might as well say what we think. "If this be treason, make the most of it!"

Erin Palette said...

@Anon 3:11, that was my thought as well.

Archer said...

Erin, my follow-up to Anon's (7/5 3:11 pm) wild-assed guess (and bear in mind: IANAL, I don't play one on TV, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night):
They came in without a warrant, and were let in because force was threatened against the occupants if they continued to refuse. Any "evidence" they seized can be challenged in court as to its admissibility. If the police had HAD a warrant, it's presumed admissible and it'd be much harder to get it challenged/tossed. I'm very sure there are other factors (like I said, IANAL), but that's what occurs to me first.

TJIC: I'm looking forward to learning more about your case, but not until it's safe for you to share it. Until then, listen to your counsel and play it safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

ctd said...

I'll likewise support the pragmatic interpretation of "why did he let them in?": I'll assume for now he didn't, he told them they were not allowed in, he told them to get out when they were in ... because when a dozen armed men showing readiness to deliver deadly force in overwhelming volume show up at your door unannounced, unwarranted, and without permission/invitation, and they proceed to enter, there's not much you can do to stop them that won't get you killed in the process.

I'd assume too the lawyer called the PD in question, identified his interest, asked for confirmation of a warrant, got none, and concluded that telling his client "don't get yourself killed" will net TJIC enough to turn his business into a permanent hobby.

Remember, at Lexington & Concord, the citizens were suitably ready for the assault, armed and ensured women & children were elsewhere. Here, AFAIK TJIC was un/under-armed, and the woman present was the target: get her out alive is the paramount goal.

Tam said...

The speculation and ASSumin' ain't doing anybody any good, so how about putting a fucking sock in it?

I don't want to start deleting comments here, please.

If you really want to help the victims here, limiting your comments to well-wishes would be very appropriate.

ctd said...

Then delete the comment if you deem it inappropriate. Meant well, mea culpa if not.

No socks handy, but do have an ugly t-shirt in a bag.

I wish him well, and may be over-reacting to the imputed badness I've seen here & elsewhere. Do wish he'd move to upper GA to join Borepatch, myself, and other refugees from the North East.

Anonymous said...

TJIC , are your dogs ok?

Scott J said...

I've been spreading the word to those who haven't beaten me to it.

Just tipped off the Ace of Spades HQ Yahoo group.

Anonymous said...

Arlington is excellent and well known for issuing LTCs in the metro-Boston area. In fact, the next city over is Cambridge which only issues them to LEOs and their families, so the idea that Arlington is anti-Secobd Amendment is more the result of regional differences rather than on the ground reality.

In reference to allowing LEOs into your home without a warrant, that is fact based and entirely situational. Failure to cooperate with local law enforcement may be grounds for license revocation in the Commonwealth. Trust his attorney on this one.

Unknown said...

TJIC - My condolences to you and your family. I'll be happy to a support Legal fund if there is one. Be Safe, Best wishes.


I had considered at some point returning to MA, for the Fall Colors - not going to happen now. I'm officially boycotting MA.

Now I need to see if I'm dealing with any companies in MA so I can write them a letter telling them why their State is costing them business. I don't really have anything against those businesses but - Money Talks - if everyone concerned with these issues does likewise - I suspect those companies might try to apply a little pressure (OK Probably wishful thinking but it's the only pocket book I can affect).

If you're a supporter of the Constitution moving out of MA might be a very good decision - Give them less revenue to do harm with.

- Sorry, it's the Economist in me that makes me do things like this.

Anonymous said...

> TJIC , are your dogs ok?

His dogs are OK.

Anonymous said...

> TJIC @ 9:24 PM, July 04, 2013 said...
>
> At the end, some of the cops who ransacked
> the house tried to shake hands with me.
> "No hard feelings".
>
> I refused and said "Gentlemen, please think
> about what you're doing. On the fourth of july,
> the day we celebrate freedom
...
> You are 'just doing your jobs'. Look in the mirror.
> You're the bad guys."
>
> Response: "I'm sorry you feel that way.
> Have a good Fourth."


The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Anonymous said...

I was assigned to Hanscom AFB from 2003-2005 (when I retired). I immediately moved back to CO where I had left all of my firearms because of the distinct anti-firearms attitude of MA. Nothing could possibly make me move back to that un-American state. Sadly, even CO is turning against the Rights of the People now. What I found particlarly ironic in MA was that it was the starting location of the American Revolution where firearm ownership was the essential tool in winning our freedom from an oppressive government.

Ryan said...

Goodness gracious, I wish these folks the best in getting through this incident and their upcoming move to a more free area.

Scott J said...

Thing about boycotting MA companies is that would include S&W.

Though I typically by used so I don't know that those purchases help the company per se.

Walter Zoomie said...

This whole story makes me want to puke.

'bout time for the dance to start, I suspect.

Borepatch said...

Scott J, maybe that's not a bad idea. Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Colorado.

It's maybe the time to let the manufactures know it's time to choose sides.

Library-Gryffon said...

Borepatch 8:17: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/20/usa-guns-idUSL2N0EW1M820130620

PTR is in the process of packing up and moving from CT to SC, and Stag is deciding between SC and TX. I suspect those who are left are also looking.

RabidAlien said...

Plenty of room for everyone here in Texas, y'all.

Prayin for those involved.

Bonnie said...

I'm just now catching up on this (had some...well, "freedom"-related drama of my own on the 4th...

I am seriously appalled, but I'm not going to postulate theories, give advice, etc., because TJIC seems to have this under control. I am interested in hearing more...when it is safe for him to tell us.

I wish I had more to spare than well-wishes, and the hopes that your lawyer is a kick-a$$ Constitutional scholar, you get your property back, and get safely out of that state.

Drang said...

I never saw an answer to Daddy Bear's query as to a legal defense fund we can contribute to...?

NO sympathy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
tanksoldier said...

@NoSympathy: You can't win the war if you're dead. Soap box, ballot box, jury box, ammunition box. It may someday come to open conflict, but for now the jury box... the courts... are still a valid alternative battleground.

Mike_C said...

@NO sympathy: Really? I sincerely hope you're just a troll. Open up on the Arlington cops? Apart from the little matter of the very high probability of two innocent people thus committing suicide by cops, you'd be handing the anti-gun forces a MAJOR publicity (and public sympathy) coup. Jeezus. Clichéd and over used as the phrase is, Hearts and Minds applies here too.

a legal defense fund we can contribute to...?

Legal defense fund if needed, or moving expenses fund if not. Moving ain't cheap. A shame all around -- I rather liked Arlington when I lived there. Somervile (sic) not so much.

Jake said...

Their goal is to defend freedom.
His goal is to defend his family.
If he dies in that effort, there are no more soldiers to replace him.

Mark/GreyLocke said...

TJIC and Jenn, my prayers to you both in this trying time. I pray you both come through this with your souls unscarred by the outrageous behavior of ignorant persons.

Should you ever be in my area I'll stake you both to dinner.

Windy Wilson said...

No Sympathy, Google "Donald Scott October 2, 1992, Ventura California Conspiracy," if you please.

And it isn't a wookie-suiter calling it a conspiracy to murder, but the Ventura County District Attorney, Michael Bradbury, who refused to prosecute despite clear and convincing evidence.

Or, if that is too clear for you, google Luther v Borden, 48 US 1 (1849)if you want to see the law on resisting elected officials other than in court. If the Dorr War wasn't provocation enough, this wasn't either.

Anonymous said...

@No Sympathy:

> You're a coward. You had a chance to stand up and instead you called a fucking attorney because deep down in your heart, you know you didn't have the stones to stand up for what's right.

You first, No Sympathy. Do the brave thing and tell us all (and the cops) your real name and street address.

Because if you're brave, you'll let them come and TRY to arrest you for your incendiary views.

travisletteer said...

I don't usually post here, but wanted to send you well wishes, and add myself to the list of people asking about a legal defense fund.

PS. Idaho would welcome you, and we are a right to carry state.

Tam said...

Thanks to the armchair commando (or agent provocateur, whichever) at 10:41, comments are closed.

Sorry, y'all.