Boat owners say they were fearful during Coast Guard search

The Monterey Herald ^ | September 18, 2005 | VIRGINIA HENNESSEY

[cripplecreek]

every jihadi harboring planet = (nation)

Spellcheck don't catch stupid.

[The_Media_never_lie]

A “safety inspection” conducted at 10:30 PM is a bit out of line – in fact, way out of line.

If smugglers come in at midnite they should not be harassed?

[Publius6961]

No search warrant required?
Probable cause?

Anything?

[GladesGuru]

"The Founding Fathers would be appalled. Why aren't we?"

How about generations of educators "educating" for the new group man of which John Dewey was so fond?

If you want to do something, try forcing some changes at your local school board meetings. If you need something to demand changes over, try reading one of those 'texts', or attending some classes.

Volunteers are always welcome, and this gives you a chance to see what is really going on.

For a "Three bags full" experience, study the curriculum (a.k.a. The Master Plan).

[The SISU kid]

Far too many of America's police forces, and waaay too many agency persons authorized to carry a gun, seem to have a "Rambo" mentality

Unfortunately it's a "all to common" attitude with many LEO's out in the field today. But on the other hand...a double edged sword appears...

[freeeee]

We did that in 1994,2000, 2002, and 2004. Things got worse, not better.

Apparently you voted for the wrong people.

The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

[Jack Black]

Coast Guard officials say they are authorized by maritime law to board and search vessels on U.S. waters, including waters that lead to U.S. waters, to enforce federal laws.

Big Freaking Deal. The FBI is authorized be federal to search houses to enforce federal laws, the state police are authorized to search buildings in the state to enforce state laws, the local po-po are authorized by state and local laws to search local houses and buildings for violations of local laws but in all cases THEY NEED A WARRRANT. Saying "maritime law" is not a magic incantation that makes the Constitution go away. Maritime law is bound by the limits of the Constiution just like every other law promulgated by a US political sub-division. The real law they have backing them up is "Might Makes Right", there are six of us w assault rifles, and one of you in your PJs in the middle of no where. Time for another Vin Suprynowicz book.

[GodBlessUSA]

There are laws on the water. Coast Guard does do boardings. You know that if you own a boat. My father has owned a boat his entire life and has had several boardings. Never felt violated. Part of the deal when you own a boat. Part of the job if your in the Coast Guard.

All I'm saying is, there is no proof that this article isn't an exaggeration of two vindictive boat owners who we don't know, weren't out of line themselves. Before I would jump to a conclusion and make negative comments of the Coast Guard, I would want some proof that it's fact.

[righttackle44]

"Isn't it more than a little insane to compare this to death squads in argentina? Such whining!"

We keep saying it: next time you capsize or need rescuing, call your local drug cartel.

[Translates]

ping

[muawiyah]

If it'd really been like Argentina TSR would have been taken out of there on short helicopter ride and then dropped into the ocean from a couple of thousand feet.

We'd never heard him whine.

Which means, of course, that it wasn't like Argentina at all!

[shuckmaster]

They also have to deal with smart alec people who drink/partying and are not cooperative on holiday weekends.

People in this country have the right to drink and party. In fact, it's the government which establishes holiday weekends.

[Rodney King]

Apparently you voted for the wrong people.

Yup.

[Lurker]

The Coast Guard has had that authority since the day it was founded my friend, and it's not like this authority hasn't been upheld by almost every court in the land for the last hundred years or so.

If you're docked in a port connected to an ocean, or any large navigable waterway they have the authority and the legal right to do this.

It's not anything new. Hell, the Coast Guard can search US Flagged vessels outside the territorial limits on the high seas.

I do wish they weren't sniffing around pleasure craft in Monterey Bay and instead concentrated on actual threats to national security but the fact remains they've had the power to do so for longer than I have been alive, and that's a while.

L

[semaj]

I wonder if the Coasties pull this kind of shit on Martha's Vineyard?

[Alouette]

"To me it reeks of Nazi Germany and the death squads in Argentina," he said. "I don't want my name on their list."

Was he handcuffed to the anchor and thrown overboard, and he's now calling the media and the ACLU from Davy Jones' Locker?

If not, then it is not like "Nazi Germany" and "Argentina death squads."

[The SISU kid]

My first thought is, why is this person crying so?

It's a clear case of "The Sheep" mistaking a "Sheep Dog" for a "Wolf".

[GodBlessUSA]

But people also have to follow the law and Coast Guard does not have to tolerate wise alecs. There are maritime laws. Boat Boardings are always a known possibility, if you own a boat.

[AdamSelene235]

The Founding Fathers would be appalled.

Alexander Hamilton specifically created the precursor to the Coast Guard for the purpose of reducing smuggling (and gathering intelligence on possible disloyalty of the States).

[The_Media_never_lie]

My first thought is, why is this person crying so?

It's a clear case of "The Sheep" mistaking a "Sheep Dog" for a "Wolf".

Well put.

I have never been concerned about a group of armed LE personnel, day or night.