Why the ‘wet tea leaves’ drug raid was outrageous

Washington Post ^ | January 11, 2016 | Radley Balko

[BwanaNdege]

Go out and find some damn criminals, and if you can't find any, then create some criminals. Do what you have to do. We got to keep the gravy train rolling.

Uganda in the time after Idi Amin experienced hyper inflation. The Uganda shilling used to exchange at the rate of 7.5 to the US Dollar. At one point it got to 5,000:1, Bank Rate, and 25,000:1 Street Rate.

While driving out in the bush one day, I gave a lift to a Ugandan policeman and we discussed the inflation. He mentioned that his pay was the same as that of a school teacher, 6,000 shillings per month. That would purchase one kilo of corn meal, half a kilo of rice and half a kilo of sugar. For a month!

"How do you survive", I asked?

"Oh, we just find some criminals and take their money from them."

[The All Knowing All Seeing Oz]

No, I just don’t like liars like Balko, or in this case, you.

[centurion316]

Well, we have reached a mutual understanding, but I think that I on firmer ground calling you a Nazi than you can carry the accusation that I am a liar. I’m liking Balko more every day, thanks to you.

[Roger Kaputnik]

My point exactly.

[immadashell]

I am of the opinion that ANY use of a SWAT team should REQUIRE the local Sheriff to sign off and approve.

How many raids are made by SWAT Teams just to justify their existence? It seems every jurisdiction wants one even if there is no reasonable cause to believe one is necessary. SWAT Teams use up a sizable amount of a department's resources and are very hard to justify if all they do is sit around.

[Sawdring]

How do you brew your tea? If you have ten or so hours to fill up I recommend The History Of China Podcast #140, the history of tea.

[The All Knowing All Seeing Oz]

You are welcome.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Will check out your link in the morning. My best friend, world renown guitarist Neil Zaza, whom I’ve recorded with, gave me a Teavanna for Christmas. It’s great, although I don’t always use it.
http://www.neilzaza.com

[Neidermeyer]

the gardening store should file lawsuits and get a few million each for damages.
*****************
absolutely ,, the actions of the police have no doubt driven away customers.

[Wissa]

In this case, the team could have been outside, an officer approach and present the warrant, and ultimately, the tactical team never used.

You're trying to take all the fun out of SWAT team raids.

[Wissa]

In the last 5-6 years I have lost much respect the law enforcement system. Due to my personal experiences with them, I now know they lie, fabricate, stand up for the actions of other leos who lie, fabricate, ignore the law, whatever.

Looking at the outcome of this case, I don't think it's just law enforcement people. The judges are in on it too. Government employees will protect their own.

[taxcontrol]

LOL - yeah, I guess that is why my ideas never seem to go anywhere.

[TigersEye]

When this story broke there must have been a lot of nervous gardeners in town.