October 20, 2012, 12:13 PM | #51 |
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I don't recall seeing an ATF table at shows, but I haven't been attending many lately. But I think for those that aren't in law enforcement, seeing ATF people being made available to the public is a very good thing. Most are just trying to do their jobs, feed their families, and put their kids through school just like the rest of us.
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October 20, 2012, 08:54 PM | #52 | |
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Do fool yourself, you may be doing nothing wrong but from their perspective you are the prey. |
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October 20, 2012, 09:22 PM | #53 | |
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Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe |
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October 21, 2012, 11:07 AM | #54 | |
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I'll grant that there are probably some in the organization who are zealots. There are zealot police also. And as you get toward the top some with political appointed affiliations actively work on an agenda. But I suspect the vast majority of the boots on the ground agents would rather you just mind your business and not make their life harder. |
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October 21, 2012, 11:23 AM | #55 | ||
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October 21, 2012, 08:51 PM | #56 |
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I didn't say they weren't polite and cordial to be around on a chance encounter or even regular business basis. I agree the ones at the tables are probably there for PR purposes and not for any ulterior conspiracy motive, and Yes, most of them would like to do their job in as pleasant a manner as possible and I'm sure that even the zealots, nothing pleases them more than to see a happy con and smiling mug shot. But don't think for a minute they are not looking for some violation as an excuse to look even closer. Don't think they will give you a break on a minor infraction even if you were ignorant of it. Don't think that any data they collect won't be passed up the chain in a report where others might decide to act on it. I spent 15 years working with various govt. agencies, some with internal oversight & compliance functions (not the one being discussed) and I saw first hand how many were easy going nice guys and family men but almost all would turn in a heartbeat if they discovered something they thought was against some regulation and reporting or acting on it made them look good and furthered their career agenda. Many were on a power trip because they could be, but usually only to those outside their circle.
But your right, if you are doing nothing wrong then you don't have anything to worry about. Last edited by AhChi WaWa; October 21, 2012 at 08:58 PM. |
October 22, 2012, 06:36 AM | #57 | |
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The last one I attended had very few gun related items. As for having the ATF at gunshows that would not bother me at all, at least they are gun related. Best Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com |
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October 22, 2012, 10:59 PM | #58 |
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Well, as someone who grew up with family full of LEOs my take would be that they're just acting like a county Sheriff's deputy or a Highway Patrol officer. They aren't "out to get you" specifically, but they're engaged in law enforcement. All the time. ALL the time.
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October 25, 2012, 08:01 PM | #59 | |
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