Barbara Hartwell

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Independent Investigator, Intelligence Analyst, Journalist. Former CIA (NOC, Psychological Operations) Black Ops Survivor. Sovereign Child of God. Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Ordained 1979, D.Div.) Exposing Government Lies, Crimes, Corruption, Conspiracies and Cover-ups.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Criminal Conspiracy of Extortion & Racketeering in South Carolina: A Nightmare for Homeowners







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry & Gayle Richardson at South Carolina Home

 

 

 

FOREWORD


I should mention that I first got acquainted with Larry Richardson in connection with this case. In 2019, Larry published a video describing the egregious injustices perpetrated against him by a criminal conspiracy, involving several real estate management companies, violating multiple South Carolina laws. He and his wife were about to lose their home unless they paid thousands of dollars, which they did not have, and more to the point, they did not owe.


The video included an appeal for donations to prevent the house from being confiscated and sold, leaving Larry and Gayle homeless.


Seeing the video, I was outraged. At that time I did not know Larry personally, but I was familiar with some of his work, serving in Christian ministry and in activism and education, defending Liberty as an American patriot.


I wanted to support him, knowing that his situation was dire, but at the time I saw the video I had a total of $5.00 to my name. I sent him a card with the 5 dollar bill. I also posted a notice on Larry's case, along with his video on my website, an appeal for support.


Since that time, I have been richly blessed to have Larry as a friend and colleague, and most of all, a true brother in Christ.


Over the past three years, I learned more about the case (ongoing, as justice has not been served) and recently I asked Larry to send me the documentation. I received a large folder, including all the documents he had collected, as well as videos.


I have reviewed all the documents, researched the South Carolina laws, and I have interviewed Larry at length in telephone conversations for this report. Mainly, this report is based on the documented evidence I have seen, which corroborates Larry's testimony.


I am not an attorney, and I should make the disclaimer that any possible errors are mine. This report is not to be interpreted as a legal document, nor does it constitute legal advice, nor does it presume to speak for anyone but myself, as an advocacy journalist.


This report tells a true story, in simple terms. My purpose is also simple: I want to see these criminals held accountable for their grievous, injurious actions against innocent people, and to see justice served.


Barbara Hartwell

August 24, 2022



Larry and Gayle Richardson are senior citizens, both retired from the work force, and are Military Veterans, Larry having served in the US Army and Gayle in the US Air Force.


In September, 2009, Larry Richardson and his wife, Gayle, purchased a home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.


In searching for a property to suit their needs, they had very specific requirements: a place which would be solely owned by them, with no mortgage and no conditions attached by outside entities, such as a Home Owners Association (HOA), which might interfere in any way with their independence and quiet enjoyment of their home.


They paid for the property in full, with cash. There was no mortgage. In the paperwork they signed, no mention was made of any HOA, nor did either of them ever sign any contractual agreements related to such.


Keep this key point in mind as you read on: It is an indisputable, irrefutable fact that Larry and Gayle Richardson never, at any time, joined any HOA, nor signed any such related paperwork. They were not members and never had been.


Under South Carolina law, there are at least two specific provisions which protect the rights of the homeowner, which relate to the facts of this case: 1. No party may be admitted as a member of any HOA without having consented to such an agreement, by signing a document pertaining to such. 2. No such contract may be administered ex post facto (after the fact).


However, in May, 2013, some very serious troubles began. Letters arrived, from a real estate management company, claiming that the Richardsons owed HOA fees, from the day they moved to the house, despite the fact that they were not members of any HOA.


Larry responded by making it clear that there was no mention whatsoever of any HOA in any paperwork associated with the purchase of their house, but that if they could provide any document with his signature, he would look it over. Of course, he knew there was no such document. And they never got back to him.


For about a year, he heard nothing more. He reasonably concluded, based on his research of South Carolina law, that those sending the dunning letters realized they were mistaken and had thus corrected their error.


But as Larry learned, that was not at all the case.


A year later, a different real estate management company sent a letter, again claiming he owed HOA fees from the day he and his wife moved in.


He sent them a copy of his first letter to the first real estate management company, again requesting that they provide evidence of his signature on any document. They failed to respond.


Not until some time later, when they began sending harassing letters, now threatening that they would foreclose on his mortgage if he did not pay the past due fees for the HOA. As stated earlier, he had no mortgage, so he ignored the letters.


At least one more real estate management company sent harassing, threatening letters with the same false claims. Larry responded the same as he had done before: He did not have a mortgage. He and Gayle were not members of any HOA and had never signed any such documents.


In 2017, letters of harassment and threat increased from yet another real estate management company.


[NOTE: For the purpose of this report, no names of companies nor associated individuals are given.]


Finally, in May, 2019, a letter was delivered by a process server, demanding that he respond to the Clerk of Court and a lawyer the HOA had put on the case.


Larry responded and provided the same statement as before. The simple truth, that is. The indisputable, irrefutable fact of the matter: Larry and Gayle Richardson were not members of any HOA. Thus, they owed no fees pertaining to such.


Shortly thereafter, he received a letter that the case would be going before a 'special referee' with a date set in August, 2019.


Larry showed up at the hearing with his wife, Gayle and a neighbor as a potential witness. Twenty minutes before the meeting was set to begin, a woman went in to the room with the special referee. At the scheduled time, she came out and said Larry et al could go in. As Larry learned, she was a lawyer for the HOA. This, he knew, was “improper ex parte communication” with the special referee (in this case, acting in lieu of 'judge').


[NOTE: The Latin term ex parte is used in law to refer to court proceedings for the benefit of one party to a controversy, without the other being present. This is an exception to basic court procedure, which requires that both parties be present at any argument or proceeding, and that neither party may have contact with a judge (special referee) without previously notifying the other party.]


Less than three (3) minutes into the hearing, the special referee leaned over the table and directed a hostile stare at Larry. Larry stared back, but said nothing. The special referee then suddenly jumped up and shouted, Call the police! Then he opened the door and yelled out to the receptionist, Call the police!


The special referee then proclaimed that the meeting was over. Larry and his wife never even had a chance to present evidence on their case. They were treated with extreme disrespect, hostility, and worse, as if they were criminals.


So now, malicious slander had been added to the long term threats and harassment, ongoing for more than six years, from May, 2013 to August, 2019.


Was this supposed to be a fair hearing? Not by any stretch of the imagination. It is crystal clear that the fix was in, and had been, long before the case was “heard”.


Larry, Gayle and their neighbor gathered their documents (which they were never allowed to present) and left the room.


As he walked out to his car, Larry heard the special referee call out, Your house will be sold on the 7th of October!


Predictably, the special referee made a ruling that the money the HOA was demanding, plus all the legal fees for the HOA, must be paid by Larry and Gayle Richardson, and he proceeded to file an action with the County Sheriff's Office to have the property seized and sold.


Larry received a written notice of such 10 days later.


Larry researched previous cases and found that HOAs were given unbridled authority (despite the unlawful nature of their actions) to go after people, and that the Sheriff 's Department received 95% of the money obtained by foreclosure sales, which they used to pad their budget.


This clearly shows that vested interests are being served, at the expense of those individuals who should have a reasonable expectation that the Sheriff, who is elected by those in his county, should be protecting their rights, under the law, as he took an oath to do, under State and US Constitutions.


The Sheriff proceeded to place the Richardsons' property on the docket to be sold, despite all the illegal activities perpetrated by multiple actors and corporations from the beginning of the case in May, 2013, until the hearing (or rather, the non-hearing), in August, 2019.


In September 2019, Larry Richardson, after raising the money to pay the sum demanded to stop the seizure and sale of his home, hand delivered a check to the HOA's attorney.


Larry then mailed a notice to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, stating that he wished to appeal the decision.


He requested a transcript of the hearing, and learned that there was no transcript. He also was told that no records existed of the previous letters sent to him (harassing and threatening). No documents were provided which stated that he and Gayle were required to be members of any HOA.


Larry stated that there was no document bearing his signature, which indicated that he was liable for HOA fees. Nor stipulating that he would honor any provisions stated. He is not, nor has ever been a member.


He does not recognize the 'special referee', nor the HOA.


And the magnitude of this unlawful scheme of racketeering, extortion, harassment and threats gets worse. Larry and Gayle discovered that they were not the only ones to be targeted for years of this nightmare visited upon them, through no fault of their own. Many were senior citizens, like the Richardsons, living on limited fixed incomes.


Approximately 50 other homeowners (neighbors) were subjected to the same blitzkrieg tactics. As Larry reported, most of them caved, under pressure of the intimidation tactics, rather than pursue the justice to which they were entitled under the law.


As I see it, this is nothing less than a classic protection racket, such as is run by mobsters. Pay money you do not owe, to a Home Owners Association to which you do not belong. As long as you keep paying, getting nothing in return, they will leave you alone – well, not exactly. They will ride herd over you, to be sure you commit no ”violations”, such as, perhaps, having a fence of the “wrong” height, or in the “wrong” place, on your own property.


Yes, Larry and Gayle received these “violation notices” as well, all the time they were being threatened and harassed, forced to spend their precious time (and considerable sums of money) defending themselves against the siege.


Imagine the extreme stress, the pain and suffering, the anxiety, a direct result of being in the cross-hairs of such a mob of hoodlums.


To enumerate a list of criminal offenses: Racketeering. Extortion. Harassment. Threats and menacing. Intent to defraud. Slander. False claims of calling the police against innocent persons. Intentional infliction of emotional distress. Intent of theft of real property, using deception and false pretenses. All of which amounts to nothing less than state sanctioned robbery!


All this, with the blessing of the Sheriff, aiding and abetting the crimes to fill the coffers of his Office, while breaking his oath to serve the people who elected him.


Again, the key point, which bears repeating.


There is absolutely no doubt about these ironclad facts:


Larry and Gayle Richardson have never been members of any HOA.


At no time did they owe any fees to any HOA, nor to any other person(s) or entities.


The extortioners who have harassed and threatened them, for nearly a decade (since 2013) have exactly zero (0.00) evidence to challenge these facts, nor any evidence whatsoever which could possibly support their claims against the Richardsons.


All pertinent and applicable laws support the truth and the facts presented by the Richardsons, in voluminous and detailed documentation.


No laws whatsoever support the claims of any real estate management company, the HOA, their lawyers, or the 'special referee' placed on this case.


In glaringly obvious point of fact: They have no actionable case.


What these characters have done (and they are still at it, to this day) is absolutely unconscionable, reprehensible, opprobrious, disgraceful, and downright wicked.


They must be held accountable, by any and all ethical and lawful means.


Even after all this, this insufferable ordeal, Larry and Gayle Richardson have not given up in their pursuit of justice.


Larry explained that he has continued to report the facts of the case, furnishing voluminous documentation, to a number of authorities, including the US Attorney's Office.

 

He reported the case to the FBI Field Office in South Carolina, where he appeared in person. He spoke to two FBI agents, who it seemed understood that he had an actionable case, based on the documents. However, they explained that the amount of monies involved were insufficient for the FBI to get involved.


So, what is left, that Larry can possibly do, in his dedicated pursuit of justice?


His plan is to submit the case to the Horry County District Attorney for criminal investigation, for charges of extortion and criminal conspiracy.


As well, he plans to file a civil lawsuit against any involved parties, for the extensive damages he and his wife have suffered, including the time and money they lost standing up for their rights, the monies which were stolen from them for HOA fees they did not owe, as well as the severe emotional distress which resulted from the nightmarish ordeal.


As far as I can see, Larry and Gayle Richardson can never be made whole, not after the massive damages these criminal enterprises have inflicted. But there is still a chance that they can be vindicated in a court of law. This would at least set a precedent which might protect other homeowners from a similar nightmare.


If the parties engaging in criminality were charged and convicted, it would send a message to those like-minded racketeers, that indeed, crime does not pay. It might have a chilling effect on the schemes which are running rampant, to defraud and extort innocent people who seemingly have nowhere to turn for help, nor any legal remedy against these predators.


Please distribute this report far and wide and let it be known that you support seeing justice served for Larry and Gayle Richardson.



Barbara Hartwell

August 24, 2022



RELATED ITEMS


Massive Corruption in South Carolina


Video of Larry Richardson


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylnp0B2oHRM&list=PL0Pq59fg9hEWMqCuU7nGnKYeBNh2UmeGb&index=5


Unity in Christ Ministries


http://uic.faithweb.com/

 

Sunday, August 14, 2022

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF A BUSYBODY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS


"Count not him among your friends who will retail your privacies to the world."


Publilius Syrus


"We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship."


C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory


"He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face."

 

Benjamin Franklin


"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their consciences."


C.S. Lewis



NOTE: This report is based on my personal and professional experience of many years. Among my areas of expertise are psychological/counterintelligence operations. I am trained as a Jungian analyst, psychotherapist and Christian minister specializing in pastoral counseling. Aside from my work for the government, for many years I worked in private practice in counseling, as well as for corporations, as a personnel counselor, and developing information on individuals and organizations as a profiler.


As a Christian, the gifts of the Spirit, the ability to discern by direct revelation of the Holy Spirit, was the most valuable of all. For me, this gift supersedes all other talents, capabilities or learned disciplines. This enabled me, in many cases, to get to the core of the truth of a matter, whether it was as a jury consultant for prosecutors/D.A. or defense attorneys; in missing persons cases, and in criminal investigations.


I provide this background information to clarify the methods I use to reach a conclusion about any particular case I work. My hope is that this information might be useful for those seeking a deeper understanding of the character type of what is known as the Busybody. Because they are out there – and mark my words, they will take any window of opportunity to interfere in your business!


CHARACTER TRAITS OF THE BUSYBODY


If I were asked to identify one character type that has caused the most trouble, done the most damage, in my personal or professional life, what would that be?


There is no doubt, it would be the Busybody.


These are people who have pathological 'boundary issues'. Every person, under God-given free will, has the right to set his own boundaries. To say: Here is my line. Don't cross it. Here are my parameters. Keep out. No trespassing. You may enter only with explicit permission. That is the essence of the Inviolability of Personhood. And it defines the most significant issue of God-given rights and liberties: The right to be free from aggression and interference in any form.


Anyone who violates that decree of the Individual is a wrongdoer. Of course, totalitarian systems, including governments, are the most consistent offenders. It is the nature of the beast. They routinely violate the God-given rights and liberties of the Individual. In the most simple statement of fact, they are a collective of Busybodies.


At first glance, this may seem a euphemism, minimizing the potential for doing harm. Hearing the word, Busybody, one may be inclined to picture the stereotype of an old biddy, peeking from behind the curtains, snooping on her neighbors and making phone calls to relate the latest gossip to anyone willing to lend an ear. And to some extent this may be an accurate description.


But taking a deeper look, the truth becomes clear: Busybodies are compulsive in interfering in the lives of others. They are micromanagers, opportunists, petty tyrants and control freaks. The key word in describing them is always aggression.


Aggression comes in many forms, but it always involves violation of the personal boundaries of others. And that is where the trouble begins.


Here is a list of character traits and behavior exhibited by the typical Busybody.


Ruled by his emotions, rather than by reason, logic or principle.


Compulsive: The Busybody has a serious issue with impulse control. Not thinking before acting, which often leads to inappropriate behavior.


Seeks attention: The Busybody likes to be the center of attention. Her self-esteem often depends on what other people think of her. This often results in superficiality and conformity to popular trends.


Approval seeker/people pleaser: The Busybody seeks the attention and acclaim of others and wants the credit she thinks is her due. The behavior of the Busybody is often determined by what she believes will gain popular affirmation, rather than on principle.


Overly impressed by worldly values. Will focus undue attention on politicians, those with academic or professional credentials, or those considered “celebrities”. The busybody seeks to attach himself to people who might be considered “important” by the society. May be a name-dropper in efforts to impress others by “who he knows”.


Projection: The Busybody projects his own feelings, beliefs, standards and viewpoints on others. This results from his own lack of boundaries. He tends to merge his own identity with others. He assumes that everyone is like him, or that everyone “should be” like him. To some extent this may result in living vicariously, but more often he is likely to attempt to push his own standards and views on others.


Follows and adheres to popular trends: The Busybody is like a weather vane. Whatever way the wind blows, so turns the Busybody. Thus she is prone to suddenly “switch sides” and/or behave in a contradictory manner, adopting mutually exclusive standards or viewpoints on any given issue. A fitting caution: You can't have it both ways!


Passive-aggressive: The Busybody often lacks the integrity and ego-strength to hold a solid position, to act on principle, to speak her mind directly and firmly to others. In order to “get even” with those by whom she feels slighted or offended, she will make an insulting or belittling comment, couched in apparent but pretended innocence. Or she will do something she knows will be offensive, but that is “plausibly deniable” as such.


When confronted, the Busybody will not acknowledge the wrongfulness of her actions; rather she will make claims of not understanding what she has done wrong, or denying it altogether. Thus, the pattern of behavior continues, never being acknowledged.


Meddling: Acting as a self-appointed intermediary, deal broker, matchmaker, the Busybody, lacking all respect for the privacy and personal boundaries of others, will insert herself in the middle of another person's business, without the knowledge or consent of the other party or parties.


Do-gooders: The Busybody sees herself as on a mission of mercy, often with a “Savior complex”. She will intrude into a situation where she has not been invited and most often is unwelcome. She will attempt to “solve a problem” which has nothing to do with her, dishing out unsolicited advice, speaking out of turn, presuming to speak “for” others, without their permission.

 

The Busybody tends to be a collectivist and an extravert. He speaks of “bringing people together”, and likes to be in the center of any group he forms or joins. Lacking discernment and discretion, he tends to lump people indiscriminately into generalized categories, even where there are no commonalities or natural sympathies. He commingles unrelated issues or circumstances. He will say, We are all in this together!, and then proceed to try to mix oil and water, which only results in discord for all involved.


In the final analysis, the Busybody seeks to have control over others. This is usually due to her own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, which may be partly unconscious, but which compel her to attempt to “organize” and direct the lives of others, in fear of the chaos which may ensue should she let go of the reins, which were never her place to hold.



ANECDOTES AS ILLUSTRATION


In order to better illustrate my profile of the Busybody, here are some anecdotes.


SETTING


On a road trip.


A Busybody and Friend are headed to a destination, the Busybody behind the wheel. They become lost, after taking the wrong turn. The Busybody pulls off the road to consult a map.


Busybody: I think we need to go a few miles back to the junction.


Friend: Okay, but please, let's find another place to stop. You have pulled into someone's private driveway and are blocking the road.


Busybody: Oh, I'm sure they won't mind. We'll only be here a few minutes.


Friend: This is private property.


Busybody: Well, what's the rush? I need a few minutes to figure this out. Can you hand me that bottle of water, please?


Friend: Please find another place to stop. This is trespassing.


Busybody: What's the big deal? You need to chill out.


The Friend opens the passenger door and gets out of the car.


Friend: I'll be over there on the side of the road, whenever you're ready.


Busybody: Oh, for heaven's sake! I don't see a car here, there's probably nobody home...


SETTING


At the coffee hour after church.


Parishioner 1: Have you seen Jane lately? I visited her in the hospital last week, and thought she would be here today.


Busybody: Well, I've been calling her every day since she came home, but she hasn't got back to me. You know, we've all been trying to tell her that she needs to get out of that big house and move to an assisted living facility, but she is so stubborn, and she just won't listen.


Parishioner 2: Why are you so concerned? It was only a minor surgery and she has recovered well. Has something happened?


Busybody: Well, not that I know of. But she's 77 years old and all alone in that house! Anything could happen!


Parishioner 2: It's her life. If she wants to stay in her home, that's her decision to make.


Busybody: Well, maybe, but we need to make sure she does what is best for her. I called her son and told him that, and I'll be speaking to the pastor about it again. He doesn't seem very concerned. After all, she is one of his flock.


Parishioner 1: I've known Pastor Gregory for 20 years. He has always treated us all with great concern and helped in any way he could. But he respects the privacy of others and knows it's not his place to intervene in anyone's life without their consent. Surely you can understand that?


Busybody: Well, I never! I'm only trying to help. We need to have a meeting and reach a decision as to what is best for Jane. I can't believe you don't see that. Maybe I'll call Social Services and ask them to send someone out to visit her, talk some sense into her.


A car pulls up outside the church. Jane gets out and walks up the path, coming through the back entrance.

 

Jane (to Parishioners): Hi. Sorry I couldn't make it to the service. It's my grandson's birthday and I needed to help set up the arrangements for his party.


Busybody: Well, you could have let us know. We've been worried sick about you! Have you considered what you're going to do? Really, you shouldn't be all alone in that big house. There are people who want to help you and I'm sure we can work something out.


Jane: Thanks, but I don't need your help. If I want your advice, I'll ask for it. I've lived in that house for 30 years and if I decide to leave, that will be my decision, for my own reasons.


Busybody: Well, have it your way, then. But I'm warning you, you never know what might happen and it's best to be prepared for the worst.


Jane: I'm not expecting the worst. My life is in God's hands and my trust is in Him. Praise the Lord!


Busybody: Well, I never!


SETTING

 

Post Office in small town at lunch break


Standing in line, a Busybody, working as a secretary in the office of an Attorney, and in front of her, her Acquaintance from the office.


Acquaintance (to Postal Clerk): I have here a letter which I want stamped REFUSED and returned to sender.


He hands the letter to the Clerk.


Busybody (looking over Acquaintance's shoulder): But that letter is from So-and-So, and it's addressed to you. Shouldn't you at least open it to find out what it's about?


Acquaintance (to Busybody): I know who it's from.


Acquaintance (to Clerk): Please see that it is clearly marked REFUSED.


Busybody: I don't think you should do that, there could be a problem. I don't think she will be happy for you to refuse her letter.


Acquaintance (to Busybody): This letter is addressed to me. I have the right to refuse it if I so choose. And it is not my concern what makes anyone happy.


Busybody (to Clerk): Wait, I don't think this is a good idea. He could lose his job if he returns that letter.


Clerk (to Acquaintance): What do you want me to do?


Acquaintance (to Clerk): I already told you, please stamp the letter REFUSED and return to sender.


Clerk: All right.


Busybody (following Acquaintance out the door of Post Office): I hope you know what you're doing. You know, she has the power to have you fired, and what will you do then? You have a family to support, you need to think of them.


Acquaintance: This does not involve you, it has nothing to do with you. Please mind your own business and leave me to tend to mine.


Busybody: Well, don't say I didn't warn you. And come to think of it, I too could lose my job, have you thought about that?


Acquaintance: Thank the Lord for small blessings.


SETTING


A restaurant


Busybody takes Daughter to lunch.


Daughter (to Waiter): I'll have a glass of Merlot.


Busybody: It's only noon, and you're drinking wine? I really don't think that's a good idea.


Daughter: I'm a grown woman, Mother.


Busybody: But you need to listen to me, I'm your mother. I know what's best for you. Remember that time at the country club? I had to pick you up when you had too much to drink. I was mortified at what our friends must have thought!


Daughter: Mother, that was twenty years ago. I was 22 years old, and home from college.


Busybody: Well, okay, but you know I worry, dear.


The waiter brings the drinks, a glass of wine for the Daughter and iced tea for the Busybody.


Daughter (raising her glass in a toast): Cheers!


Busybody: If you say so.


SETTING


A Welfare Check


A Busybody calls a Friend, whom she has not heard from in some time. She gets the voice mail and leaves a message.


Busybody: Just checking in. I haven't heard from you since November. Please give me a call.


Next day, she makes another call. No answer, and she leaves another message. This goes on for the next week, but still no answer.


The Busybody then sends an e-mail to a Relative of her Friend.


Busybody (to Relative): I am trying to contact Bill. I keep calling but he doesn't answer. Have you heard from him?


Relative (to Busybody): No, I haven't heard from him recently.


Busybody (to Relative): Do you know where he is?


Relative (to Busybody): I haven't spoken to him in awhile, so no, I have no idea.


Busybody (to Relative): I think we should call for a welfare check, what do you think?


Relative (to Busybody): There is no reason to do that, and I'm sure he would not appreciate it. He is a very private person.


Days pass, her calls to Bill are not answered or returned, and the Busybody decides that despite the warning from Bill's Relative, she must take action. Bill could be in trouble!


She calls the local police in the town where Bill lives and reports that he may be “missing”, or something may have happened to him.


As it happens, Bill has been on a trip for professional business. He arrives home to find two police cars waiting outside his house.


Bill (to Police): What's going on here?


Police (to Bill): Why don't you tell us. Your friend called and reported that you might be missing. She wanted a welfare check.


Bill (to Police): That is ridiculous. That woman needs to learn to mind her own business. There is no problem here. I have not been missing. I just got home from the airport.


Police (to Bill): Do you mind if we just come in and take a look around? Just to be sure there is no problem here.


Bill (to Police): No, there is no need for that. I'm sorry you wasted your time coming out here. If you'll excuse me, I have work to do.


Police (to Bill): What kind of work would that be, Sir?


Bill (to Police): I'm self-employed and there is no need to discuss my work with you.


Police (to Bill): Do you have any weapons on your person?


Bill (to Police): You have no right to ask that. There is no probable cause. I have committed no crime, nor do I have any such intention.


Police (to Bill): Well, we just need to check. Your friend was very concerned about you.


Bill (to Police): Please call your supervisor, or I will call the Watch Commander. This is a violation of my rights.


Police (to Bill): We can settle this right here. Put your hands on your head.


Bill (to Police): This is outrageous! I'll call my attorney right now.


Police (to Bill): That won't be necessary. If you've done nothing wrong, what do you have to hide? Hands on your head! Now!


Bill (to Police): What the hell is wrong with you people? I am a law-abiding citizen. I have no criminal record.


Police (to Bill): Prove it! You are resisting arrest.


Bill (to Police): Why would you arrest me? What is your probable cause? What is the charge?


Police do not answer.


Bill puts his hands on his head. The Police frisk him. They find no weapon.


Bill (to Police): Are you satisfied now? Am I free to go about my business?


Police (to Bill): We just needed to make sure you are not armed. Have a nice day.


Two weeks later, after spending $5,000 to hire counsel to file a lawsuit against the Police for harassment and violations of his rights, Bill runs into his “friend”, the Busybody, at the grocery store.


Busybody: Bill! So glad to see you! I've been so worried about you! Where have you been?


Bill reaches into his pocket, pulling out a voucher from his attorney.


Bill: You just cost me at least $5,000 to hire an attorney to sue the police who accosted me, searched me and harassed me at my home.


Busybody: Oh, I'm so sorry. I was only trying to help.


Bill: I don't want or need your kind of “help”. Don't ever contact me again. Just mind your own damned business and leave me alone!


Busybody (to Bill as he walks away...): Bill, wait! My cousin is the Chief of Police. I could put in a good word for you...


Bill!...Bill?


THE END.


Barbara Hartwell

August 14, 2022


RELATED REPORTS


RESPECTING PRIVACY & PERSONAL BOUNDARIES: A NONNEGOTIABLE UNIVERSAL MORAL ABSOLUTE


https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2021/08/respecting-privacy-personal-boundaries.html


Invasions of Privacy & Meddling: Garden Variety Busybodies


https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2010/02/invasions-of-privacy-meddling-garden.html


PRIVACY: THE FINAL FRONTIER


http://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2008/08/privacy-final-frontier.html

 

A Nation of Snoops, Snitches & Busybodies: Tyrannical Government & Monstrous Invasions of Privacy

 

http://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-nation-of-snoops-snitches-busybodies.html

 

REAL I.D.: The Death Knell of Personal Privacy

 

http://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2010/06/real-id-death-knell-of-personal-privacy.html

 

Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do

 

http://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2011/02/aint-nobodys-business-if-i-do.html

 

God Protect Us...From the Invasion of the Busybodies!

 

https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2011/03/god-protect-usfrom-invasion-of.html