Declaring Independence from Police State Lynchburg

Posted by Kurt Feigel // July 2, 2011 // 6 Comments

Stamp Act

Friends,

The Lynchburg Tea Party is reaching out to community groups all across the city and across political lines to fight an issue that will directly effect you and your neighbors.

The City of Lynchburg is trying to give the planning commission (building permits, code enforcement, etc) the ability to issue search warrants if they suspect “code” violations.

This is an outright violation of the 4th amendment.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

To put this amendment into historical context; we are celebrating our nations independence on July 4th. Independence from what? From the very things this city is trying to implement.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. Declaration of Independence

The argument in favor of this new ordinance change (law) is that there are TWO houses that are a problem in Lynchburg. And yet, the city attorney has not filled a civil suit against those two houses. Why? Because that is not the real reason for this new law.

They want to generate revenue for the city. Is your house up to code? I doubt it. If you’ve ever had dealings with the City Inspectors you’ll know that they ALWAYS find something to fine you with. Always find something that you MUST correct. Those things cost money.

Think on this as well. Imagine you get your visit from Inspector Gadget…And right behind him is Officer Big Gun. Ooops. Do you have anything “illegal” in your home. There are so many stupid laws on the books how would you know?

The poor and minority communities will be the first ones affected. And yet it was not those communities that spoke out against this. Why?

This is an issue that crosses all political and lines. Liberty is not that complicated.

On August 9th at 7 p.m. at City Hall (900 Church St) there will be another hearing about the proposed changes to the law. We had 50 people at the last meeting but we need 150 at this next meeting. Not ONE person spoke in favor of this change to the law. 19 spoke against. And yet instead of killing it the city council voted 4 to 3 to change the wording and then hold another hearing.

Please let your community know about this.

This will effect the minority communities before it ever touches anyone else.

Contact your City Representative and tell them you DO NOT support this absurdity.

Thank You,

Kurt Feigel

Lynchburg Tea Party President

P.S. Please watch the video coverage that this issue has gotten.

If you can not make it:
email these people and tell them your thoughts on the issue.

Supports the new law
Mayor Joan Foster (At Large):
Joan.Foster@lynchburgva.gov

Supports the new law
Vice-Mayor Ceasor Johnson (Ward 2):
ceasor.johnson@lynchburgva.gov

Supports the new law
Michael Gillette (Ward 1):
michael.gillette@lynchburgva.

Supports the new law
Randy Nelson (At Large):
randy.nelson@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
Turner Perrow (Ward 4):
turner.perrow@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
H. Cary (At Large):
H.cary@lynchburgva.gov

DOES NOT support the new law
Jeff Helgeson (Ward 3):
jeff@jeffhelgeson.com

About this contributor

Kurt Feigel posted 281 articles on this blog.

Not new to politics. Kurt Feigel has been blogging and vlogging for over 3 years. Kurt is the Managing Editor of Red State Virginia. Read More by visiting the "contributors" link above and click Kurt Feigel

Comments

6 COMMENTS

By Rigoberto, July 2, 2011

This looks like the sort of policy that “Dick’s” administration would promote. This stuff is breaking out at every level of government.

Reply
By crypticguise, July 2, 2011

This is clearly unconstitutional. No government official has the right to enter your home or premises to “look for violations of code”. Laughable! The first time a home owner files suit, he/she will win and the municipality will be told to cease and desist.

Unless there is a search warrant signed by a judge looking for something SPECIFIC you do NOT HAVE TO ALLOW THESE IDIOTS TO ENTER YOUR HOME.

In fact, tell them to get their asses off your private property.

Reply
- By Kurt Feigel, July 3, 2011
  
  One of the changes was to make a Judge sign off on it.
  Another Give 5 day notice of the search (see how well that works for the drug or murder search warrants)
  Finally they want to only allow it to be used for a narrow list of things….but once it’s passed they can just amend it without fuss.
  
  This is a line in the sand for me. I’m not letting some nazi inspector in my house and I don’t care what some piece of paper says.
  
  Reply
  - By Jamie Jacoby, July 4, 2011
    
    “This is a line in the sand for me. I’m not letting some nazi inspector in my house and I don’t care what some piece of paper says.”
    
    Amen, brother. Completely with you on this one.
    
    Reply
By SDN, July 3, 2011

The Founders would have broken out the tar, feathers, and guns by now.

Reply
By Mark, July 3, 2011

You folks should go out and buy these officials some nice red coats.

Reply