Feds thwart plot to kidnap Whitmer

A lesson we could all use reminding of, most especially me. But self-discipline can be difficult when one is being provoked

 

Tourists, very fine tourists who just wanted a tour

 

Don't bother me, you bringing up "very fine people" doesn't bother me either but you had better check with river. He might think you are changing the subject.

 

I'm sorry, but I can never take anyone wearing those donuts in their ears seriously.

 

Suspects in planned kidnapping of MI Gov. Whitmer go on trial. They didn't want to wear masks and were sent by God (allegedly).

Feds: Whitmer kidnap suspects plotted to hog-tie governor, spark war

The Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kidnap trial opened with lots of talk about COVID-19 restrictions, with prosecutors telling jurors that four militia members were so enraged by the lockdowns and masks that they they plotted to kidnap the governor, hogtie her, blow up a bridge and kill any police officers who got in the way.

The defense painted a different picture, maintaining the defendants were upset about the pandemic restrictions, but never had any plan to kidnap the governor, that they were entrapped by undercover FBI agents and informants who ran the show and that any comments about Whitmer were merely tough talk.

This is the story that jurors will have to sort through as they listen to allegations about a group called the Michigan Wolverines, that prosecutors say did a lot more than talk. They cased her vacation house, drew up maps, held training exercises with human silhouettes and built practice bombs, prosecutors said, arguing this was all part of their bigger plan.

• One suspect allegedly said he asked God for permission to kill, and that he got it.
• Accused ringleader Adam Fox claimed to be anointed by God, wanted a hostage and wasn't satisfied with storming the Capitol, allegedly saying: "You take politicians — now you got human life. We just want the bitch/ We want the tyrant bitch."
• Another suspect "just wanted to murder her" and suggested shooting her when she came from work, and posing as a pizza delivery person.
• Another allegedly talked about crushing her skull,

 

This just backs up my theory that people pretty much universally twist their idea of what "God" wants to always fall perfectly in line with what they want.

 

How often are entrapment defenses successful? I mean, it's one thing to claim you would not have solicited a prostitute except for a very pretty undercover officer asking you if you want to pay for sex. Doesn't seem like works very often. But for kidnapping? Would it be like "well, I would have never thought to kidnap the Governor, but the FBI put it in my head and made it sound so fun that I just couldn't say no."

 

I have not read in depth on this case in a while, but there was demonstrable law enforcement misconduct. That said, based upon my high level reading, it was not misconduct which created a crime that would not have otherwise occurred. Will probably get a more detailed analysis later. I might change my mind with additional evidence. But law enforcement misconduct, especially with confidential informants, should be presumed in almost all cases.

 

IF these bozos were the patriots they claim to be they would try to enact change within our system (e.g. voting) rather than resorting to force to get the outcome they demand. Kidnapping and murdering politicians we do not like is not how our system works. (and yes, I am fully aware that people on the left have resorted to violence as well).

 

God was created for that very reason

 

2 acquitted, 2 mistrials in Michigan governor kidnap plot

 

How the hell did they screw that one up?

 

From the little I've read, wreckless Fed undercover tactics.

 

At least the Feds are consistent

 

I guess with the size of the jury odds are you get at least one Q Anon whack job in the mix.

 

Can’t the same also be said of those who would eliminate God’s existence to line up with their desired ends?

 

Sounds like you called that one right.

 

I don't think so, can you give an example of a case where someone justified their bad actions saying "I'm an atheist, and I'm commanded to do this by my lack of faith"?

 

Would the jury have heard the issues with the police/informants, or would that have been limited to the judge deciding whether those actions warranted dismissing the case? If the jury heard it, that could have swayed somebody and locked in their decision (especially if it was one of those anti-govt types).

 

Gretchen Whitmer: Jury convicts two men of conspiring to kidnap Michigan governor - CNNPolitics