Oakland concil considering ban on tools of violence and vandalism.ABC news link.

[smokingman]

Ah yes the famous assault pliers and wrenches,for the children and property owners of course....
Oakland: Council will consider proposal to ban violent tools at protests | abc7news.com

 

[jkaetz]

someone should point out that tree branches and sticks are dangerous too and should be banned.

 

[eldirector]

"The police need more tools", indeed. Heaven forbid you allow citizens to protect themselves or their property.

And heaven help anyone changing a flat tire on a service truck anywhere near a protest.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Of course. We all know there's no problem a new law won't fix.

If they're trying to be proactive, just use the NSA PRISM technology and monitor tweets, texts, and emails for would-be vandals; find them using their GPS/cell tower locating feature and arrest them for conspiracy.

 

[eldirector]

Of course. We all know there's no problem a new law won't fix.

If they're trying to be proactive, just use the NSA PRISM technology and monitor tweets, texts, and emails for would-be vandals; find them using their GPS/cell tower locating feature and [strike]arrest them for conspiracy[/strike] target them with drones.

FIFY

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

FIFY

Nice touch!

 

[steveh_131]

These businesses have a duty of care to their neighbors.

This is perfectly constitutional.

 

[Baditude]

Maybe they should make violent protests illegal

 

[IndyDave1776]

Maybe they should make violent protests illegal

You mean at the same time that they make crime illegal?

 

[HoughMade]

I know this refers to Berkley, but I thought it appropriate:

Marines in Berkeley - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - 03/10/08 - Video Clip | Comedy Central

 

[Birds Away]

If they are outlawing tools they should start with themselves.

 

[Whosyer]

See a protest, arrest a carpenter ? No mention of lighters or matches. I would think that arson would be a bigger concern.

 

[elemonator]

See a protest, arrest a carpenter ? No mention of lighters or matches. I would think that arson would be a bigger concern.

Naw...People make money off arson,insurance pays out,and besides new laws make politicians feel warm and fuzzy thinking all the lives the new 'assault tool belt law' will save.

 

[churchmouse]

Battery's are tools used by the fans at any given Raider home game.

 

[rambone]

The measure passed 5-0.


Oakland City Council passes two controversial crime fighting measures | abc7news.com

Just after 1 a.m., the city council passed a new ordinance that allows police to detain a demonstrator caught with a "tool of violence" -- that could be a hammer or a bike lock -- items people used to shatter windows during a protest of the George Zimmerman verdict earlier this month. A waiter was hit in the face with a hammer during the same protest. The ordinance, aimed at preventing damage and injuries, passed five to zero, but, several council members were not present or abstained from voting.

The ACLU has come out against this ordinance, calling the definitions of "demonstration" and "tools of violence" too broad. One representative asks if a group of plumbers or carpenters is walking down the street together with their tools -- would they be in violation of the law?

 

[rambone]

During the same meeting they also voted to accept $2,000,000 in federal tax dollars to install a "surveillance center," and an array of license plate readers and surveillance cameras.

Oakland City Council approves controversial surveillance center | www.ktvu.com

 

[eldirector]

Well, Oakland is super-extra-doubly on my "do not visit" list.

 

[rambone]

The town council wants citizens to be totally defenseless when they are attacked by aggressive, armed riot police.

In 2011, riot police launched a gas canister into the skull of Iraq-veteran Scott Olson, causing him a brain injury. As he lie on the ground, some people aided him, at which time police purposely threw a concussion grenade directly next to his body, blowing up in the faces of the crowd and injured man.

Is it any wonder why Oakland citizens want to protect themselves? You'd be crazy not to bring a shield.

Report: Iraq War Veteran Critically Injured in Occupy Oakland Police Action | Video | TheBlaze.com

 

[rambone]

I have faith that the police will honor their oaths and not enforce anti-2A laws.

 

[rambone]

More on Oakland's history of violence against protesters.

Police Attack Oakland Anti-War Protesters

Oakland bans weapons, tools at protests - SFGate