Victims of R.I.C.O.

Biker event to benefit the Mario Pastega House

Images from the event to raise funds for Mario Pastega House in Corvallis, Oregon courtesy: Brad Bentz

Brad Betz for Salem- News.com

Profiling can happen in any community and is based upon the biases of local law enforcement. Such is the situation that occurred in our little town on Saturday, Oct. 23.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Some would say that profiling is not common in our little neck of the woods, but others would suggest that it occurs every day. Some would argue that it is an effective crime fighting tool, while others would protest that it is a violation of civil liberties.

The reality is that profiling has evolved over the course of American history. During World War II, profiling was used as an excuse to detain Japanese Americans and to seize their hard-earned property.

The emergence of a strong Latino American community has seen Hispanics profiled as illegal immigrants and potential drug dealers. In a post 9-11 America, profiling has become an acceptable deterrent to “preventing” terrorist activity, but in truth serves to legitimize discrimination of people who appear to be Middle Eastern. It is well documented that police have historically detained black drivers due only to the color of their skin. But potential victims of profiling are not solely limited by racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Profiling can happen in any community and is based upon the biases of local law enforcement. Such is the situation that occurred in our little town on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010.

Advertisements had gone out weeks in advance to announce a fundraiser to support a local non-profit, the Mario Pastega House. The intentions were admirable, the cause not uncommon, but the hosts were quickly labeled as social deviants because they wore leather jackets and rode motorcycles.

A local club, known as the Linn County Raiders, arranged the event in an attempt to “give back” to the community. As a result of their efforts, the Albany City Police Department dispatched a photographer and undercover detectives to record all of the people who attended and supported this charity fundraiser.

License plates were documented and reported, faces were photographed; all in the name of fighting crime. There was only one problem - no criminals were identified, no outstanding warrants were issued, and no DUIs were written.

ax payer money was used to thwart the enemy at the gate, but none arrived. This misguided justification of singling out certain groups for police attention is narrow minded and ineffective. If local police continue to limit their definition of what a criminal “looks like”, they will overlook the obvious results. Their unjust profiling, and the ensuing tension between officers and community, will eventually manifest as an irreparable broken trust.

Police profiling is a reminder of an ugly historical bias in America. There is no excuse why any law-abiding American citizen should feel they are being singled out and falsely accused by those who should exemplify trust and fairness. Profiling in America promotes discrimination, strips individuals of their security, and continues to scar the face of Lady Liberty.

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/october272010/corvallis-bikers-bb.php 

Yes, the police in Wa State are doing the same. If you ride a Harley you are treated as a criminal.
The "police" need to do something about themselves. Police and their informants are the ones committing crimes.

As far as I know it is illegal to launch investigations run plates etc without probable cause and these people should file complaints . I know of at least one case that made case law in this regard ,the court ruled that it is unlawfull to pull this kind of thing without probable cause .The other question I have is why werent these officers asked to leave . Those involved should demand the files. Peace

Many do not know, the police are being federalized all over the country. This had nothing to do with bikers, or their cause. This was for one reason only, and it is happening all over the country. Basically, you will stay home, watch corporate manipulated tv, be quiet and do what you are told. This is happening to anti-war groups, anti- high tax groups, people selling raw milk, pro gun groups and so forth. This is only going to get worse. Better pay attention. This was nothing more than them saying "we will decide what is best for you, so be quiet, or we will make life difficult for you. Soon it might be tazers instead of cameras.

Well, there could have been some domestic terrorists disguised as charitable bikers, you can never be too safe!

Perhaps the reason that, "no criminals were identified, no outstanding warrants were issued, and no DUIs were written" might be due to that there were no criminals there to identify, no outstanding warrants to issue and no one left intoxicated. Hell, I was there and I've never so much as payed my taxes a day late...not exactly a criminal element...yet I had to wonder if I was being 'profiled' somewhere and what might come of the info when all I did was attend? I have been to MANY biker nites and biker events and I saw less drinking than usually occurs at these events. That probably wasn't by accident as the event was well organized.

I was at Bogey's that night, What a great time we all had, the 2nd Band was better than the 1st for sure, Everyone was very nice and I saw so many health care workers there that I work with. It was great... on the other hand two coppers, one in uniform, and the other in kinda street clothes.. minus the fashion, were taking pictures of everybody, and my car, and like everything... I feel sorry for the Fund Raisers, but I think they did ok, the cops were way strange that night... Could have been nerves. What great guys in the Bar, Nice and some were cute too! Sylvia Mary J +

 

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