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Police activity in PA. Watch your underage drinking and drugs here...
From pennlive.com (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1145533275325420.xml&coll=1)
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HALIFAX TWP.
Troopers raid partyState police raided an underage drinking party on the Appalachian Trail early Monday and charged five adults and three teenagers with offenses that include underage drinking and possession of cocaine and marijuana.
State police from Newport and Lykens said they found 20 juveniles partying on the trail on Peters Mountain.
Police charged Christopher Vandrew, 18, Trevor Vargas, 18, Brandon Yingling, 18, and a 17-year old boy, all of Mechanicsburg, and William Seeds III, 18, of Harrisburg, with underage drinking.
Ian A. Thomas, 19, of Mechanicsburg, was charged with possession of crack cocaine and underage drinking.
A 17-year old Mechanicsburg boy was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and a 16-year old Swatara Twp. girl was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-21-2006, 15:22
Perhaps we need to do a head count and see if any WB heads rolled in this raid :-?
You gotta be dumb (or super wasted) to get hit with possession in the woods. Trash your stash.....
fishinfred
04-21-2006, 15:46
Glad it was'nt HIKERS and just LOCALS (as usual) ,sad thing is ...if it happens on the trail it insinuates hikers and SOME people will think that...
Just creates more negitivity towards the Hike Community .
the goat
04-21-2006, 15:53
man, way to ruin a good time....damn cops:rolleyes:
Think about this BatMan, how did the cops know there was a party on the trail? Did some hiker turn them in? :eek:
hauptman
04-21-2006, 16:07
-probably just one of their parents who was concerned and phoned around/then cops phone around/liquer store guy mentions some older guy w./ bunch of teens headed towards woods/only trail in area/ campsite not far but secluded/do the math
-just a theory!
hauptman
04-21-2006, 16:10
they either jacked the liquer from their parents or had some older guy buy it for them or they stole it, most likely jacked it from parents. Parents call cops, yada yada, yada....
-probably just one of their parents who was concerned and phoned around/then cops phone around/liquer store guy mentions some older guy w./ bunch of teens headed towards woods/only trail in area/ campsite not far but secluded/do the math
-just a theory!
That sounds pretty detailed for a theory or maybe it has happened before? :-?
they either jacked the liquer from their parents or had some older guy buy it for them or they stole it, most likely jacked it from parents. Parents call cops, yada yada, yada....
Just so it wasn't a hiker! ;)
hauptman
04-21-2006, 16:14
what ever are you trying to imply good sir. not one of us innocent hiker dudes? no never? lol lol!!!:D
icemanat95
04-21-2006, 17:17
cocaine is not just a harmless little good time. I'd be somewhat inclined to overlook the alcohol and marijuana, after all, I did most of my serious drinking before I was 21. But cocaine is serious business...OK it's not meth or heroin, but it's not pot either. Kind of a diametrically opposite effect there.
The cops are doing their job, enforcing the law. The people involved were allegedly breaking the law...seems like a pretty neat convergence of fact. Additionally, does the trail community really want local kids going up to campsites and shelters on the Trail to get brain damaged and wreak their little pockets of havoc?
the goat
04-21-2006, 17:47
think of it this way: that party was trail magic waiting to happen!:sun
Ridge Rat
04-21-2006, 18:05
Dont worry about it. If you are worried about getting caught by the PA cops dont camp a mile from the trailheads. I have yet to see a cop actually get out of his car and walk any distance into the woods.
Not that I condone use of drugs in any way mind you... but hey it's the truth.
I don't think we have enough detail to judge this particular incident. Not all trail parties are created equal, some are under some sort of control and practice LNT which is OK (although cocaine is never a good idea), others are out of control and trash the place which is not OK. Either you participate or walk on by, but there is no reason to get upset about every party - it depends on the situation.
Dont worry about it. If you are worried about getting caught by the PA cops dont camp a mile from the trailheads. I have yet to see a cop actually get out of his car and walk any distance into the woods.
Not that I condone use of drugs in any way mind you... but hey it's the truth.
Maybe the person who turned them in left a trail of donuts. :D
Green Bean
04-21-2006, 20:41
Yeah man thats some crazy stuff. Most of those kids are good friends of
mine and the rest go to school with me. They were all up there having a
good time drinking some and smoking when the one kid realized he forgot
his sleeping bag in the car. 5 went down and got ambushed by state
troopers. The one kid had a little bit of cocaine just to clear that up not
everyone was doing that stuff. But anyway it was a good old time that got
busted and got blown out of proportion in the papers. ~GB
Green Bean
04-21-2006, 20:48
Not giving the condone to underage drinking and smoking marjuana though but just just posting to say I new some of these kids up there on the mountain and wanted to get the story through ~GB
Dances with Mice
04-21-2006, 21:00
Most of those kids are good friends of mine and the rest go to school with me. The report said it happened "early Monday". Was this a school night in your area?
They were all up there having a good time drinking some and smoking when the one kid realized he forgot his sleeping bag in the car. You know, there's a moral there somewhere....
5 went down and got ambushed by state troopers. Geez-hus!! How heavy was that sleeping bag?!!!
Skidsteer
04-21-2006, 21:18
. 5 went down and got ambushed by state
troopers. ~GB
So the state troopers didn't actually hike off-road to nail them?
Wow, this scenario is coming close to being "Darwin Award" material.
little bear
04-21-2006, 21:48
Dont worry about it. If you are worried about getting caught by the PA cops dont camp a mile from the trailheads. I have yet to see a cop actually get out of his car and walk any distance into the woods.
Not that I condone use of drugs in any way mind you... but hey it's the truth.
easy im a cop and a big supporter of WB and the hiking comunity. We(the cops) are just doing our job. Crack Cocaine is a dangerous drug and you dont want crack heads on the AT do you? Get some addict out there and he steals all your stuff. As far as the drinking that isn't a big issue with me until they get behind the wheel and most kids don't think they have had too much to drink and then before they know it their parents are called to the hospital to ID their children. Don't get me wrong I love to drink just like the next person but you got to use your head sometimes.
:sun
Just my thoughts
Little Bear
Happy Hikes
Lone Wolf
04-21-2006, 21:49
So dude, was it like a 4:20 party, man? Buzz kill. Cops just don't get it, man.
Ridge Rat
04-22-2006, 03:48
easy im a cop and a big supporter of WB and the hiking comunity. We(the cops) are just doing our job. Crack Cocaine is a dangerous drug and you dont want crack heads on the AT do you? Get some addict out there and he steals all your stuff. As far as the drinking that isn't a big issue with me until they get behind the wheel and most kids don't think they have had too much to drink and then before they know it their parents are called to the hospital to ID their children. Don't get me wrong I love to drink just like the next person but you got to use your head sometimes.
Hey, I agree with everything you are saying. Just making the comment that they do not come up on the trail. I am a Paramedic in philadelphia and atlantic city. I am all for the police enforcing the laws. Just making a simple observation from the trail.
the goat
04-22-2006, 10:49
easy im a cop and a big supporter of WB and the hiking comunity. We(the cops) are just doing our job. Crack Cocaine is a dangerous drug and you dont want crack heads on the AT do you? Get some addict out there and he steals all your stuff.
talk a/b blowing things outta proportion! who said anything a/b crack? there is a distinct difference b/t crack and coke. as a cop, isn't it part of your job to know this? why are you trying to scare people into thinking their stuff will be stolen because some high school kids were drinking & smoking in the woods & one of them happened to have some coke? your premise makes very little sense, and the conclusion you draw borders on idiacy.
am i the only one who thinks there are far better ways to allocate tax money & public resources than arresting kids who are drinking in the woods?
am i the only one who thinks there are far better ways to allocate tax money & public resources than arresting kids who are drinking in the woods?
In general, I agree that small parties are typically harmless even if a little illegal substance is involved. Perhaps the police in the back-country are bored? It is hard to pass judgment without knowing all the circumstances.
there is a distinct difference b/t crack and coke.
Sure is.
Coke is more often what white yuppies crave. Crack is more prevalent in the darker parts of town. Guess which users (and sellers) wind up doing serious prison time?
am i the only one who thinks there are far better ways to allocate tax money & public resources than arresting kids who are drinking in the woods?
Yes
Panzer
Green Bean
04-22-2006, 13:58
Mechanicsburg had off for Easter. Friday and Monday.
I heard the state cops had there cars down on the road and were in woods or snuck out of know where and hand cuffed everyone that was there in the parking lot.
Cops busted the group around 3 in the morning Monday so thats where they got early monday from.
WHo knows if this would of never happened if the dude didnt leave his sleeping bag in the car. If the cops would have acually walk up the trail about a mile. Who knows and I am glad I wasn't there!!!!!!! ~GB
little bear
04-22-2006, 15:30
[quote=Tin Man]---------------------
Ian A. Thomas, 19, of Mechanicsburg, was charged with possession of crack cocaine and underage drinking.
The goat this is where I got crack cocaine from. The original post said it. I am not against parties or even drinking, I was just replying about Law Enforcement doing their job.
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Police activity in PA. Watch your underage drinking and drugs here...
From pennlive.com (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1145533275325420.xml&coll=1)
---------------------
HALIFAX TWP.
Troopers raid partyState police raided an underage drinking party on the Appalachian Trail early Monday and charged five adults and three teenagers with offenses that include underage drinking and possession of cocaine and marijuana.
State police from Newport and Lykens said they found 20 juveniles partying on the trail on Peters Mountain.
Police charged Christopher Vandrew, 18, Trevor Vargas, 18, Brandon Yingling, 18, and a 17-year old boy, all of Mechanicsburg, and William Seeds III, 18, of Harrisburg, with underage drinking.
Ian A. Thomas, 19, of Mechanicsburg, was charged with possession of crack cocaine and underage drinking.
A 17-year old Mechanicsburg boy was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and a 16-year old Swatara Twp. girl was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
:D one thing for sure,they definately were not stealth camping lol:cool: neo
saimyoji
04-22-2006, 18:56
Kids are always partying on the trail in PA: Bake oven knob, Little Gap, 309 trailhead are a few places where I regularly find evidence. Nothin you can do about it, kids will be kids. If you chase em out of town, they head for the hills. The best you can do is hope they don't kill themselves on the way home.
saimyoji
04-22-2006, 19:05
Support your local sheriff.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0065051/
Kids are always partying on the trail in PA: Bake oven knob, Little Gap, 309 trailhead are a few places where I regularly find evidence.
Hikers might not mind so much if they practiced LNT. Sadly, they learn that lesson after they have grown up a little and leave their traces for us to clean up or, more frequently, walk past shaking our heads.
Nothin you can do about it, kids will be kids. If you chase em out of town, they head for the hills. The best you can do is hope they don't kill themselves on the way home.
...or kill anyone else for that matter. Even when no one is hurt, getting caught and doing jail time for drugs or drunken driving can have profound consequences on a young persons life. I know when I was a kid, I was not much for listening to wiser voices. Luckily I made it through unscathed and pray that my kids, their friends and kids everywhere do too. Dang, I better get off this thread; I am getting too maudlin.
:D one thing for sure,they definately were not stealth camping lol:cool: neo
Hey Neo, where ya been man? Doing some Hammock time? :cool:
Hey Neo, where ya been man? Doing some Hammock time? :cool:
:D beep beep:cool: neo
sparky2000
04-23-2006, 10:11
The trash dumps after the parties! Bust em.
Lion King
04-23-2006, 12:18
I say Do what you want in most situations, but Peters Mountain has been littered all to hell a few times by partiers when I have gone through there, so that sucks to a point.
At least clean up, but as far as the Cops, they suck.
Those kids were out of town, not driving on the roads, avoiding bothering nieghbors, and up on an overlook...again, IM not condoning anyones behavioir, thats their personal choice and if they want to get lit up like the fourth of July, rock on, thats their business. I did when I was 18, so did most people. (Not the crack...just saying)
Shouldnt that many cops be actually trying to stop the far worse crime on their own streets?
Someone should google that area and see how many Domestic abuse, breaking and entering, car thiefts, muggings, etc...were happening where the cops should have been exactly when they jumped on some kids out in the woods avoiding trouble in town trying to just have a little fun.
troglobil
04-23-2006, 22:37
Shouldnt that many cops be actually trying to stop the far worse crime on their own streets?
Someone should google that area and see how many Domestic abuse, breaking and entering, car thiefts, muggings, etc...were happening where the cops should have been exactly when they jumped on some kids out in the woods avoiding trouble in town trying to just have a little fun.
How do you think they get the money for the drugs?
Apparently, thse kids didn't know who the "cool parents" were. :D
otterman
04-24-2006, 08:48
I say Do what you want in most situations, but Peters Mountain has been littered all to hell a few times by partiers when I have gone through there, so that sucks to a point.
At least clean up, but as far as the Cops, they suck.
Those kids were out of town, not driving on the roads, avoiding bothering nieghbors, and up on an overlook...again, IM not condoning anyones behavioir, thats their personal choice and if they want to get lit up like the fourth of July, rock on, thats their business. I did when I was 18, so did most people. (Not the crack...just saying)
Shouldnt that many cops be actually trying to stop the far worse crime on their own streets?
Isn't this a little hypocritical? They have every right to party away, but boy I hate that trash that they leave because they're too messed up to pick up after themselves.
Someone should google that area and see how many Domestic abuse, breaking and entering, car thiefts, muggings, etc...were happening where the cops should have been exactly when they jumped on some kids out in the woods avoiding trouble in town trying to just have a little fun.
I work with "at risk" youths and this type of behavior is requently an indicator of problems to come in the future. I'm betting these kids weren't exactly on the honor roll at school. The cops may have just done them a big favor. They may have just prevented a "far worse crime" that was to come in the future.
Here's how the scenario would work out for me:
I stumble into the shelter after a long days hike and immediately crash out in my tent. A couple of hours later a group of partying teenagers show up and raise hell. An hour later the cops show up and bust everyone, including me, for all those violations.
How do you think they get the money for the drugs?
Well, some people work to buy what they like and know their bounds. I'm tired of lazy and stupid people giving recreational drugs a bad name! :rolleyes:
gr8fulyankee
04-24-2006, 17:02
I work with "at risk" youths and this type of behavior is requently an indicator of problems to come in the future. I'm betting these kids weren't exactly on the honor roll at school. The cops may have just done them a big favor. They may have just prevented a "far worse crime" that was to come in the future.
You know that's a bunch of bull ****. I was an "at risk" kid, It didn't take getting arrested or some know it all counsellor to do me a favor. It took me taking my finger out of my ass and actually trying! It only takes will power! Removing yourself from situations that would get you into trouble.
Ramblin'_Man
04-24-2006, 18:10
^^^^ I hear ya'!!! I was going to point out that his comment was kinda' rude. For a counselor he should know better than to stereotype people. I bet the "at risk" kids he works with don't dig him too much. I remember MANY kids in my highschool that partied thier asses off and got great grades, I also knew some kids that didn't do so well because they partied too much. That's just a life lesson in general. To make a statement like he did was assinine.
I am also in agreement with Sly. I like to smoke a little herb every now and then, unfortunately some people automatically think I am a burnout because of the braindead potheads that don't do much other than sit around and get high. I get up everyday, go to work, pay my bills, ect. I am a positive, productive individual that chooses to smoke a joint to unwind instead of having a drink or two.
A little partying is a non-issue. And let's face it, we all party to some extent. Sharing a few laughs, whether alcohol or drugs is involved or not, can be construed as a party when you are having fun. Just so the parties involved respect some reasonable bounds of decency and civility, let them alone (or join them as the case may be). I have come across parties on the trail and they were usually good kids having fun and not bothering anyone. I just move my tent out of the way and get a good nights sleep, while the kids party on. It is when they leave trash behind that is the real issue.
Blissful
04-24-2006, 23:34
A little partying is a non-issue. And let's face it, we all party to some extent. Sharing a few laughs, whether alcohol or drugs is involved or not, can be construed as a party when you are having fun. Just so the parties involved respect some reasonable bounds of decency and civility, let them alone (or join them as the case may be). I have come across parties on the trail and they were usually good kids having fun and not bothering anyone. I just move my tent out of the way and get a good nights sleep, while the kids party on. It is when they leave trash behind that is the real issue.
I've never known the term "partying" not to include alcohol and drugs.
Anyway, I'd rather the kids got "high" on hiking a good hike and "inhaling" the fresh air. That's why my dh and I lead a teen adventure group in the woods, and my dh is a scout leader, so the kids stay away from alcohol and drugs and find the good life in God's great outdoors. I know. I used to be a drunk and it almost killed me. There is no such thing as harmless partying (and that is, the drug and alcohol kind, as it's the only one I know of). One thing leads to another and it ends up with something or someone destroyed - be it brain cells or a life.
I've never known the term "partying" not to include alcohol and drugs.
Anyway, I'd rather the kids got "high" on hiking a good hike and "inhaling" the fresh air. That's why my dh and I lead a teen adventure group in the woods, and my dh is a scout leader, so the kids stay away from alcohol and drugs and find the good life in God's great outdoors. I know. I used to be a drunk and it almost killed me. There is no such thing as harmless partying (and that is, the drug and alcohol kind, as it's the only one I know of). One thing leads to another and it ends up with something or someone destroyed - be it brain cells or a life.
Getting "high" on hiking, eh? Sounds like partying to me. ;) Alcohol does not automatically translate into destruction. I only take it for medicinal purposes. I applaud your quitting though.
Green Bean
04-24-2006, 23:49
The breaking of beer bottles, throwing of beer cans into the woods, the not caring of land they live on are all reasons why I hate going camping with this crew of kids that just go to the woods to get wasted and just say "its cool because its a place to go and not worry about anyone".
Okay true most of the time on that statment but you need respect when you go camping becasue you never know who could walk by see trash all over the place (Every time I go camping I take along a trash bag) WOW!! who would-A thought to bring a trash bag??? but anyways this person may walk by see there was people partying and report it to the cops. The cops put this camping spot in there files and some boring friday night they decide to roll up to this camp spot see a bunch of cars parked by the trail head.
(At Peters Mt. there is a parking lot at the trail head for hikers to park there vehicles and enjoy a nice hike usually about 2 or 3 cars parked here everytime I went up to this spot at night time) So the cops saw this and were suspicious of all the cars parked in the parking lot and next thing you know there is a party busted. ~GB
Trash and the discharging of weapons gives woods parties a bad name. :( I have endured both and I stay away from an out of control party. However, I like low impact, LNT parties. Just stop in my camp and pull up a log by the fire - all welcome.
otterman
04-25-2006, 09:04
^^^^ I hear ya'!!! I was going to point out that his comment was kinda' rude. For a counselor he should know better than to stereotype people. I bet the "at risk" kids he works with don't dig him too much. I remember MANY kids in my highschool that partied thier asses off and got great grades, I also knew some kids that didn't do so well because they partied too much. That's just a life lesson in general. To make a statement like he did was assinine.
I am also in agreement with Sly. I like to smoke a little herb every now and then, unfortunately some people automatically think I am a burnout because of the braindead potheads that don't do much other than sit around and get high. I get up everyday, go to work, pay my bills, ect. I am a positive, productive individual that chooses to smoke a joint to unwind instead of having a drink or two.
You're taking my comment to the extreme. I have no issue with trail parties and whatever else people want to do on the trail as long as they are respectful to the trail. I just felt like people were a little hard on some police that were doing their jobs and arresting someone with crack cocaine. That is way different than having a little herb or a beer. And yeah, some of the kids don't "dig me" because I tell them things they don't want to hear. Others are grateful. Would you like to tell the parents of a teen that died in a car accident last week (doing a little partying) that this was just a life lesson as you say. She was a freshman in high school. I have had several students come to me to say that they are no longer hanging with that crowd because they are afraid the same thing will happen to them.
Green Bean
04-25-2006, 09:22
The kid had cocaine up there on the mountain not a good thing but it wasn't crack ~GB
maybe the police got a complaint from a hiker with a cell phone.
Panzer
I've never known the term "partying" not to include alcohol and drugs.
There is no such thing as harmless partying (and that is, the drug and alcohol kind, as it's the only one I know of). One thing leads to another and it ends up with something or someone destroyed - be it brain cells or a life.
Did not Jesus turn the water into wine so that the wedding party could be a success? I don't think he would have done that if he thought it would lead to the bride and groom destroying their lives. Of course people can party in a non-destructive way and within morally acceptable limits.
You, yourself, had an alcohol problem. As such you should avoid alcohol. Don't, however, make sweeping generalizations about the rest of us.
otterman
04-25-2006, 10:12
The kid had cocaine up there on the mountain not a good thing but it wasn't crack ~GB
The article link in the first thread says that the nineteen year old was arrested for possesion of crack cocaine. Not saying that the media is always correct though.
As hikers, we should not condone underage kids using the trail corridor for parties. I have spent many many hours picking up after these kids at Fitzgerald Falls in New York, but unfortunately, I could never pick up the hundreds of thousands of tiny glass shards that litter the area.
Similarly, we should not participate in beer blasts or parties (involving drugs & alcohol) at shelters or along the trail corridor. How can we ask locals not to turn the AT into their own personal party place if we as hikers are doing that?
Want to party? Do it at home or in a trail town - but act responsibly. There have been several terrible accidents and assaults in the last 3-4 years that involved alcohol.
For just a minute, forget your own selfish perspective and what the local cops might think. Ask yourself, what is the ATC's policy on this sort of thing? Imagine yourself camping or hiking with the steward of the particular section of trail that you happen to find yourself on. Then act accordingly.
Mother's Finest
04-25-2006, 16:07
1. Marijuana should be legalized for responsible adults over the age of 21.
2. Alchohol and marijuana should not be legal to posses for anyone under the age of 21.
3. Any type of cocaine, particularly crack is extremely bad for anyone to be involved with, and should not be legal for any reason (save eye surgery)
4. The kids were breaking all the rules and found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
5. The Police were just playing their role in our great country, enforcing our laws.........
peace
mf
Tim Rich
04-25-2006, 17:05
I say Do what you want in most situations, but Peters Mountain has been littered all to hell a few times by partiers when I have gone through there, so that sucks to a point.
At least clean up, but as far as the Cops, they suck.
Those kids were out of town, not driving on the roads, avoiding bothering nieghbors, and up on an overlook...again, IM not condoning anyones behavioir, thats their personal choice and if they want to get lit up like the fourth of July, rock on, thats their business. I did when I was 18, so did most people. (Not the crack...just saying)
Shouldnt that many cops be actually trying to stop the far worse crime on their own streets?
Someone should google that area and see how many Domestic abuse, breaking and entering, car thiefts, muggings, etc...were happening where the cops should have been exactly when they jumped on some kids out in the woods avoiding trouble in town trying to just have a little fun.
Well, Lyin' King, you can rant about the police if you wish, but my experience with them is that they put their lives on the line doing a necessary, but generally thankless, job. I've been hit with my share of speeding tickets, and I've gotten out of a good number of them as well, but each time I realize that they're doing their job. I was the victim of a hit and run one night in Atanta several years ago (before I owned a cell), and I followed the car into an unsavory area. Along the way, I passed a cop, waived him around and told him about the hit and run driver ahead of me. He moved in between, ran the plates and bluelighted the guy. For the next five minutes, I tagged along behind a pretty nice police chase. It ended with the driver stopping in a warehouse/seedy apartment area with the officer coming up beside the guy's car, just like you'd see on COPS. The drug crazed driver decided he wasn't ready to be arrested and decided to grapple with the officer a bit through the car window as he was reaching for a weapon and trying to drive off. The officer, gun drawn, could have shot him but fended him off for the twenty or thirty seconds or so before backup arrived.
The AT shouldn't be considered a place for locals to go get wasted. Had there been anyone else at the shelter, then a "neighbor" would have been bothered. They were kids and young adults doing stupid, illegal things, and they got caught. They are solely responsible. The officers did their job, period.
Take Care,
Tim
I've been hit with my share of speeding tickets, and I've gotten out of a good number of them as well,
How many donuts did that cost you?
When busted for pot in my younger years the cop just made me empty the bag and crush it into the ground. I thanked him!
Tim Rich
04-25-2006, 17:26
How many donuts did that cost you?
When busted for pot in my younger years the cop just made me empty the bag and crush it into the ground. I thanked him!
No donuts, just polite and thankful.
You make a good point that's lost in others' whining - police exercise a great amount of discretion in who they cite and arrest.
the goat
04-25-2006, 17:49
When busted for pot in my younger years the cop just made me empty the bag and crush it into the ground. I thanked him!
did you later return to the scene of the crime and smoke some dirt?:D
did you later return to the scene of the crime and smoke some dirt?:D
Nah, thankfully I've never been quite that desperate. ;)
troglobil
04-25-2006, 19:19
Well, some people work to buy what they like and know their bounds. I'm tired of lazy and stupid people giving recreational drugs a bad name! :rolleyes:
Well Sly, I'm glad to know you are the good upstanding, law abiding type of drug user. ;) Actually, I have nothing against some one using a little weed when sitting around the old campfire. Many of my friends do. Just don't get behind the steering wheel.
But what we are talking about here is crack and coke. Just becuase someone works to pay for their stuff, doesnt mean jack. Crack is highly addictive and eventually people's values and morals will go out the window so they can get their fix. Think about the most dangerous job in the world, the convienience store clerk. Don't dissillusion yourself into thinking that no one is hurt or adversly effected in the production and distribution of crack. The jails and morgues are full of people who new their bounds.
Well Sly, I'm glad to know you are the good upstanding, law abiding type of drug user. ;) Actually, I have nothing against some one using a little weed when sitting around the old campfire. Many of my friends do. Just don't get behind the steering wheel.
But what we are talking about here is crack and coke. Just becuase someone works to pay for their stuff, doesnt mean jack. Crack is highly addictive and eventually people's values and morals will go out the window so they can get their fix. Think about the most dangerous job in the world, the convienience store clerk. Don't dissillusion yourself into thinking that no one is hurt or adversly effected in the production and distribution of crack. The jails and morgues are full of people who new their bounds.
LOL.. I knew it was only a matter of time before I was nailed on this one. 1st of all, you're assuming I'm a "good upstanding, law abiding type of drug user". Besides using my quote out of context, for all you know, I could be a drug counselor or a dealer that doesn't touch the stuff. Someone that's been all three or none of the above.
Sometimes, I just like playing the devils advocate.
Without getting into a 1000 post thread on drugs on the trail, or in general, which would probably get deleted anyway, let's just agree the kids were unlawful in their behaviour.
Mother's Finest
04-25-2006, 20:04
cmon sly, we know you are a hep dude......
hep?
Sorry, I may look it, but I'm not that old. You could perhaps call me be hip or groovy, but will be OK with "cool" since I'm a quick learner.
No donuts, just polite and thankful.
You make a good point that's lost in others' whining - police exercise a great amount of discretion in who they cite and arrest.
I think the police are a lot less tolerant than the used to be. At least, that's what I have heard. :rolleyes:
The Police did their job,,,,and most likely were directed there by a complaint. People take drugs/ETOH, whatever to alter their behavior ,,,often which have horrible consequences that so many think will never happen to them. Be glad there was a presence at some time on the AT,,,,and no, police aren't even remotely close to being more proactive of late,,not enough numbers, and way too many whiny butt Americans who will never take responsibility for their own actions all too quick to pull out the "its my rights" soliloquy. So next time someone wonders why a cop didn't give a ---- about their self absorbed problem,,,,
troglobil
04-25-2006, 21:46
Ok Sly, you made me go back and look hard at your post. Perhaps I did jump too fast. I can see it as a generalized comment now. Sometime I also like to argue one point of view over another just for fun, it doesn't always matter what I realy believe>
Ok Sly, you made me go back and look hard at your post. Perhaps I did jump too fast. I can see it as a generalized comment now.
That's Ok. I think most of us can agree, we don't want to see teenagers partying unlawfully in AT shelters.
That's Ok. I think most of us can agree, we don't want to see teenagers partying unlawfully in AT shelters.
Yeah, let's build them a party shelter off-trail. :D
I hate when people blame the teens for their behavior. Teens naturally take any opportunity to stretch their boundaries. I know, I was a teen once, at least I think from what I remember from those daze. I wonder where their parents are in all of this. :-?
Rain Man
04-26-2006, 00:17
... We(the cops) are just doing our job. Crack Cocaine is a dangerous drug and you dont want crack heads on the AT do you? Get some addict out there and he steals all your stuff. As far as the drinking that isn't a big issue with me until they get behind the wheel and most kids don't think they have had too much to drink and then before they know it their parents are called to the hospital to ID their children. ...
Little Bear, I'm with you all the way. Some bozo said the cops should be stopping the "real" crimes, like domestic violence and breaking-and-entering, etc. Hell, many (most?) of those crimes come from drugs! I've been the victim of a vehicle break-in, most likely by someone supporting a habit (I'm told, due to the circumstances). So, don't tell me "the cops should leave druggies alone and focus on 'real' crimes." I say stop the drugs and THAT is focusing on the cause of many, many, many real crimes against innocent victims.
Same for drinking, and the almost inevitable driving. Alcohol is a drug that harms and kills ... innocent people, not just the drunks.
You go, cops! And no amount of whiners and whining will change the fact that drug (that INCLUDES alcohol) abuse, and especially under-age drug abuse as occurred in this case (we have all the facts we need) should be subject to decisive law enforcement action whenever possible.
Rain Man
.
I hate when people blame the teens for their behavior.
If teens aren't responsible for their behavior, who is? Bill Clinton? :confused:
I too was a teen who stretched the boundaries - and then some. In retrospect, I was cut slack far too often. If I had been called to account for my behavior early on, I might have saved myself a lot of hardship - and a 30 day stay in rehab by age 24.
You rock Little Bear.
My best friend is a cop in Virginia Beach. Cops don’t create the law they enforce it. Those kids were breaking the law. One could also say that the cops did the hiker community a favor by sending a message to irresponsible partiers that they are watching. They were inadvertently helping to maintain the trail.
Here's how the scenario would work out for me:
I stumble into the shelter after a long days hike and immediately crash out in my tent. A couple of hours later a group of partying teenagers show up and raise hell. An hour later the cops show up and bust everyone, including me, for all those violations.
That's one of the reasons I wish those who need to get wasted would do so off on their own, not around other people who don't wish to be involved. It's not that I want to cause drug users in the woods any hassles, I just don't want to be hassled myself by either the drug users or the authorities.
If teens aren't responsible for their behavior, who is? Bill Clinton? :confused:
I too was a teen who stretched the boundaries - and then some. In retrospect, I was cut slack far too often. If I had been called to account for my behavior early on, I might have saved myself a lot of hardship - and a 30 day stay in rehab by age 24.
You took my sentence out of context with the one that suggests that parents are too liberal with letting their kids do what they want. I think if parents, like mine and like me, made sure they knew and approved where their teens are and what the plan was then maybe we would have less teens in trouble. Sure, they may deviate from the plan, but parents who pay attention will know it when their teen returns and take corrective action. Of course, this approach is not always successful, but I know too many parents who don't even try. At the end of the day, parents need to hold teens responsible for their actions, but parents also need to take responsibility for giving them as much assistance in understanding where the boundaries are and what is acceptable behavior. Naturally, once teens move out of the parental home all bets are off and teens have to check with Bill Clinton before they do anything. And thanks for sharing the rehab bit. I only had to spend one night in the pokey to learn my lesson.
That's one of the reasons I wish those who need to get wasted would do so off on their own, not around other people who don't wish to be involved. It's not that I want to cause drug users in the woods any hassles, I just don't want to be hassled myself by either the drug users or the authorities.
I agree. That's why when I come across a party, I decide if it is within bounds or looking for a bust. Once a few years ago, a party came to where I was camping and, in addition to underage drinking and drugs, they started firing guns into the woods. I politely suggested that was not a good idea and when they ignored me, I picked up and left. Sure I was annoyed and maybe I should have reported them, but I didn't see any cops on the trail to report it to.
saimyoji
04-26-2006, 23:52
Once a few years ago, a party came to where I was camping and, in addition to underage drinking and drugs, they started firing guns into the woods.
Wow. Imagine if someone had been stealth hanging somewhere out there in those woods. :eek:
Bad news.
Dances with Mice
04-26-2006, 23:53
I agree. That's why when I come across a party, I decide if it is within bounds or looking for a bust. Once a few years ago, a party came to where I was camping and, in addition to underage drinking and drugs, they started firing guns into the woods. I politely suggested that was not a good idea and when they ignored me, I picked up and left. Sure I was annoyed and maybe I should have reported them, but I didn't see any cops on the trail to report it to.Oh. Look, me and JLB are really sorry about that, ok? We'll try to keep it down next time.
Oh. Look, me and JLB are really sorry about that, ok? We'll try to keep it down next time.
If you keep it down, I may join you. Just hold down the gunfire. Aside from that, I am sort of on the fence on this and it usually takes me a few hours to see if the party is out of control. In the meantime, don't bogart that ..... my friend, pass it over to me. Oops, that was just a song Mr. Policeman, I didn't inhale ... much anyway. :rolleyes: