Thursday, November 12, 2009

What Heppened to Religious Freedom in America?

‘Religious pilgrimage' turns into drug arrest

"TOWN OF BURLINGTON - A 19-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man who said he was on a religious pilgrimage were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia Monday, according to a criminal complaint.

"Chelsea Milton, 19, and Anthony Siefried, 24, were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to deliver, according to the complaint. The complaint said that Milton was homeless and it did not state an address for Siefried.

"Law enforcement was advised at about 3:45 a.m. Monday that possible burglary suspects were in a car parked next to a Mormon church at 4207 Mormon Road, the complaint said.

"Upon searching the car, officers reportedly found marijuana in various places, as well as glass pipes, a grinder, a gram scale, rolling papers and empty plastic bags.

"Siefried reportedly 'went on a long rambling story about Burlington being Zion and how it was one of the few places that would not be destroyed during the apocalypse' but when asked to give simple answers, he allegedly told police he has a problem smoking weed.

"When asked if the marijuana was his, Siefried reportedly said, 'I'm sorry for breaking your state laws, but I'm just here on a religious pilgrimage.'"

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_ba957b48-cf28-11de-aa3d-001cc4c03286.html

Wasn't our country founded on religious freedom? How about we start busting down the doors of Catholic churches when the congregants are huffing frankincense? How about we string up Protestant preachers when they propose peace with our enemies? How about we round up all those spaced-out Buddhists chanting and meditating themselves into a stupor? Freedom from religious persecution is one of our most basic rights, and I am appalled and galled to see the Burlington police disrespect our Constitution in this manner. Call the American Civil Liberties Union!

7 comments:

Huck Finn said...

Dooood, like I don't buy it. Well I do buy it, but not your spin. Heh, with a quarter pound, I think he was selling it, but did an Epic FAIL on selling it as his religion. How did he get church of Mormon mixed up with Rastafarian? Just a clueless boob trying to get out of a Go To Jail card in the game of Monopoly.

I did get your point and humor, I just wish a real Rastaman were the on making the claims

OrbsCorbs said...

It must've been some really good bud to convince him that it would be cool to set up shop next to a church in the middle of the night.

Can't Rastafarians legally smoke pot in Wisconsin? Are there any Rastafarians in Wisconsin? You know, when you consider that Madison is our state capitol, it's surprising that the state isn't more tolerant towards marijuana.

Huck Finn said...

It IS tolerant. Up to an ounce is a misdemeanor fine of $100. No go go jail, no fingerprinting, just a ticket you can pay in municipal court. A quarter pound is a little bit different though.

HEY! We haven't seen any harvest busts this year. Are our police not working it like past years? Is this another sin of our blighted budget?

Sassa said...

The thing is do you do drugs to help with religion or does your religion require drugs? Sitting in a car by a church isdoing drugs is NOT religion. In your basement doing drugs as you pray to cannabis Rex could be religion or a form of it.

OrbsCorbs said...

So, Sassa, are you saying that these religious ceremonies glorifying Cannabis Rex are held in your basement? When's the next service?

Huck Finn said...

Where do I sign up?

Sassa said...

Ha for all I know it could be in the apartment next to me. I'll keep you all posted.