A Connecticut State Police officer has just exposed himself as an archetypical 'jackbooted thug'.
In a video posted Thursday to YouTube, Connecticut State Police Spokesman Lt. Paul Vance is heard telling a woman identified as "GMN Producer Guerilla Girl Ashley" that she sounded anti-American for questioning the state's new gun control law.
Ashley said she called regarding a letter her husband received saying he must either sell, turn in or destroy his firearm, which was deemed to be an "assault weapon" by a new law passed in the state.
Lt. Vance explained the letter spelled out the options her husband now has regarding the law.
After about five minutes of give and take with Ashley regarding the law, Lt. Vance is heard saying Ashley sounds anti-American.
"I want to know, if it comes down to it, will the police go to my home if my husband refuses to give up a weapon that was formerly legal and now has been made illegal by a corrupt legislature?" she asked. "Will the police actually go to my home and threaten my family, 'cause I'm scared to death?"
"We don't threaten people, ma'am," Lt. Vance said. "That doesn't happen."
"If you're going with the force of government, that's a threat," she responded.
"Ma'am, it sounds like you're anti-American, it sounds like you're anti-law. I can't answer your question," Lt. Vance remarked.
Ashley told Lt. Vance in no uncertain terms she is pro-American and took exception to being called anti-American, a charge Lt. Vance tried to walk back.
He also told Ashley she should contact an attorney to learn what her options are under the law.
Later, after Ashley said Lt. Vance works for the people of the state, he informed her that he, in fact, is her master.
"You're the servant, we're the master," she said.
"I'm the master, ma'am. I'm the master," he said in response.
There's more at the link, and in this report. The video mentioned above can be viewed here.
Lt. Vance, I have news for you - and I speak as a retired law enforcement officer. If you take that attitude and that approach with me, you'll have violated your oath of law enforcement office - the same oath I swore, and which remains binding on my conscience and my actions to this day. In consequence you won't be my 'master' at all . . . you'll be a felon, and I'll be entirely within my rights when I deal with you as such. Nor will I be the only one to do so. As Sean Sorrentino asks, "What happens when both sides make a list?"
Just who the hell do you think you are, Lt. Vance? And if your attitude is typical of the Connecticut State Police, when did that organization abandon its mission and its collective oath of office to become nothing more than a collection of jackbooted thugs?
Peter
As a retired Alabama State Trooper and a law enforcement officer with over 42 years experience, i heartily concur. Lt Vance is a disgrace to his badge and oath and should resign forthwith. A thug with a badge is just a thug.
ReplyDeleteI think you're exactly right, and I also think Conn IS making a list, not realizing that the legal owners of those guns ALSO HAVE A LIST...
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, the Ct State Trooper out on the street is decent, especially the ones that are assigned to specific towns which don't have their own full time police such as mine. Although they aren't exactly friendly and very much in the us/them mindset.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the ones behind the desk, and the glass, shuffling papers? They are very, very good at bureaucracy in this state, of the petty, impossible to counteract, timewasting kind.
I have been very supportive of the PoPo in my city, but I might have come to the end of what I can support. We where in the news lately when the pick up swat team from some of the cities served a warrant on some one in another city using the swat team.
ReplyDeleteThe warrant was served on a former drug dealer and since they are unstable and a CCW was also living in the house it was decided the situation required the swat team for officer safety.
I am all for officer safety, but I might have to forgo my CCW on the next renewal. I do not want to me targeted.
There are a lot of red flags on this one for those of us living in the mid west.
What happens when both sides make a list? Well, since I'm watching "Lawrence of Arabia" now (and reading this, yes - I'm a bit ADD), I am reminded of the scene in which the Arabs see the village massacred by the Turks, and the cry goes up, "No prisoners!"
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Lt. Vance is quite typical of the Connecticut State Police as a group (although as has been said, there are exceptions). CT is one state where you take of yourself and your own.
ReplyDeleteEMTGENE, Lt Vance IS a disgrace, period.
ReplyDeleteTo everyone, think of this oft said quote. (ancient Roman I believe).
QUIS COSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES.
Loosely translated/paraphrased into English, WHO GUARDS THE GUARD.
That is my point.
Who 'teaches' the Guard, ensures the Guard is beyond complaint or reproach, is impeccably trustworthy, impartial, fair and honest when in the midst of those he/she has TAKEN SWORN OATH to shield, to protect, to the best of their ability, when danger threatens their safety.
Vance is his own problem, but, he is NOT the problem.
Those beside him, and at every level above him, all the way to the top, are completely and utterly responsible for every Lt Vance under them.
They are every Lt Vance's teacher, they approve and foster every Lt Vance.
I believe I have made my point.
Our local sheriff, in Idaho's largest county, told interviewers not long ago that if the federal government told him to confiscate assault weapons, he would comply. I'm hoping someone with some respect for the constitution runs against him in the next election.
ReplyDelete