tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16362348.post231170089675863536..comments2023-10-10T07:56:40.980-07:00Comments on Qwertisms: Peter WattsQwertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04595705428290721343noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16362348.post-78481273159655552252010-05-04T01:00:31.992-07:002010-05-04T01:00:31.992-07:00Hi David
Another interesting post from you. This ...Hi David<br /><br />Another interesting post from you. This story doesn't surprise me in the least because this is the way US peelers and enforcement agents are so often portrayed on the screen. Lots of shouting and excitement and waving of guns.<br /><br />In the UK if some official wants to search your vehicle/home etc you are supposed to accompany them. That way they are covered against accusations of planted material. If stopped in Northern Ireland you HAD to get out of the car to open the boot or bonnet. The soldier or peeler wouldn't do so for fear of being accused of breaking something. It was then up to you to close everything afterwards.<br /><br />I would not be a happy teddy if someone were futering about in my boot without my being able to see what was going on and would probably have behaved like the Brit tourist in the quotes.<br /><br />Many, many years ago I was searched at border controls in the old Soviet Union (They had taken me for a Mormon - must have been the haircut). I would have to say that everything seemed to be done very carefully by much the same standards as I would have expected back home. Everything was explained, I was present throughout the search of my luggage and whilst not a pleasant experience I didn't feel as threatened as my paranoia about planted dollars, jeans or bibles had led me to believe.<br /><br />I once crossed the 49 into Seattle for a few days whilst visiting friends in Vancouver. A shop assistant asked me how I liked the town and I admitted that I didn't feel safe on the streets at night. Quite right too I was told. Never walk anywhere. I was much relieved to reach the frontier and head back into sunny Canada. At least the shotguns in the patrol cars were not quite so evident and there didn't seem to be gun shops on every street.<br /><br />I note from the Port Huron Times Herald:<br /><br />"[Judge] Adair said the sentencing guidelines called for up to six months in jail. He stressed to Watts the need to comply with police officers and follow orders and ask questions later. The judge added law enforcement officials never know what sort of situation they might be going into next."<br /><br />So if I have this correct. US enforcement officers can do whatever the hell they like and you don't get a word in edgeways until they have finished - and the legal services agree.<br /><br />Do remind me not to bother to go back to the States.<br /><br />SimonUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18435125409837656324noreply@blogger.com