Woman Arrested, Cuffed for Eating Candy

[applemacdude]

"If she had stopped eating, it would have been the end of it and if she had just stopped for the issuance of a citation, she never would have been locked up," Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson said Thursday.

Just plain stupid

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040729/ap_on_fe_st/candy_bar_arrest_1

[robbieduncan]

Linky, link?

[MongoTheGeek]

here (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/tools/mod_story_formatted/*http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040729/ap_on_fe_st/candy_bar_arrest_1)

They busted Fawn Hall for a bananana back when she was in the news...

The DC Metro police probably get more respect than the normal police.

[knicksfan58]

this is so stupid, so ridiculous...

[mac_gal]

I saw that story too ... those metro police sound a little nuts:

Metrorail has been criticized in the past for heavy-handed enforcement of the eating ban. In 2000, a police officer handcuffed a 12-year-old girl for eating a french fry on a subway platform.

In 2002, one of their officers ticketed a wheelchair-bound cerebral palsy patient for cursing when he was unable to find a working elevator to leave a station. Unflattering publicity eventually led the police to void the ticket.

[Sun Baked]

Does this police department also kick the dogs that wander into the station?

Our Sheriff's Department here recently killed a dog (while making jokes), drove the swat tank over a neighbor's car, fire several rounds of teargas, stormed a house in full gear terrorizing a mother and baby inside, and burned a house down -- all at the same time -- while serving a misdemeanor warrant out of Tempe for a traffic accident last Friday.

Of course they found an antique shotgun in the house, so these people deserve to lose everything they owned including the family dog. :rolleyes:

[Elan0204]

What a crazy story! Like the woman told the Police, don't they have anything better to do?

[bousozoku]

She knew, she pushed it. Why? If she'd just stopped where she was and finished it, she'd probably have been okay.

I think the SEPTA (Philadelpha area transpit) police were pretty patient overall, but they probably would have cuffed someone for outright refusal.

Perhaps, the candy company could make an ad about how irresistable their chocolate bars are. "You can put me in jail before you can separate me from my chocolate."

[Chip NoVaMac]

She knew, she pushed it. Why? If she'd just stopped where she was and finished it, she'd probably have been okay.

I think the SEPTA (Philadelpha area transpit) police were pretty patient overall, but they probably would have cuffed someone for outright refusal.

Perhaps, the candy company could make an ad about how irresistable their chocolate bars are. "You can put me in jail before you can separate me from my chocolate."

The issue is that the candy bar was in her mouth. So what, we can't chew gum here in the subway? Cops that couldn't get a job on a regular police force.

Metro is so screwed up here. They also got rid of the parking attendants and replaced them with mandatory SmartCards (cost of the card is $5). Why? Because the parking lot attendants stole money from the parking lots for something like three years before Metro found out. Metro never did a monthly audit even.

[Dr. Dastardly]

She knew, she pushed it.
Did the 12 year old push it or the Paulsy victim in a wheelchair? This is just stupid, plain and simple. Seriously my car was stolen a few years ago and they never found the guy who did it, but they can bust the child eating a fry on the platform. I thought they were there to protect and serve?!

"Don't they anything better to do"

Guess not.

[bousozoku]

Did the 12 year old push it or the Paulsy victim in a wheelchair? This is just stupid, plain and simple. Seriously my car was stolen a few years ago and they never found the guy who did it, but they can bust the child eating a fry on the platform. I thought they were there to protect and serve?!

"Don't they anything better to do"

Guess not.

Apparently, they were pushing it.

The rule is to not do it. If you do it you're breaking the rule. It's pretty simple, even plain. People constantly think "oh, that doesn't apply to me" or "that would never happen to me" even when it does apply or could happen.

It's like all these people who get got running red lights around here. "I didn't do anything wrong." Of course, they did.

As far as protect and serve goes, imagine slipping on the ice and soda someone dumped on the platform and ending up on the tracks. Trains are a bit more of a headache than following the rules.

[wdlove]

It sounds as though the fair thing would have been just to give her a warning. She had already put the candy bar in her mouth just as requested. Also had properly disposed of the wrapper properly into the trash.

[question fear]

Apparently, they were pushing it.

The rule is to not do it. If you do it you're breaking the rule. It's pretty simple, even plain. People constantly think "oh, that doesn't apply to me" or "that would never happen to me" even when it does apply or could happen.

It's like all these people who get got running red lights around here. "I didn't do anything wrong." Of course, they did.

As far as protect and serve goes, imagine slipping on the ice and soda someone dumped on the platform and ending up on the tracks. Trains are a bit more of a headache than following the rules.

yea, she asked if he had anything better to do...but on the other hand, she finished the bar, was polite about that, and figured the issue was done with. the officer arrested her for not stopping for a citation she didnt seem to know she was getting. seriously, it does not sound like they pushed the envelope waaay beyond where its reasonable to simply warn someone. even if you want to argue this woman was in the wrong, don't you think a 12 y/o would benefit more from a friendly warning??? it's not like they're warning the kid about a gun or something serously dangerous here. its a french fry.

[virividox]

anal metro cops!!! this nitpicking is pad press and while they are arresting 12 year olds and hungry women who is stopping the so called terrorists from attacking if there even are any

someone give thema krispy kreme

[bousozoku]

yea, she asked if he had anything better to do...but on the other hand, she finished the bar, was polite about that, and figured the issue was done with. the officer arrested her for not stopping for a citation she didnt seem to know she was getting. seriously, it does not sound like they pushed the envelope waaay beyond where its reasonable to simply warn someone. even if you want to argue this woman was in the wrong, don't you think a 12 y/o would benefit more from a friendly warning??? it's not like they're warning the kid about a gun or something serously dangerous here. its a french fry.

I guess I'm the only one who has ever seen people slip on the platform. Sure, the 12 y.o. could use a friendly warning, but I think more tweens and teens are defiant than adults.

[bluebull]

I remember the story about the girl getting handcuffed for eating fries. Apparently, they asked her if she knew it was not allowed and she said yes.

But, yeah, I think the metro cops were a bit over-zealous in all these cases.

[Counterfit]

I'm still wondering why there's an eating ban at all...


"HEY YOU! YOU WITH THE GUM! THAT COULD CONTAIN SARIN!"

:rolleyes:

[zoetropeuk]

After reading the story and then the replies to this thread I'm just dumbfounded. As an outsider looking in (living in the UK) stories like these really do make Americans look stupid. I'm sorry but it's true. I've travelled on various rail systems, the metro, the tube etc and having a ban on people eating is hilarious.

I commuted to work for two years on the tube (London) six days a week and the only time people ended up on the track was by jumping. Now to use the fact that eating on the platform is dangerous is just downright laughable. And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

Having to impose a law against eating to stop people littering just goes to show the level of respect Americans have for other people and property. It should never have reached the point where a law is needed but I guess it's an easy way for the local government to raise revenue by issuing fines. And I thought America was the land of freedom, man you can't even eat on a train platform, what next ?

[caveman_uk]

Hey, when did you turn into a police state over there? I though Blunkett was bad but maybe he's a liberal after all ;)

[Nermal]

Absolutely amazing :eek:

[Diatribe]

After reading the story and then the replies to this thread I'm just dumbfounded. As an outsider looking in (living in the UK) stories like these really do make Americans look stupid. I'm sorry but it's true. I've travelled on various rail systems, the metro, the tube etc and having a ban on people eating is hilarious.

I commuted to work for two years on the tube (London) six days a week and the only time people ended up on the track was by jumping. Now to use the fact that eating on the platform is dangerous is just downright laughable. And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

Having to impose a law against eating to stop people littering just goes to show the level of respect Americans have for other people and property. It should never have reached the point where a law is needed but I guess it's an easy way for the local government to raise revenue by issuing fines. And I thought America was the land of freedom, man you can't even eat on a train platform, what next ?

Hehe, what you're saying has a lot of truth to it and I couldn't agree more. Some things that are done in the US are just downright hilarious and don't make this society seem like it's the smartest ever(no offense). It's just that it always makes me laugh when I watch the news and it's like "Don't do (insert your favorite daily action) or you could get (insert your favorite health/life threatening disease/action/etc.) or even better: "There are killerbees on their way from south america to the west coast." I think this statement was made about 8 years ago... and they still haven't arrived... maybe they're picknicking somewhere :D .
I mean seriously I have never seen a society so based on and around fear(of life/health threats or fear of being sued,etc.) like the American society. It made me laugh too when that woman got a couple millions from McDonalds when she was stupid enough to drive with the coffee between her legs and spill it. There is no other country where you can get rich with your own stupidity. In this respect I think the liability issue is one and the fear issue the other which is causing these ridiculous actions.
And whoever said that America is the country of the free.... :D should read the constitution and compare it to what's really going on.
And before anyone jumps on my bandwaggon... I 'm not trying to be political here, these are just observations I made.
Oh and I forgot sth., I think it's way more dangerous to trip over a banana and fall in front of a train than to be killed by someone who owns a gun in the States... :D

[sonyrules]

Someone should just take a food stand down there and open it up. So how that works... :rolleyes:

[Raid]

Apparently, they were pushing it.

The rule is to not do it. If you do it you're breaking the rule. It's pretty simple, even plain. People constantly think "oh, that doesn't apply to me" or "that would never happen to me" even when it does apply or could happen.

It's like all these people who get got running red lights around here. "I didn't do anything wrong." Of course, they did.

As far as protect and serve goes, imagine slipping on the ice and soda someone dumped on the platform and ending up on the tracks. Trains are a bit more of a headache than following the rules.

I think the debate here is about the difference between the rule of law and justice. Did the Woman break the letter of the law? Yes. Did she break the spirt of the law? Well if the spirit was to keep the transit system clean and the patrons safe from accidents. Then no she didn't. It clearly states that the candy bar was in her mouth and she threw the wrapper in the trash. There was no cleanup or saftey problems of a result of her actions.

To me it feels like these 'transit cops' were just trying to throw their weight around, and I find this quote really misguided in this circumstance:
Washington has been under heightened security because of the continuing threat of terrorism. And last week, police declared a citywide crime emergency over rising juvenile crime.

Was she a terrorist??? NO Was she some punk trying to snatch purses or graffitti tag a subway wall?? NO. If such "security concerns" truly exist then I hope these cops would be more concerned with some nut trying to blow up a train than a woman having a snack and isn't really breaking the rules!

It's events like this that makes me hope people will gain a little more perspective on what's really important, and the difference between the letter of the law and justice.

[plus_c]

Metro is so screwed up here. They also got rid of the parking attendants and replaced them with mandatory SmartCards (cost of the card is $5). Why? Because the parking lot attendants stole money from the parking lots for something like three years before Metro found out. Metro never did a monthly audit even.

And let's not forget about the Red Line, which has been 15-minute delayed for four days now from a rainstorm. Although judging from your handle, I would guess that doesn't really affect you.

Honestly, Metrorail should have better things to do with its time and money than to bust people for chewing inside a Metro station.

[musicpyrite]

Did the 12 year old push it or the Paulsy victim in a wheelchair? This is just stupid, plain and simple. Seriously my car was stolen a few years ago and they never found the guy who did it, but they can bust the child eating a fry on the platform. I thought they were there to protect and serve?!

"Don't they anything better to do"

Guess not.

So its the cops fault if they can't find the dude who stole your car?

At leas the cops are doing their jobs, enforcing the law.

Like it or not, we have laws for a reason, and if you break them, you pay the consequences.

[Chip NoVaMac]

And let's not forget about the Red Line, which has been 15-minute delayed for four days now from a rainstorm. Although judging from your handle, I would guess that doesn't really affect you.

Honestly, Metrorail should have better things to do with its time and money than to bust people for chewing inside a Metro station.

Yeah, and the shame of it is that it is harder for me to take the Metro than to drive. I live out near Dulles, so it is a good bus ride to the rail. But hey, they tell me that I might see the rail by 2017. Gee, just a few years short of retirement (unless the raiding of Social Security raises the retirement age to 80). :rolleyes:

[Chip NoVaMac]

So its the cops fault if they can't find the dude who stole your car?

At leas the cops are doing their jobs, enforcing the law.

Like it or not, we have laws for a reason, and if you break them, you pay the consequences.

DC Metro has a big problem with stolen cars. But instead of patrolling the parking lots, they have cops detaining someone for three hours for chewing a candy bar. Guess they are frustrated that they can't beat down a real criminal.

[musicpyrite]

DC Metro has a big problem with stolen cars. But instead of patrolling the parking lots, they have cops detaining someone for three hours for chewing a candy bar. Guess they are frustrated that they can't beat down a real criminal.

No, what I'm saying is that a law is a law.

It's against the law to steal a car, it's also against the law to eat a candy bar in the subway.

The cops don't make the laws, they just enforce them.

If you want to bitch to someone about laws, at least don't do it to the cops, they deal with a lot of crap: low pay, dealing with the societies worst, ect.

[Chip NoVaMac]

No, what I'm saying is that a law is a law.

It's against the law to steal a car, it's also against the law to eat a candy bar in the subway.

The cops don't make the laws, they just enforce them.

If you want to bitch to someone about laws, at least don't do it to the cops, they deal with a lot of crap: low pay, dealing with the societies worst, ect.

Problem is that "eating" is not defined. As this cop did, chewing gum could result in a ticket. Metro has come out and in a round about said that if you have it in your mouth before entering the turnstiles, then you are safe. This is what the woman had done.

It is a matter of these cops thinking that they are greater than they are. Surprising that we hear very little of actual serious crime they have stopped.

[leftbanke7]

I'm not one to complain about the police as they generally do a good job with what they are given but this is rediculous. Yes, rules are rules but the punishments given out by these police officers far exceed the crimes that are being committed. If you wanna give them a ticket, that's fine. But to cuff and arrest somebody for something as pointless as eating a candy bar where you aren't supposed to? Come on, that is just stupid. You can't sit there and think that the Metro police are doing anybody a service by arresting people for this? And it's unfortunate that good cops bear the brunt of society's frustrations because of cops like this who need to be complete pricks for no reason. Just like every other group of people in society...there are the good and the bad and these guys seem to resemble the latter.

[themadchemist]

I don't know about you, but I'm proud of our boys in blue, and I think you guys should just stop criticizing them. With the risk of global terrorism, I think it's important that we have an unquestioning loyalty to our Commander-in-Chief, our government in general, its laws, and the fine individuals who serve to enforce them.

[parrothead]

And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

If they took the bins away there would be trash everywhere. It is hard enough to get people to use existing bins. Heaven forbid I have to carry my piece of plastic/paper/etc. in my hand or pocket until I found a trash can! :rolleyes:

[Bedawyn]

If they took the bins away there would be trash everywhere. It is hard enough to get people to use existing bins.

The bins have been already been removed from the platforms in DC (after 9/11), and the system actually stays quite clean, most of the year, at least. Of course, tourist season is another story. I have to wonder whether this latest incident would have happened some other month when we weren't inundated with people who ignore whatever rules they feel like. I know I'm much more likely to strangle a fellow passenger in July than March; I'm sure the transit cops are equally frustrated.

Of course, that doesn't excuse the idiocy of this incident. But think about it -- this is three idiotic incidents, spread over a few years. And how many people ride the Metro every year? The transit cop in this case needs to be whapped upside the head with a large fish, but overall I think they're doing a pretty good job. (The transit cops, that is, not the Metro administration in general. Robert Smith needs to be locked in a typical small Ride-On bus with no shocks, no air conditioning, too few seats, and 30 sweaty people and driven over potholes until he comes to his senses and realizes that Maryland should support Metro because Metro supports Marylanders. Errr...rant off.)

Anyway.... I have to speak up in favor of the no-eating rules. And yes, I have been warned once for eating on an outdoor platform, when I thought the rules only applied to the Metro cars themselves. It's hard enough just finding room for the people on the Red Line -- I really don't want to have to share the space with all the dropped water bottles, soda cups, candy wrappers, fast food bags, used gum, etc. And this is DC, after all. We're supposed to have a reputation. Hard to be a shining star for all the visitors when the subway cars are mobile trash bins.

[bousozoku]

I don't know about you, but I'm proud of our boys in blue, and I think you guys should just stop criticizing them. With the risk of global terrorism, I think it's important that we have an unquestioning loyalty to our Commander-in-Chief, our government in general, its laws, and the fine individuals who serve to enforce them.

Ummmm, no. This isn't the 1950s and I (and many others, I'm sure) refuse to go back to those kind of days. Having unquestioned loyalty to the U.S.A. is great, but to the government, no.

Many police do their jobs well and are even-handed. Others enjoy their power trip and make sure that you know it. Others still, around here, do anything to stay in the air conditioning and avoid the criminals. As with anything else, you should support those who do an excellent job and remind the riff-raff that they need to improve.

I think enforcement of the law should be absolute but cuffing people for eating food is a bit extreme. Well, usually, it is. :D

[themadchemist]

Ummmm, no. This isn't the 1950s and I (and many others, I'm sure) refuse to go back to those kind of days. Having unquestioned loyalty to the U.S.A. is great, but to the government, no.

Many police do their jobs well and are even-handed. Others enjoy their power trip and make sure that you know it. Others still, around here, do anything to stay in the air conditioning and avoid the criminals. As with anything else, you should support those who do an excellent job and remind the riff-raff that they need to improve.

I think enforcement of the law should be absolute but cuffing people for eating food is a bit extreme. Well, usually, it is. :D

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance! :p

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies. ;)

[Chip NoVaMac]

The bins have been already been removed from the platforms in DC (after 9/11), and the system actually stays quite clean, most of the year, at least. Of course, tourist season is another story. I have to wonder whether this latest incident would have happened some other month when we weren't inundated with people who ignore whatever rules they feel like. I know I'm much more likely to strangle a fellow passenger in July than March; I'm sure the transit cops are equally frustrated.

Of course, that doesn't excuse the idiocy of this incident. But think about it -- this is three idiotic incidents, spread over a few years. And how many people ride the Metro every year? The transit cop in this case needs to be whapped upside the head with a large fish, but overall I think they're doing a pretty good job. (The transit cops, that is, not the Metro administration in general. Robert Smith needs to be locked in a typical small Ride-On bus with no shocks, no air conditioning, too few seats, and 30 sweaty people and driven over potholes until he comes to his senses and realizes that Maryland should support Metro because Metro supports Marylanders. Errr...rant off.)

Anyway.... I have to speak up in favor of the no-eating rules. And yes, I have been warned once for eating on an outdoor platform, when I thought the rules only applied to the Metro cars themselves. It's hard enough just finding room for the people on the Red Line -- I really don't want to have to share the space with all the dropped water bottles, soda cups, candy wrappers, fast food bags, used gum, etc. And this is DC, after all. We're supposed to have a reputation. Hard to be a shining star for all the visitors when the subway cars are mobile trash bins.

To be fair these people may have been able to pass muster with the editors. I have been involved in incidents (not with the police) that at the "right" time would have been all over the news. Also in the retail sector, we operate under the premise that if there is one complaint - then there are twenty others.

Being from DC, you are aware that the MPD violated the civil rights of uninvolved citizens during the IMF protest a couple years back.

Before some condemn me; my Dad spent many a year in law enforcement. 20+ years as an MP, then with the NRL, FAA, and with the Marshall's Service. His own opinion was that the WMATA cop's were nothing more than "rent a-cop's". The pay was low, and the standards even lower.

So to those that feel that the "men in blue" deserve our undying gratitude, I come from a background that respects "honest" police work.

A another example of the good and bad. Those in the MD Beltway can sympathize. My sister traveled about twenty miles up the Beltway. In her travels she noticed the police "out and about". On her return trip she locked her cruise control in at 60mph. Due to a back injury and a near fatal accident (which would have not been helped by seat-belts); she was not wearing her seat-belt.

he was ticketed for her seat-belt violation. There were others that passed her by doing well above 25+ mph. She was wrong, but there were more serious violations going on around her.

I gave her hell about the lack of seat-belts, but in all honesty there were others that posed a greater danger. So what gives?

[Chip NoVaMac]

I know that your tar was taken from some one else.

But the reference to God in the way you mentioned can be offensive to many users.

"Vulgarity" can be achieved in other ways.

For some your use of "God" can be considered blasphemy.

I have remained silent only because of one user. Now that I see two or more, we need to be more sensitive.

[homerjward]

ive got a story about another stupid cop. me and a friend were walking to jack in the box at like 11:30 along a major road thru our neighborhood and i had a can of coke in my back pocket. the cop pulled up behind us, told us to stop walking, asked us "what the f*** are u doing walking around at midnight with a flashlight?" and it was all i could do to say because i dont have freakin night vision! but i told him it was a can of coke and he said he thought we were gonna rob houses cause he thought i had a flashlight. i wonder if it ever occured to him that it's a good idea to take a flashlight on a walk down a poorly lit street at night? the cop gave us a ride back to my house and woke my parents up to tell them we were out "making mischief." MY TOWN (which is actually a suburb of san antonio) DOESNT HAVE A CURFEW!!!!!!!! i committed no crime, didnt even have a flashlight, got killed (not literally) by my dad, and still didnt get a bacon ultimate cheeseburger! but i wasnt exactly in love with the government anyway, especially in texas where u basically have to be 18 to drive!! the only solution as i see it is for all us anti-government people to get government jobs and take it down from the inside. :cool: :cool: :cool:

[QCassidy352]

After reading the story and then the replies to this thread I'm just dumbfounded. As an outsider looking in (living in the UK) stories like these really do make Americans look stupid. I'm sorry but it's true. I've travelled on various rail systems, the metro, the tube etc and having a ban on people eating is hilarious.

I commuted to work for two years on the tube (London) six days a week and the only time people ended up on the track was by jumping. Now to use the fact that eating on the platform is dangerous is just downright laughable. And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

Having to impose a law against eating to stop people littering just goes to show the level of respect Americans have for other people and property. It should never have reached the point where a law is needed but I guess it's an easy way for the local government to raise revenue by issuing fines. And I thought America was the land of freedom, man you can't even eat on a train platform, what next ?

I completely agree. I'm an American, and I'll be the first to tell you that as a country, we are MORONS. The dumbest country on earth. Seriously.

Laws (and stories) like this just make me furious. No eating on the train? Why?
Safety? I can see it now:
"Oh dear god! There's spilled soda on the platform!!!!!! Everyone evacuate! Call the national guard! Please remain calm and file out in an orderly manner. The risk of slipping is simply too great!!! (Panic ensues, screams are heard as the soda puddle slowly, ominously spreads out...)
Litter? Give me a break. In most of the train stations I've ever been in, it's just not a big problem. Almost everyone uses the trash cans.

There is absolutely NO justification for banning food from public transit. It's bureaucracy at its absolute worst. Only in America. :mad:

[Chip NoVaMac]

I completely agree. I'm an American, and I'll be the first to tell you that as a country, we are MORONS. The dumbest country on earth. Seriously.

Laws (and stories) like this just make me furious. No eating on the train? Why?
Safety? I can see it now:
"Oh dear god! There's spilled soda on the platform!!!!!! Everyone evacuate! Call the national guard! Please remain calm and file out in an orderly manner. The risk of slipping is simply too great!!! (Panic ensues, screams are heard as the soda puddle slowly, ominously spreads out...)
Litter? Give me a break. In most of the train stations I've ever been in, it's just not a big problem. Almost everyone uses the trash cans.

There is absolutely NO justification for banning food from public transit. It's bureaucracy at its absolute worst. Only in America. :mad:

What o you expect when we put a "shrub" in the White House?

I live in the DC area. And the Metro Transit cops are on the lowest rung. A friend and neighbor who is a Herndon police officer shakes his head at he antics of the Metro Police. He is the source that they take a hard view on hiring from the Metro Police. He is also the source of my comments that Metro Police are no better than "rent-a-cops". I have to respect his opinion.

[Nermal]

Are the subways Government owned? If not, why are cops enforcing a rule of the subway company? I find it hard to believe that a subway company can get their rules made into law.

[bousozoku]

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance! :p

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies. ;)

Oh, sorry. I'm half dead and the other half isn't so good. :D I didn't even realise it was you. You know we have some, ummm, people who have posted things of that, ummm, nature.

Nermal:

It would be rare indeed that a private company would provide any kind of mass transit in the U.S.A. It's 99.99 percent government-owned and operated.

[Nermal]

OK, the rail system here used to be Government owned, but was sold to a private company several years ago.... for $1 :eek:

Edit: Changed '£1' to '$1'.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance! :p

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies. ;)

You have to be careful. i have seen comments from some here that makes one wonder of you were serious or or not.

[bousozoku]

OK, the rail system here used to be Government owned, but was sold to a private company several years ago.... for £1 :eek:

Private rail around Tokyo works very well. Various companies wanted to make certain their employees could get to work in a timely fashion.

Here, in Floriduh, we could really use rail transit but everyone resists it because it takes away their freedom or it's too close to their house (accessibility?) or they don't want to pay when they already have a car or...

The people voted for high speed rail to connect the major cities but afterwards, the governor wanted a re-vote because the people didn't want the same thing he did. :D

It's a crazy country, this.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Private rail around Tokyo works very well. Various companies wanted to make certain their employees could get to work in a timely fashion.

Here, in Floriduh, we could really use rail transit but everyone resists it because it takes away their freedom or it's too close to their house (accessibility?) or they don't want to pay when they already have a car or...

The people voted for high speed rail to connect the major cities but afterwards, the governor wanted a re-vote because the people didn't want the same thing he did. :D

It's a crazy country, this.

In your case it is a sense of false economy/ It is the same we see here in the DC area. Most transit systems are based on the concept of suburban to urban commuting. This does not match the realities. So it is set up to fail...

[2A Batterie]

Like it or not, we have laws for a reason, and if you break them, you pay the consequences.

Shiver me Timbers! This comes from a guy who openly discusses downloading "free" (ie stolen) music online. His name alludes to his pride in pirating music, which by the way is illegal. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with what musicpyrite is doing, but to quote him "Like it or not, we have laws for a reason". ARgh. Does contradiction lead to scurvey? ;)

[Bedawyn]

Being from DC, you are aware that the MPD violated the civil rights of uninvolved citizens during the IMF protest a couple years back.
Well, yeah, duh. But... rent-a-cops, yeah? It never would have occurred to me to hold them to the same standards I expect from Real Cops, and it certainly wouldn't occur to me to blame them for what Ramsey does. Unless you're talking about something the transit police themselves did that I don't know about or can't remember.


What o you expect when we put a "shrub" in the White House?
*blink* Okay. I'm the last person to say anything nice about Bush, but even I can't justify blaming him for rules that were in place long before he took office. :D

[themadchemist]

Oh, sorry. I'm half dead and the other half isn't so good. :D I didn't even realise it was you. You know we have some, ummm, people who have posted things of that, ummm, nature.


Yeah, it's cool. Now that I come to think of it, you're right, there are some people from whom such blind faith would be expected, which was perhaps my point for the post in the first place. It's too bad that sometimes, basic common sense about the purpose of the law is too much to ask.

[Stelliform]

Perhaps, the candy company could make an ad about how irresistable their chocolate bars are. "You can put me in jail before you can separate me from my chocolate."

I think that is a great idea! I heard it was a Payday by the way. Those things are pretty good. :D

[Chip NoVaMac]

Well, yeah, duh. But... rent-a-cops, yeah? It never would have occurred to me to hold them to the same standards I expect from Real Cops, and it certainly wouldn't occur to me to blame them for what Ramsey does. Unless you're talking about something the transit police themselves did that I don't know about or can't remember.

Therent-a-cop reference was to the WMATA police, not to the MPD (Metropolitan Police Department, which for those that may not know is the DC Police). I was speaking of the nature of the beast in DC that allows the law enforcement to run a muck. The MPD is woefully underfunded for what they do. They have to serve both local and national interests, but little in the way of financial support from the Federal Government.

The refernce to the illegal dention of non-protesters was meant to show just how far the police due to limited resources, that MPD is going. I may have been wrong to introduce this in the same discussion of WMATA police, but it shows they attitudes that exsist, rightly or wrongly in the post 9/11 world.

*blink* Okay. I'm the last person to say anything nice about Bush, but even I can't justify blaming him for rules that were in place long before he took office. :D

The subject is that many of the issues we are seeing in in the atmosphere of the post 9-11 world. This administration is creating a climate of fear in order to gain favor for their efforts at trying calm our fear. This is allowing some to allow on many levels actions by those that are meant to serve and protect to do what they want with little regard to actual law, or common sense.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I think that is a great idea! I heard it was a Payday by the way. Those things are pretty good. :D

Actually I see an ad that takes on the iTMS/Pepsi ad, "I fought the Law".

[max11]

in australia everyone uses bins, and if there are no bins around, you carry your rubbish with you. Yes, that's right, you have pockets, so don't be so damned selfish as to throw it on the ground.

And as for those who say "she broke the law, pay the consequences" - bugger to that. law is, has, and always will be about grey areas. It seems to me this "law enforcement officer" was just incensed by this lady's rudeness in ignoring him.

So in closing, i think that people who are rude, selfish, or small minded can all get **ed.

[MongoTheGeek]

in australia everyone uses bins, and if there are no bins around, you carry your rubbish with you. Yes, that's right, you have pockets, so don't be so damned selfish as to throw it on the ground.

And as for those who say "she broke the law, pay the consequences" - bugger to that. law is, has, and always will be about grey areas. It seems to me this "law enforcement officer" was just incensed by this lady's rudeness in ignoring him.

So in closing, i think that people who are rude, selfish, or small minded can all get **ed.

I really have to get to Oz then...

btw what the hell is a 2 letter profanity...

[vollspacken]

mawharhar, arrested and cuffed for eating candy... WTF???

http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/signlol.gif only in America...

vSpacken

[MongoTheGeek]

only in America...

Or Singapore, and quite likely Switzerland.

[vollspacken]

Or Singapore

hehe, you get beaten on the foot-soles with a stick when you dump chewinggum on the street... :(

vSpacken

[mac_gal]

in australia everyone uses bins, and if there are no bins around, you carry your rubbish with you. Yes, that's right, you have pockets, so don't be so damned selfish as to throw it on the ground.

The article states she threw the wrapper away.

[plus_c]

Yeah, and the shame of it is that it is harder for me to take the Metro than to drive. I live out near Dulles, so it is a good bus ride to the rail. But hey, they tell me that I might see the rail by 2017. Gee, just a few years short of retirement (unless the raiding of Social Security raises the retirement age to 80). :rolleyes:

Oh dear God...you live by Dulles? I feel sorry for you...from what I've seen of driving in DC, it's not for the faint of heart.

I'm glad I'm done with this summer job and headed back to my college campus in the middle of downtown Philadelphia...I'll have my bike and not have to depend on public transport of any sort.

[Sun Baked]

Well at least the story I mention earlier has a print story (http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/issues/current/feature.html) finally...

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/art/webpix/current.gif