Re: [Harp-L] Re: Popper arrested



* Well, I gave the case some thought and here are my opinions. First of all, let me say that I agree with you. But the state of the law is such that the benefit shall always rest with the accused.

On Mar 9, 2007, at 10:40 AM, nonidesign@xxxxxxx wrote:

Puberty is supposed to cure this kind of thing.

Whether he was driving or not, unless he was being kidnapped he had as much responsiblity for being in a car doing 111mph as the driver.

Yes, even moreso IF he was the owner. It wouldn't even have mattered if he was asleep (a distinct possibility on an interstate). The owner can be cited for 'Permitting a violation of title'. It would be the same penalty as the highest infraction. (In this case speeding). Now some states will go with reckless driving INSTEAD of speeding if the overage is more than 50% above the posted limit. Guessing a limit of 70, that would mean that a speed of 106 and over would cause this switch.
Knowing what little I know about Oregon, I would say that this would be considered lesser. Wash. is a little stricter.


Imagine how much coverage this story would have gotten if they had hit someone and killed them.

Yes, another Anna Nicole situation. I am quite upset with Johnny and his crew.

I don't buy the whole emergency personal protection angle either.

Ok, keeping in mind that parts of Ore & Wash are very desolate and dangerous, what with the nasty nature of some of the game, and the possibilities of being stranded in a hostile environment with soggy constant rain making exposure a real threat. And inasmuch as these very large states have very little (comparative) population, I don't see a survival kit as being out of the question.


If the SUV seats 8, 4 rifles and a pistol for EACH, while seemingly overkill (pun intended), doesn't seem strange. Of course you will also need a knife. And while I don't think a taser or stun gun would be of much use against a Grizzley, night vision goggles would be nice in the woods where everything is pitch black except for a few nights per month. A month is a long time and what if it's over-cast.

A single weapon maybe, but four rifles, nine handguns, nightvison goggles, and a switchblade knife is a load carried by maniacs. What were they doing, looking for victims?

No an audience....giggle


As for the emergency lights & sireeen.. Depends on what set up they had. Accusing them of impersonating police is lame (so far) and impersonating an emergency vehicle is more like it. Btw, HAVING the equipment installed is not a crime. Using it IN a crime IS a crime. So, what do we have here. The marijuana was mentioned as a 'small' amount. Do you know what this means? It was too small an amount to arrest for.

Even if the handguns weren't registered, as long as they were packed away, they aren't illegal and since they were only found in connection with a search, there's no case. Btw, rifles are a 'freebie'.

And this wasn't the first time. I seem to remember a previous incident involving Popper getting pulled over and getting in trouble for having his "sword and knife collection" in his car. A sword, or a dagger that looks like a Klingon earpick, isn't personal protection...even in New York.

I agree, but again, as long as the possessor is an adult, the stuff is not being used in a threatening manner and was INSIDE the owner's property, no case. All this amounts to is a reckless driving fine and a possible fine for the owner. Everything else is just for 'grinns'. As for seizing the vehicle, it will be processed further (just to bust his A44) and then returned at his hearing.

I also hope Popper knows that, unlike the movies, in prison you get your a## kicked for playing harp.

This is true. Many prisoners hate harp because it denotes visions of incarceration movies where the writers persist in having someone playing harp. Prisoners have devised schemes to get around this.
1.... Is to use the issued tin cup (actually aluminum, and now plastic), and play into IT, thereby muffling the sound. The great Winslow has used this on several occasions. I have too.
2.... Is to turn the covers AROUND so that the sound comes back AT you. It's trickier to play for a tongue blocker, but then, they narrow the covers.
Note: Serious offender prisons don't allow harps because of all the sharp metal thingie pieces.


smokey-joe



-------------- Original message from "Marc Spilka" <marc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>: --------------




From USATODAY

Blues Traveler's Popper arrested


Blues Traveler front man John Popper was not behind the wheel, but was
arrested when police found weapons and marijuana in his vehicle. .....


SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Blues Traveler singer and harmonica player John Popper
was arrested after the vehicle he was riding in was clocked going 111 mph,
the Washington State Patrol said Wednesday. Popper, 39, was arrested Tuesday
afternoon on Interstate 90 near the Spokane/Lincoln county line, the
Washington State Patrol said.........


Inside the black Mercedes SUV, officers found a cache of weapons and a small
amount of marijuana, the Patrol said. A police dog searched the vehicle,
finding numerous hidden compartments containing four rifles, nine handguns
and a switchblade knife. Authorities also found a Taser and night vision
goggles. The vehicle was seized.


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Next time someone requests a survey asking what gear people carry around
with them to gigs maybe they can respond "I love Popper and emulate my gig
bag on his." Drugs, guns, hell a Taser? Who does he think he is, an NBA
player? Paranoia is one thing, but come on. I know a bunch of people on
this list hate his playing but I don't think anyone is stalking him. Maybe
he's in a new movie, Don't Shoot the Harp Player.


marc spilka
los gatos, CA (for Mr. Compton)



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