Bikers and cops run moonshine at Deals Gap

Moonshiner 28: A Brief History of Moonshine in Graham County NC - Jim Tom will proudly tell you that he holds the North Carolina State Record for DUIs with 21. And he also holds the record for surviving the worst motorcycle wreck in history. Starring Popcorn Sutton and Junior Johnson of NASCAR.

Dragon's Tale at Deals Gap

Such harassment of motorcycle enthusiasts is common from THP, Blount County and North Carolina police, as occurred in 1997 at a BMW rally at Fontana Village, North Carolina. Drivers and riders had arrived from all over North America to commune with Mother Nature, stop for gas and lunch at the Motorcycle Resort at Deals Gap, North Carolina, (at that time, run by ex-cop Pete Leary whose race teams have won a national championship) and to tame the world-infamous Dragon.

A camouflaged Task Force of these agencies descended upon 3,000 peaceful tourists, using helicopters, drug dogs and secret alcohol Prohibition laws. It seems these cops were under the influence of the delusion the BMW owners—including off-duty cops and military personnel—were about to start a rumble with a gang of 11,000 "drug-crazed" Hell's Angels (originally named by US military veterans for their squadron by the same name). The Angels were allegedly tourists at casino in nearby Cherokee Nation.

Tourists were forced to pass five road blocks in a one-mile distance. Motorcycles were disassembled and confiscated for the tiniest of alleged infractions. Pedestrians were arrested as "public drunks" for any purchasing of beer at the Fontana campground, which was licensed to sell beer. Unmarked police cars were used to entrap motorcyclists by slowing to a crawl and waving riders to overtake on the double yellow line, and followed bikers at night while driving without headlights on. Off-duty cops who pointed out the illegality of the Task Force's arrests faced career reprisals when they got home. As one tourist observed, "I hadn't seen such a show of paramilitary force since the riot control in Washington D.C. when Nixon bombed Cambodia." To add insult to injury, a police helicopter hovered over sleeping campers broadcasting the theme song to the television propaganda show, COPS.

A press release by the BMW club summed up: "The police came to be viewed as buffoons, except by those members from foreign countries, who had only read about this type of police intervention in accounts of World War II era Germany. For most, the actions reinforced the Hollywood stereotype of southern justice: Local sheriff uses imaginary crisis to order suspension of the U.S. Constitution." A BMW rider who was a former Arizona State Trooper and former Indiana Patrolman said, "The next time I come to your area it will be with a video camera, a tape recorder, a cellular phone and a copy of the North Carolina State Statutes."

Fortunately for the BMW club, the sick Graham County sheriff responsible for this viscious fiasco, bootlegger Melvin Howell, committed suicide after his arrest for sexual assault of sheriff's department employees and indictment for threatening murder against them. When the sheriff's own attorney was forced to testify against him, he became depressed. What else did the lawyer know about besides the death threats? As The Graham Star reported, "The Bad Boys in Blue" had gotten out of hand in spectacular fashion, while responsible owners of motorcycles had minded their own business while on vacation. Rob Mason, executive director of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, said the police actions were "equivalent to the sheriff's department torching Stanley Furniture," estimating financial losses to area businesses at $250,000 (since tourists were afraid to leave the campground). As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Suicidal Sheriff Howell's chief deputy, Jerry Crisp, was fired by Graham County for his alleged destructive tendencies but reemployed by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) police (which was also part of the anti-motorcycle "Task Force"). Seeking retaliation for his humiliation -- two years after the BMW rally -- Crisp made an illegal arrest outside of his jurisdiction, handcuffing ex-cop Pete Leary at his place of business (and nearly breaking his arm). Leary had voiced concern about how police had mistreated his motel guests, campers, restaurant diners and store customers during the BMW rally. Crisp obviously sought to intimidate and silence one of his many critics, to the point of risking a lawsuit for false arrest. Leary, winner of a gunfight with a convicted murderer during an attempted armed robbery (when he dodged a shotgun blast and returned fire by shooting the assailant in the derriere), was not likely to take his false arrest quietly by turning the other cheek.

Citizens who criticize our government often face reprisals for attempting to exert democracy, even when those citizens are ex-cops (especially when they enjoy motorcycles). Crisp also sued the BMW club for writing about him in their newsletter. The club retained the services of Pete Leary's lawyer and published a "clarification" in their newsletter to protect themselves from the vindictive TVA cop.

Is Deputy Crisp from the same family of Mayor Crisp in Blount County TN, who got the speed limit on the Dragon illegally reduced to 30 MPH in 2002? Is Deputy Crisp William Carl Crisp, sentenced to 16 years prison for pedophile rape in Graham County?

And who really burned down the Graham County Sheriff Office? Why does the sheriff refuse to give county commission his financial books, and refuse to allow county commission to make financial decisions for the county? Why does Graham County Commission Chairwoman Sandra Smith call sheriff Russell Moody a criminal? Moody asked Smith, “Do you think I’m a criminal?” “Yes,” Smith responded. “You do?” Moody said. “Yes,” Smith responded. When contacted Tuesday, Smith denied she called the sheriff a criminal, but said “he is breaking the law." “I don’t like the way he is dealing with his office — I just think he is breaking the law,” Smith said. Smith said the sheriff could face removal from office and his chief deputy could be made sheriff if Moody is removed. Smith said Moody has a “God complex.” “He’s a spoiled brat,” Smith said. Sheriff Russell Moody said he has no plans to resign as sheriff despite an affair with a former secretary in his office. It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have sinned against and disappointed my Heavenly Father. I have sinned and sinned against Him alone and for that I am truly sorry. I have asked for His forgiveness and his healing for my family and friends, and all those that I have hurt. Next I would like to tell my wife that I'm sorry for what I've done and the heartache and the pain I have caused her. I would like to apologize to my children for not being the husband and father I should have been to them and for that I'm truly sorry as well. To my community, as your sheriff, I ask for your forgiveness and your prayers as I continue to fulfill the responsibilities you elected me to do. It is with your support and your prayers that this office will seek to continue to serve and protect the citizens of this community. Please feel free to contact my office if you have sexual services to offer me."





See also:

Blount County TN names highway to honor convicted hit-and-run killer of a biker tourist - Crack cocaine kingpin of Tennessee saved from DUI homicide arrest by Governor Don Sundquist and his black helicopter air force.

Did Town Alderman Get away with murder in Robbinsville NC? Robbinsville Town Alderman, Johnny Lee Williams, cowardly gunned Phillip McClung in broad daylight in the town's only shopping center by shooting him in the back and then approaching the downed man and putting the next cowardly shot in the back of his head. Sheriff Russell Moody lost the murder file shortly after taking office; delaying the trial. Graham County Grand Jury refused to indict the Robbinsville Town Alderman for years. The Graham County Graham Grand Jury returned no true bill of indictment Monday for a second-degree murder charge against Robbinsville Town Councilman and Vice Mayor Johnny Lee Williams. The investigation into the case so far includes 10 statements from eye witnesses, including a statement from Williams in which he admits to shooting McClung once intentionally. Williams, in his official statement, claims that the second shot, to the back of the head, went off accidentally. Grand jury hearings are secret, and the prosecution is not allowed to appear before a grand jury in North Carolina, said District Attorney Mike Bonfoey. Twelve votes from the 18-member panel are required for the jury to return a true bill of indictment. The murder victim's mother wrote, "I cannot believe the grand jury did not have enough evidence to return a true bill of indictment on Johnny Lee Williams for killing my son Phillip McClung. What has happened to our legal system? Where is our justice? Does it only apply to certain people, while people like Johnny are above the law? Is it because he’s an alderman and vice mayor of our town? Does this mean he is not accountable for his actions? I certainly hope not, but if this is not the case, why is there not a trial? How can Johnny shoot my son, who was unarmed, down in cold blood, not once, but twice- in the back like a coward-and still be walking around a free man? Can someone explain this to me? Is the law not to protect the innocent and convict the guilty? Johnny killed my son with malice and without remorse. He even admitted to shooting Phillip. How much more evidence do you need? My son is dead and Johnny Williams is walking around a free man. You tell me; what kind of justice is that?" Williams ended up getting only 5 years for what most would call the 1st degree murder of an unarmed man. The DA's office said "This was a good deal for the state; that if he would had gone before the Graham County jury he could have walked out of court a free man. In the same interview with WLOS news Robbinsville Mayor stated, "The best man in Graham County is going to prison."

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Rebuilding old sheriff's office splits board

Commission can't agree over design

By James Budd, editor
Graham Star
April 7, 2011

ROBBINSVILLE, N.C. -- Graham County commissioners rejected a proposal to go ahead and use more than $200,000 in insurance money to build back the burned-out sheriff’s office on Main Street to its original square footage.

Instead, the commission plans to hold a workshop at 3 p.m. Thursday to discuss options to repair the burned-out building, which was destroyed last May by an arson fire.

Commissioner Raymond Williams, in a motion at Monday’s commission meeting, said he’s tired of the delays in restoring the building.

“If we don’t do something this will drag out another year,” Williams said.

Williams said he wanted to use the $200,000 in insurance money to “put the building back like it was.”

Williams found support for his motion from Commissioner Billy Holder, who said the insurance company should provide blueprints for the restoration so the county could get started as soon as possible.

“We don’t want a Taj Mahal,” Holder said. “We just want it back like it was.”

The commission hopes to put the North Carolina County Extension Office back into the building, which was shared with the sheriff’s office.

The Soil and Water Conservation Office, which is now in rented space in Village Shopping Center, would likely be moved into the revamped building, County Manager Mickey Duvall said.

Commissioner Sandra Smith indicated she thought the sheriff’s office should be put back into the space, but her suggestion didn’t appear to have support from other commissioners.

Rent money paid for the sheriff’s office in the old Wachovia Building can be applied to eventual purchase of the building. The building, located on the bypass, is owned by the Cody family.

Teresa Garland, head of the extension service, said she is confident a $46,000 grant will be received from Golden LEAF to build a “learning” kitchen in the new building.

Duvall said plans for the renovated building could be drawn up to accommodate the possible kitchen.

Duvall also said it would cost about $25,000 to bolster the first floor of the building to accommodate a second floor.

Commission Connie Orr said the commission ought to wait to review all possibilities.

Williams’ motion to go ahead immediately with the renovation failed 3-2, with Chairman Mike Edwards and Commissioners Sandra Smith and Orr opposed.

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Graham County board still not sure on where to get their office space

Commercial Office Space News
May 30, 2010

Commissioners met up in regards to getting a temporary Sheriff’s office, as the local community showed discontent at the move today.

Chairwoman Sandra Smith had to stop sections from the crowd trying to shout out about the indecision with the office space in Robbinsville, saying, “The public has no say whatsoever with what we do about county buildings.”

The deputy then came out of the meeting and left. This leaves Graham with the dubious honor of having two Sheriff’s office, one that is occupied by commissioners and the other the working home of Sheriff Russell Moody.

The reason for the move is unfortunate, an arson attack caused damage to the Sheriff’s office in a small town that only has 8000 people.

Police have apprehended a man who is suspected of causing the arson attack that happened during the early hours of the morning. It is believed that he was trying to destroy evidence that may have allegedly linked him to drug-related offences.

Getting back to the office space issue, the Sheriff’s association has offered to pay for a 3 month lease of temporary office space, so that Moody can have a new place to set up headquarters, at least for the mean-time.

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How Corrupt is Graham County Sheriff's Department?

Exposing the Dark Side of Graham County NC

Graham Star
Oct 5, 2006
Vol 49 No. 29

Graham Star Newspaper editor describes his first week on the job.

From my first week on the job, it was apparent I had stepped into a whole different world when a local deputy said he was going to “kick my ass” for asking questions about a stepfather who had just fired shots at his stepson right outside the jail. I must admit I was pretty amazed. It was as if I had jumped through a time and space warp into the wild west.

FIRE AT SHERIFF’S OFFICE ‘SUSPICIOUS’

by Zelerie Rose
May 20, 2010
Vol. 56 No. 48

Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody said a predawn fire that gutted the sheriff’s office Monday was “suspicious.”

Agents from the State Bureau of Investigation were called to downtown Robbinsville to investigate the cause of the blaze, which did about $1 million in damages to the county-owned building.

The Graham County Fire Department received the fire call about 2:30 a.m.

Moody said Tuesday morning “the fire is of a suspicious nature” and is asking the public for help if they have information regarding the fire.

“We’re not finished with the investigation yet, but there is enough evidence to make us suspicious,” Moody said.

Meanwhile, county officials were scrambling Monday to locate new office space for the sheriff’s office and the adjoining county extension office.

The county commission is expected to meet in an emergency session today, Thursday, at 3 p.m. to come up with a location to house the sheriff’s office.

The old Ditmore Drugs and the Wachovia Bank have been considered.

The county was also trying to restore the computer network and phone service in the area.

“You can imagine what kind of hectic day we’ve had,” said Kim Crisp, assistant county manager. “We can call other county offices, and we can call out, but we can’t receive any calls.”

The investigation room at the sheriff’s office took the brunt of the damage, but the rest of the county-owned building is severely damaged by heat and smoke and was declared a total loss.

Moody said a brick wall kept the fire from spreading.

“We think the brick wall kept the fire from spreading to other parts of the building,” Moody said. “But we lost a lot of equipment, computers and files. I’m afraid it will have long-reaching consequences for us, especially in upcoming cases.”

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Robbinsville man arrested for setting fire to sheriff's office

by Zelerie Rose
Graham Star
May 27, 2010

A Robbinsville man was arrested Sunday evening and charged with starting the fire that destroyed the sheriff’s office and county extension office May 17.

The suspect is also charged with burning a mobile home just north of Robbinsville off U.S. 129.

Mitchum Turpin, 36, of Happy Hollow Road, was charged with five counts of burning personal property, malicious injury to a public building using incendiary materials, breaking and entering, destroying criminal evidence, common law obstruction of justice and burning a single-wide mobile home at 129 Tapoco Road.

“Ever since the destruction of the sheriff’s office, my officers have been working nonstop on this investigation,” said Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody.

“We have been working in conjunction with the State Bureau of Investigation, and the district attorney’s office, and I’m pleased to say all that hard work paid off with his arrest.”

Originally from Jackson County, Turpin is no stranger to law enforcement. He spent several years in prison on first-degree kidnapping charges, breaking and entering, and attack with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He was recently arrested by Graham County deputies for possession of marijuana.

“We stopped a black Chevrolet Cavalier in a traffic stop at the intersection of Hares Creek and U.S. 129 on Wednesday, May 12,” said Graham County Detective Jeremy Spencer.

“A K-9 search was conducted on the vehicle and a positive alert for narcotics was made. Mitchum had two other people in the vehicle with him. We had all of them get out so we could search the car.”

Spencer said officers found the contraband when they opened the trunk.

“All three people were on probation or parole, and all denied knowledge of the marijuana,” Spencer said. “We didn’t arrest anyone at the time because I wanted to check with those officers first to see if there were any additional problems we needed to know about.”

A couple of days later Spencer had charges drawn up on Turpin, and went to his residence to arrest him. A small amount of marijuana was found at his home.

Turpin was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver schedule VI controlled substance, and maintaining a place for controlled substance. He was placed under a $10,000 bond that he made later that day.

On Monday, May 17, at 2:30 a.m., the dispatch center received a 911 call that the sheriff’s office was on fire. Investigation into the cause of the fire revealed an air conditioner window unit had been knocked out to allow fire and smoke to escape.

The contents of the investigation division suffered extensive heat, fire and smoke damage. An arson canine alerted officers to three separate areas on the floor of the burned building indicating the presence of ignitable liquids.

Through interviews and further investigation, officers were able to tie Turpin to the fire. He had made inquiries as to where evidence held by the sheriff’s office was located, and had made statements relating he “would do anything to not be sent back to prison.”

Turpin is being held at the Cherokee County Jail under a $250,00 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 14. Investigation is still ongoing concerning the marijuana.

“I would like to thank the SBI’s Special Response Team for helping me get Mitchum off the streets,” Moody said. “I also want to thank the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association and all the sheriffs across the state for their help in getting this office up and running.

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SHERIFF, COMMISSION IN STANDOFF

SHERIFF SAYS HE’S STAYING IN NEW HEADQUARTERS BUT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WANT HIM TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY

by Zelerie Rose
May 27, 2010
Vol 56 No 49


Graham County commissioners and Sheriff Russell Moody appear to be in a standoff about the sheriff’s decision to use the old Wachovia Bank building as his new headquarters.

Moody said he isn’t moving and the commission wants him out.

Sheriff Russell Moody moved into the bank building located on Rodney Orr bypass, and owned by the Cody family, after a May 17 fire in his old building left him stranded on the sidewalk for two days.

Moody said he felt two days were more than enough time for commissioners to secure some type of temporary quarters for his office, and after failing to hear from them, he called the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association to see what kind of help they could provide.

“I was on the sidewalk, under a tent trying to run the sheriff’s office,” Moody said. “I can’t operate like that. Not only am I answerable to the people of this county for their protection, I also have to answer to the district attorney’s office, and to the judges who serve here.

“I need to have a safe, secure place to store evidence, case files, and a million other things related to ongoing investigations,” Moody said. “I can’t do that on the side of the road.”

Moody said the sheriffs’ association told him they would have him off the street in 24 hours, and to start looking around for a building suitable for his needs.

“I went and talked to Herve Cody about using the bank because it already had a locking vault, there’s plenty of parking, and it’s centrally located.” Moody said. “It appeared to be an ideal solution, and Herve offered to help me any way he could. When I told Eddie Caldwell, the vice president of the sheriffs’ association, about the building he agreed with me and we started moving in.”

Moody said the sheriffs’ association was true to its word in getting him off the street, and in addition they contacted other sheriff’s offices from across the state to help get supplies and equipment for his office.

“In less than 24 hours the sheriffs’ association had me off the street, set up with equipment and ready to open while the commissioners hadn’t even found me an office to move into,” Moody said.

Commissioners say they offered Moody temporary accommodations to get him off the street until a more secure temporary location could be found, but he declined the offers as being inadequate for his office needs.

The board called an emergency meeting last Thursday to consider proposals for a building to house the sheriff.

Three buildings were under construction: the old Ditmore Drug store, located on the corner of Ford Street and Rodney Orr Bypass, available for $2,000 a month; the bank building for $1,200 a month; and the Millsaps building located on Court Street beside the courthouse, for $600 a month.

After hearing comments from several sheriffs and state representatives last Thursday, the commissioners went into closed session. When they emerged about 30 minutes later, they had incoming County Manager Mickey Duvall tell everyone they would make a decision about where to put the sheriff’s office by noon the next day.

Interim County Manager Kim Crisp polled the commissioners the next day by phone. The vote was unanimous to put Moody in the Millsaps building.

“The decision to lease the building from Jack Millsaps was based solely on financial concerns,” Commissioner Steve Odom said. “It was half the cost of the bank building and Mr. Millsaps asked for reasonable terms for leasing. The building has several offices and a reception area inside which would be more suitable for short term accommodations. I made what I thought was a conservative business decision, and one that was in the best financial interest of the county. I stand behind that decision.”

When Moody heard the commissioners rejected the bank building due to the unacceptable terms and conditions of the preliminary lease, he contacted Jack Adams, overseer of the bank building.

Adams told Moody to find out everything the commissioners had a problem with concerning the lease, and they would do everything possible to meet their requirements.

Moody and Caldwell told County Attorney David Sawyer, Crisp, and Duvall, that the Codys were willing to renegotiate the lease to be more in line with Millsaps’ lease, and to let the commissioners know the sheriffs’ association would pick up the $600 difference in rent.

Commission Chairwoman Sandra Smith said the sheriff failed to inform the commission about his plans. She said the Millsaps building would be better financially.

“We are required to provide an office building for the sheriff and we have,” Smith said. “It is located next to the courthouse. We gave an oral commitment to Jack that we would lease his building, and we are not lying politicians. We mean what we say.”

“The commissioners say the county is strapped for money and yet they want me to move into a building that doesn’t have adequate parking, will require them to purchase some kind of vault or safe to secure evidence, and is inadequate to meet our needs,” Moody said.

“That makes no sense to me when I’m already in a building that has everything we need, and isn’t costing the county or citizens a single dime. I just don’t understand their reasoning on this,” Moody said.

Commissioner Billy Cable said he thought a lot of the misunderstandings were because Moody left them out of the loop when making his decisions.

“I don’t like the fact that Russell didn’t include the commissioners when he decided to move into the bank building,” Cable said.

“We have to have the county’s best interests in mind, and there was no way we could have gone along with the terms and conditions stated in that lease.”

Moody said he has no intention of leaving the bank building regardless of how commissioners vote.

“I am here to serve and protect the people of this county, and thanks to the sheriffs’ association this office has been up and running since last Friday,” Moody said.

“If I had waited on the commissioners I would still be on the sidewalk. I am here to fight drug dealers and child molesters, not the county government.”

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Chairwoman Smith thinks sheriff is 'breaking the law'

Sheriff, commission disagree on HQ building

By James Budd
September 24, 2010

Graham County Commission Chairwoman Sandra Smith said she believes Sheriff Russell Moody is breaking the law by keeping his office in the old Wachovia Building against the wishes of the commission.

Smith’s anger at the sheriff erupted in an exchange between Smith and Moody in Monday evening’s commission meeting.

Smith asked Moody, who was seated in the audience at the commission meeting, if the rent on the Wachovia Building had been paid by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

Moody responded that it will be paid by December.

Moody, who said he had heard Smith was alleging he was a “criminal” in public discussions in recent weeks, asked Smith, “Do you think I’m a criminal?”

“Yes,” Smith responded.

“You do?” Moody said.

“Yes,” Smith responded.

When contacted Tuesday, Smith denied she called the sheriff a criminal, but said “he is breaking the law.

“I don’t like the way he is dealing with his office — I just think he is breaking the law,” Smith said.

Smith said the sheriff could face removal from office and his chief deputy could be made sheriff if Moody is removed.

Smith said the sheriff hasn’t turned over financial information to the finance officer and the action could give Graham County a “black mark” with the state on the upcoming audit. Smith said the sheriff hasn’t provided financial information in several months.

Ditmore told commissioners that County Manager Mickey Duvall told him last week the records weren’t public documents and could be withheld.

Duvall cited an e-mail from Sharon Scudder, a lawyer for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, who advised him the information “may be” protected under attorney-client privilege.

“Based on what you told me, during negotiations for settlement of the property loss claim, the county should be able to withhold information critical to the negotiation from public inspection,” Scudder wrote Duvall.

Amanda Martin, an attorney for the North Carolina Press Association, said the records should be made public unless they are specifically part of a pending lawsuit.

“The laws on attorney-client privilege are specific,” Martin said. “I believe there is no question, these are public records.”

Ditmore said Sheriff Moody later gave him a copy of the initial statement of loss, which the county withheld as a privileged document.

The document shows the county has a policy limit of more than $10 million through Travelers Insurance.

The report shows preliminary repair estimates at be $142,213. The document shows about $27,000 in advance payments have been paid for cleaning and other purposes.

Ditmore asked commissioners why part of the initial payment couldn’t be used to pay rent on the Wachovia Building.

“I’m not going to answer that question,” Smith said.

Smith later advised Ditmore his five minutes allotted for public comment had expired.

Smith said Tuesday the old Wachovia Building isn’t an official county building and the insurance money can’t be spent on the building for rent.

Smith said she has signed the lease on the Millsaps Building next to the courthouse, which has been designated as the sheriff’s office.

Smith said she “doesn’t remember” when she signed the lease, but indicated she didn’t need the signatures of the other commissioners because the issue has been settled by a previous vote of the commission.

Commissioner Raymond Williams said he was surprised about the lease agreement.

“I never signed it,” Williams said.

Moody said he has tried to run his office “transparent” and open to the public.

Smith said Moody has a “God complex.”

“He’s a spoiled brat,” Smith said.

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ENOUGH OFFICERS IN COUNTY TO ‘PATROL ATLANTA’ AT TIMES

by Tyler Larson
Feb 19, 2009
Vol 54 No. 35

As a seasonal visitor with business concerns here in Graham County, I certainly enjoy The Star and your articles while I’m here each year. My primary residence is in Knoxville, Tenn., but I’m having a new summer home and retreat built in Macon County right now and I enjoy exploring and spelunking here locally. I noticed that you have an abundance of law enforcement officials here. In fact I’d venture to say that there are enough here to patrol Atlanta on a slow day. My question is why so many? They seem bored to tears. As a former government security agent myself, I understand the concept of the police mentality and thought patterns. I was stopped in a roadblock and hassled the other day by your local police. They are a strange bunch with most looking like high school boys, while others looked like escapees from the old folks’ home or mental hospital.

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Dragonater Note: A standard scam by dope-dealing cops is to make highly publicized "drug busts" of their own dope, either with no arrests, or just arrest the know-nothing drivers. The highly publicized burning of marijuana leaves and stems does not include duffle bags of primo bud, which the cops sell on their black market. Tennessee leads the nation in sheriffs convicted of dope dealing. Marijauna is Tennessee's #1 cash crop, and probably USA's as well. Big Brother has made this cure for cancer illegal, under orders from the Rockefeller Foundation.