Driver who challenged authority of state found guilty / LJWorld.com

Archive for Tuesday, October 2, 2007

October 2, 2007

Laura West found guilty of traffic charges

She challenged the state of Kansas saying she didn't need a drivers license. But the Douglas County District Court disagrees and finds the woman guilty on traffic charges today. Enlarge video

Unusual hearing follows traffic stop (09-01-07)

A woman who challenged the authority of the state of Kansas to require her to have a driver's license was found guilty on traffic charges Monday in Douglas County District Court.

Laura M. West, 21, was ordered to serve 12 months of unsupervised probation and pay $220 in fines. Meanwhile, Judge Robert Fairchild ordered her to serve two concurrent six-month jail sentences, but then suspended those.

Fairchild said West must get a driver's license to drive in Kansas.

During an Aug. 31 trial, West said the Kansas Highway Patrol trooper who stopped her west of Lawrence on June 11 had no right to arrest her. She said she was driving her private "vessel" on a religious mission.

But Fairchild ruled West was guilty of not having a driver's license, obstructing the legal process, failure to dim her headlights and having improper vehicle registration.

West and her partner, J.M. Sovereign Godsent, said they would appeal the judge's decision. West, who has represented herself during the court hearings, said she wasn't surprised at Fairchild's decision.

"I assumed they were going to push (the case) forward," she said. "I still thought they might be smart enough to stop."

Godsent and West say they are members of a group that believes the U.S. is not a country but a foreign corporation that has invaded America.

During West's trial, a trooper testified it took 45 minutes to get her to step out of the van after he stopped it. She was taken to the Douglas County Jail and then freed on $1,500 bond.

West and Godsent said they were traveling to Lawrence to visit a friend. They said their "vessel" is their home. West gave the court a Satsop, Wash., post office box number to contact her.

During her trial West gave Fairchild a CD recording of her encounter with the trooper. Fairchild took the case under advisement to listen to the CD. On Monday he said what he heard on the CD didn't constitute a defense.

Discussion

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2 October 2007
at 6:34 a.m.

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TheLawrenceFox (Anonymous) says…

Waaaaaacko!

She should run for City Commission.
2 October 2007
at 7:19 a.m.

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Moderateguy (Anonymous) says…

So she's going to appeal unsupervised probation and $220 bucks? Can the judge re-instate the original sentence? I wonder if their “group” pays all their taxes. Perhaps society could give them a real smackdown.
2 October 2007
at 7:47 a.m.

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kufanattic (Anonymous) says…

What ! ! ! First of all I am glad I am not that stupid, but, then again, maybe it takes stupidity to live these days.
2 October 2007
at 7:51 a.m.

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MooseisLoose (Anonymous) says…

Would she need a license to gallop around with a couple of coconuts?
2 October 2007
at 8:02 a.m.

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Andini (Anonymous) says…

I bet she'll pay using “REAL” dollars.

http://www.lawrence.com/news/2003/nov…
2 October 2007
at 8:07 a.m.

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75x55 (Anonymous) says…

“$220 dollars you say? Will you take a check…?”
2 October 2007
at 8:08 a.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Aw too bad. I was rooting for you girl. I always root for the underdog and I love it when folks challenge the government's authority. Question authority people! It makes life way more entertaining.

2 October 2007
at 8:44 a.m.

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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…

She's from the state of Washington? Isn't that were Ramona Morgan (and daughter) came from too? What's up with that - has some hospital for the mentally ill located in that state suddenly given all their inmates a “go-free” card and a map to Kansas???
2 October 2007
at 8:51 a.m.

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Haiku_Cuckoo (Anonymous) says…

During her trial West gave Fairchild a CD recording of her encounter with the trooper.
==========
I'll bet the CD also contained spoken-word poetry and the bongo drum stylings of J.M. Sovereign Godsent.

This goofy chick got off easy. She should be happy that 1) she's not in jail and 2) her kids won't be taken away from her. She's obviously a wackadoo.
2 October 2007
at 9:17 a.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

You guys need to lighten up. People like this chicky are awesome. Crazy folks that aren't really dangerous are a hoot and instead of being grumpy gusses, you should get to know one or two. They bring a lot of color to your world. Whenever my life starts to feel too routine or mundane I call my crazy friend and she tells me about the subconsious messages the aliens are implanting in her head when she's watching t.v. or running the vaccum and I always get a chuckle out of it. I mean, haven't you ever wondered what it's like to be nuts? Maybe it's more fun, maybe life is more interesting and less monotonous. You never know.
2 October 2007
at 9:27 a.m.

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waydownsouth (Anonymous) says…

Maybe she will pay in gold. Thats what she is asking for in return.

acg thanks for giving me a laugh this morning.
2 October 2007
at 9:27 a.m.

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imastinker (Anonymous) says…

Of course it's dangerous to have someone on the road who doesn't believe she should follow the laws. People get killed that way.

She should have been fined much more heavily.
2 October 2007
at 9:47 a.m.

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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

Laura is guilty as charged? What a shock, not.

J.M. Sovereign: Godsent, her “non-domestic” partner, should have been charged with practicing law without a license as he was giving Laura legal advice without being a member of the bar. I also would have added 'too stupid to be in public in the first degree' and a 'aggravated dispensing KoolAid without a license' just for good measure.
2 October 2007
at 10:06 a.m.

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Kontum1972 (Anonymous) says…

shades of Jim Jones….
i am surprised she didnt get tazed or peppersprayed.
2 October 2007
at 10:07 a.m.

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lmpaul (Anonymous) says…

If the “vessel” was their home, what was she driving?

2 October 2007
at 11:05 a.m.

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smitty (Anonymous) says…

acg, you have a good outlook on the harmless way mental illness is expressed.

19 September 2007 at 10:14 a.m.
b3 (Anonymous) says:

This comment was removed by the site staff.

On University of Florida police Taser student (Heard on the Hill)

Are your parents responsible for your actions on this board, b3? Shall we send them a report on your anti-social behavior?
2 October 2007
at 11:10 a.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

“She said she was driving her private “vessel” on a religious mission.”

Awesome.

“J.M. Sovereign Godsent”

Awesome times two. Any guesses on what the J and M stand for?
2 October 2007
at 11:19 a.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

Mike Belt: Can you talk a little bit about the book you're holding here?

Laura West: Yeah, this is called Title 4 Flag Says You're Schwag! Your Simple Guide to Sovereignty and what “Title 4 Flag” means is, there's, our country, America, has only one flag, and it's of specific dimensions and proportions of colors and, and size of shapes and, um, so we know that this is our American flag and of our country, which has a Constitution and Bill of Rights that protects us. But the United States, which is a corporation, and is not the same thing as the fifty states-in America?-they have taken this flag and, and kinda made their own version of it, you know like, longer, you've seen different shapes and sizes of them, and some of them have a gold fringe around them and that's not actually the American flag. Most of the flags you'll see flying are not Title 4 flags, and so we're teaching people the difference between that, and how to declare sovereignty, which means that you're born in America, if you're born in America, in one of the fifty states, then you're considered a “native American,” and so we are teaching people how to know to claim that, because a lot of people know their rights but they don't know how to claim that these rights even apply to them.
2 October 2007
at 11:30 a.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

I agree with Americorps. I used to know a bunch of real hippie/new ager types (not the Waka attendees that some of the ignorant on here call hippies.) Weird and odd cats by most standards, but they really do believe in family. I never really gathered what all they'd be jibber jabbering about, but defiance of laws they didn't believe in was common. Drivers and fishing/hunting licenses, camping/public land fees, taxes, etc… was a common thread.

The only questionable things was they didn't believe in was innoculations for their kids. Gov't mind control nonsense and the tired old mercury arguments. But, I've noticed that many folks don't believe in innoculations, so I guess that wouldn't make them bad parents in society's eyes.
2 October 2007
at 11:30 a.m.

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whatupdown (Anonymous) says…

“On a mission from or with God”, and with 'seperation of church and state', done proper this could be a long legal story.
2 October 2007
at 11:35 a.m.

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feeble (Anonymous) says…

americorps (Anonymous) says:

b3, please show me what evidence you have that because she has outlandish viewpoint (though I often wonder how much of our country is controlled by Haliburtonaoltimewarnerdisneyibmmicrosoftexxon) that she is a bad parent:

I think your comment shows great ignorance.
========================================

http://freedom-flag-fellowship.org/14…

That link goes to the online version of the book put out my Ms. West's partner JM Sovereign Godsent. I think the material present there is very questionable, and should raise concerns about one's parenting skills, and by the way, your comment is incredibly naive.
2 October 2007
at 12:18 p.m.

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consumer1 (Anonymous) says…

IMPaul She was driving a two bedroom 1 1/2 bath racher with a cute little picket fence around it with a separate garage.
ACG I have often wondered, who is really crazy, those people who go through life with a rainbow in their hair and never work, live off the land etc, (that is other peoples money), or those of us who are brainwashed into thinking that working 40 hours per week to pay the mortgage and being continually stressed out? and die when we retire.
2 October 2007
at 12:19 p.m.

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whatupdown (Anonymous) says…

I just looked at Mr.Godsent's website; he is not stupid or ignorant, just nonconformist. For his next moves he needs to remember three things; God, establish, and resonable. Blacks Law will help too.

2 October 2007
at 12:26 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Of course, you're incredibly “naive” or “nuts” or “wacko and should have your kids taken away” if you don't share the same convoluted sense of normality that most of us are locked in. What exactly is normal? Is it really normal to get up every day and tie a noose around your neck (necktie) get into your little metal pollution machines and hurry off to do your day's work, of which you aren't paid what you should be? Is it normal to lock yourself into mortgage debt, credit card debt, student loan and medical care debt, only to spend your days working your a** off to pay that debt and your nights worrying about doing it? Is it really the norm to be so busy chasing your possessions (and the ability to pay for them) that you don't have time to adequately parent your children? Who's normal here? Those of us that are “normal” or this gal, who's driving her vessel down the highway of life? So she doesn't have a valid KS driver's license? Who give's a crap? I surely don't. And I'm sure that the most-likely licensed idiot that just cut me off during my lunch break and nearly killed me doesn't care either! Those of you who are so stuck in your ways, B3, need to look around and see there are other, alternative ways to make it in this world. And instead of being a d-bag every time someone presents a position you're not familiar with, maybe you should try and educate yourself instead.
2 October 2007
at 12:40 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Posted before I read your post consumer and you know, man, you understand. I used to live that nonconformist life. I traveled in my own vessel down the highway of life, for many years and I enjoyed every bit of it. My family was constantly on me to go back to school, get my degree, set down roots and get on with “normality” and you know what? Other than meeting my hubby and having my kids, I kick myself for it every single day.
2 October 2007
at 12:50 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Not necessarily OTTR because I carry full coverage insurance on everything I own, paid off or not just for those eventualities and I don't look at things that way. Looking at things that way is how most of you became so close-minded and grumpy all of the time. I once met a man in Paducah Kentucky that was a con-artist, he conned me out of $100, that's how I met him. He broke the laws and conned people out of their dough and whereas the grumpy close-minded faction of the country would've frowned on this guy and hated him for his skirting of the law and conning of the masses, I found him interesting and charming and a breath fresh air. He was one of the funniest storytellers I've ever met. He was so smart, he could've been anything but he chose the con. He never regretted it and I never regretted knowing him. He taught me a lot and I'll miss him greatly. To whereever your spirit is, David W., I still know how to pick a handcuff lock, hotwire an older model car and run a 3 card monte schtick. Alot of folks would've never forgiven this guy for ripping them off, but to me it was worth the $100 just to get to know him.
2 October 2007
at 1 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

You've never been to Washington, have you. I'd venture a guess that she's never been in a mental hospital, as she's probably considered nothing out of the ordinary for those parts:DotsLines

Wow, nothing like making a hasty generalization about an entire state of people just because one hippy and one murderer that have come to our area recently just happen to have addresses in that state. Do you feel special now, DotsLines? Do you feel superior? You shouldn't. You're from Kansas.
2 October 2007
at 1:12 p.m.

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Haiku_Cuckoo (Anonymous) says…

She needs an intervention with Dr. Phil before she harms her babies!
2 October 2007
at 1:17 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Thanks OTTR, my “thieving” friend as you call him is dead. He was shot in Chattanooga 4 years ago trying to stop a man from beating his wife in the parking lot of a bar. Something I doubt you would do. I appreciate your tact and diplomacy, by the way. It's what I've come to expect from most of the loving “good hearted, conservative christians” that plague this part of the country.
2 October 2007
at 1:28 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Awww, DotsLines, getting your panties in a bunch? It's okay. No one on the LJWorld boards really cares if you're an insipid, close-minded little person. It's not like we're not used to it, after all, we have ottr, rt, b3 and Marion, so you fit right in. Anyhoo, move over to the right please, and join your fellow d-bags, they're always looking for new blood.
2 October 2007
at 1:36 p.m.

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greenvera (Anonymous) says…

In order for someone to insult another's parenting skills, they are either not parents themselves or very insecure in their own parenting style. I have seen and met Laura West and her daughter around town and they have been in my store on Mass St. They are both wonderful human beings with a generous and kind nature. Laura seems to be a very attentive and nurturing parent. And her daughter is a very kind and curious child.

It's too bad that there are so many people in this wonderful community of Lawrence who cannot reach outside of their box and accept and understand the diverse variety of people we have in this community. But I accept and understand that there are many people here who only think selfishly and cannot reach outside of the self to support and care for all members of society.

2 October 2007
at 1:36 p.m.

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Ceallach (Anonymous) says…

acg, you have a kinder streak than to do I. When someone betrays your trust AND takes your money, that man is not a friend, but rather a parasite. Con men are seldom, if ever, Robin of Sherwood Forrest. Instead of stealing from the rich they most often steal (con) a poor or elderly person who needs to make every dollar stretch. He sells them hope for a little financial relief, then makes their situation even more difficult by stealing their money. Girl, I'd still be wanting to beat that man about the head and shoulders :)
2 October 2007
at 1:45 p.m.

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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…

“You really want to avoid the “strawman” Birth Certificate and Taxpayer Identification (SS)Number application because these are used in conjunction to create the 14th Ammendment slave Vessel of the united states artificial person. ”

feeble: I have to agree with you. This woman and her man are real nut jobs.
2 October 2007
at 1:51 p.m.

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nettieb (Anonymous) says…

Dotslines - You seem to be a little testy over people who find humor in mental illness. Does it hit too close to home,or has that semester you spent in college made you so PC you are going to end up with ulcers because you are mad about how everyone else feels?
2 October 2007
at 1:58 p.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

ACG -

Looks like we got another poster that gets her cheerios urinated on each morning.

Dotsline -

Cheer up, Sugarbritches. Your sanctimonious BS makes you look like a fool. You should hook up with some of the other self-righteous fools on here.
2 October 2007
at 2:05 p.m.

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Azure_Attitude (Anonymous) says…

Aw, c'mon folks. Where is your love for your Christian bretheren? Don't you all have love and look out for each other, whacked out or not? I hear you all talk the talk, but when it comes time to walk the walk you bring out the Rascal. Go ahead. Talk some more about values, why don't ya.
2 October 2007
at 2:05 p.m.

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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…

“Dotsline -
Cheer up, Sugarbritches. Your sanctimonious BS makes you look like a fool. You should hook up with some of the other self-righteous fools on here.”

Awwww, it sounds like T_O_B wants to hook up with you :)
2 October 2007
at 2:17 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

My friend was killed because some slob was beating his own wife, you illiterate idiot. He came across some man and his wife arguing and the man was punching her, David intervened and was shot. I'm glad you got a laugh out of that DotsLine. You're a real piece of work, aren't you, scumbag? But then again, from someone like you, I would expect nothing less.
2 October 2007
at 2:19 p.m.

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nettieb (Anonymous) says…

Dot -
Sorry about your family member.

I also deal with impaired adults and have some mental issues in my family as well.

BUT - sometimes, damn it, it's funny. That doesn't make people bad or stupid people. Other things, (like extreme conservativism or extreme xtianity) make people bad or stupid.

Most people I know have morbid senses of humor and find innapropriate things funny. At least they are not hypocrites and find things that don't affect them funny, while being offended by the things that do. If we all walked around all day mad about someone laughing about something or someone else, we'd all end up whacking ourselves because of the depression blackhole we get sucked into.

Lighten up.

2 October 2007
at 2:41 p.m.

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feeble (Anonymous) says…

Feeble, by your definition, I think what you say is questionable, so then I have enough information to judge you to be an unfit parent?

Poppycock.

=============
americorps, I have not placed a large amount of text on the internet that advocates the misapplication of obscure maritime law as a form of legal defense. While, I think it is perfectly reasonable to read my comments in the post above and reject them as being without merit, I think that you are missing the mark if you argue I have presented some sort of absolute definition of what it is to be an unfit parent. Rather, I invited posters and readers to review the writings of one of the players in this little drama and offered an opinion.

My own conclusion, after reading such statements as “Be sure to maintain a perimeter around your baby at all times so they don't try to stab him in the foot or cut half his little pecker off. ” leads me to believe that these people believe things that pose a real danger to the development and well being of their children.

Clearly, in the quote above, they are referring to inoculations and circumcision. The inference here is that medical professionals will perform non-therapeutic surgery (i.e circumcision) without your consent. This scenario is extremely unlikely, as the procedure requires tacit approval from the parents/guardians.

Further, the violent description leads me to believe that Ms. West and Mr. Godsent are not capable of rational evaluation of medical procedures. While it is their prerogative to be believe whatever nonsense they wish, the article in question causes me to question their fitness as parents, much as I question the “parental fitness” of those who would allow a child to die of a fever, rather than take the child to a doctor.
2 October 2007
at 3:25 p.m.

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Meatwad (Anonymous) says…

These nutty people have been walking up and down Mass street for the past several days, talking to anyone who will listen and trying to get money.
I like hippies but these people give hippies a bad rap for sure. They do not represent the decent and good among the hippies and free spirit types. These people are annoying. They also add to the unpleasantness that has become going for a walk on Mass street. There are far too many bums. You can't get a block without being accosted by a bum. Street musicians are good, and deserve a tip if they are good, but drunken beggars and aggressive pan handlers asking everyone for a free handout are what is ruining our downtown.
2 October 2007
at 3:26 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

I should lighten up? How do you figure? Do I sound annoyed with you and that other idiot DotsLine? You bet I am! I get really annoyed with grumpy, hateful jerkoffs that automatically put down anything they don't understand or are not familiar with. You are a typical sour faced, hateful old man. “Ugh, I don't get that lifestyle therefore I'm going to condemn it”. You awful people (some of you) sit there on your high horses, spouting that this woman doesn't deserve to be a mother, or should be in a mental hospital just because her life is different from yours and I should lighten up? That's rich buddy. I'm going to have to start swatting at you like I do RT, aren't I, OTTR? He's another annoying p*cker gnat with no discernible purpose other than to bug, too. So, from now on, when I see you around, I'll just shoo you, and we'll get along fine. Now, shoo, you're bothering me!!
2 October 2007
at 3:31 p.m.

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Meatwad (Anonymous) says…

She makes almost as much sense as Miss Teen South Carolina :)
2 October 2007
at 3:42 p.m.

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Meatwad (Anonymous) says…

When I said “she” makes as much sense as Miss South Carolina…. I'm talking about Laura. These people are basically harmless except for wasting our tax dollars in court. They aren't mentally ill. The child looks healthier then they do. They are beggar-hippies. People like this give the good hippies a bad name. But overall I suppose they provide some form of entertainment. Unfortunately they seem to like Lawrence and obviously many of the people of Lawrence felt sorry for them, after hearing their tales of abuse by the LAW and the police. (give me a break!)
The child is being taught that begging for handouts is how to get money, that's the only harm done here, and hopefully the child will grow up to learn better.
2 October 2007
at 3:56 p.m.

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acg (Anonymous) says…

Like I said p*cker gnat, shoo, go away! You're just mad because I pegged you for the hateful POS that you really are and you have no recourse because you, and everyone else here, knows I'm right. :) Have a nice day!
2 October 2007
at 3:59 p.m.

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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…

…….erlichda…or, in other words, lighten up, ya'll…this whole story is actually sorta funny, if ya bend it sideways and look at in just th' right light. Otherwise, the whole darn thing is just sad and sorta pathetic. Obviously, this girl, and, I'm sure, her whole “crew” either saw too much of the bad side of the universe and ran, or took one look at things as children and created a little safe world for themselves…actually, I'm sorta envious of their abilities to “suspend their disbelief” and find a way for their fragile selves to exist, if not always co-exist, in a truly hostile world…sorta makes you stop and think, if only for a moment…just who's better off- we, the so-called realists, or the delusional, even if it IS self-delusion…seems to work for “them” except for those brief moments where their lives intersect with that dreaded thing, “reality”. On the matter of the arresting officer, he and his style of professionalism seems to be one of two different kind of policeman…group 1-law enforcement! These are the “by-the-book” guys and girls, and they seem threatened by even simple infractions, and they just AIN'T gonna let THAT happen, so someone goes to jail…and group 2-PEACE officers. These are the truly great cops, the ones' you HOPE pull up when you need one of 'em. They see themselves, and their jobs, as problem-solvers, and they are generally quite good at that. Now, back to the issue at hand…the young lady does seem to have encountered one of the above-described “law enforcement” officers, and, frankly, she's just lucky he didn't shoot her for defying his authority! a “peace officer” would have taken stock of the “situation”, and the philosophical intricacies therein, issued the lady a warning for the listed violations, and seen her on down “her road”…but that's just me, what do I know…maybe not.
2 October 2007
at 4:03 p.m.

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tmkatt (Anonymous) says…

…and, lest we forget, Ramona HAD a valid drivers license at the time of her actions…now, just who was and is, more of a threat? just tryin' to keep this all in its' proper perspective…

2 October 2007
at 4:17 p.m.

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420 (Anonymous) says…

Go ahead, paint everyone in the state of Washington with a broad brush…..We don't want anyone from Kansas, or California, (or anywhere else for that matter) to visit, fall in love with, and decide to move here…..We're all a bunch of crazy hippies.
Peace
2 October 2007
at 4:30 p.m.

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jweave (Anonymous) says…

Well said tmkatt!!!! Sounds like everyone is a little crazy here!! And just a tid bit of info for all…Not all of us are crazy here in Washington!!……I actually have known Ramona Morgan for years and she is human…Unfortunatly she did choose the wrong road and drugs did play a big factor and now she will pay for her actions….It is very, very tragic she took lifes and my heart goes out to these families!! Guess what im trying to say is that it has nothing to do with these people being from Wash State how stupid that sounds!!!
2 October 2007
at 4:33 p.m.

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GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

Does Laura sell pop tarts on the milky way galaxy too?
2 October 2007
at 4:52 p.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

guess “conquer him with your flag” didn't work so good in court.

what is written there really is beyond just crazy, it is dangerous delusion.

and, I actually agree with Dotslines, let's try not to find amusement at the expense of the mentally ill. it truly can make their burden heavier. yes, humor helps, it changes perspective and often gives a sense of control in out-of-control settings; but going out of your way to pick at people's mental disorders ain't good.
please.

***
any one wondering about the fitness of the west/godsend pair really needs to spend some time reading their posted diatribe. they believe, for example, that hospitals have customs agents in them waiting to trap newly born infants into this servatude.

this, among others, sure look like paranoid delusions. what is being taught to west's daughter?
2 October 2007
at 4:55 p.m.

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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…

oh, p.s. I think the judge was too easy. unsupervised probation???

really too easy for this kind of intentional violation.
2 October 2007
at 5 p.m.

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1derer (Anonymous) says…

a “peace officer” would have taken stock of the “situation”, and the philosophical intricacies therein, issued the lady a warning for the listed violations, and seen her on down “her road”:

You're kidding, right tmkatt? No license, no current registration. Do you really know a peace officer that would have done that? If so, please share the name, he/she has no business wearing a uniform. IF she had been sent on her way and then killed someone, or even her family or herself, it is the officer that would have been responsible.

The court was extremely gentle with her and I have no problem with it's verdict. But to make this woman and her Sovereign into victims of the world or some kind of heroes is absurd.
2 October 2007
at 5:01 p.m.

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jweave (Anonymous) says…

Haha 4:20 you are a crazy hippie!! No worries still have time!
2 October 2007
at 5:04 p.m.

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420 (Anonymous) says…

DotsLines…..That would be “SHE”…..No worries though…cough, cough….

2 October 2007
at 5:04 p.m.

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BABBOY (Anonymous) says…

Wondering why this was even newsworthy. Then there are 75 plus post with people actually discussing it. Of course, here I go posting as well so maybe it is from a wierd human interest standpoint.

It is amusing that I would agree with someone called off to the right. Yes, this person is a whacko with just enough knowledge about government to assert so Soveriegn immunity and religious rights issues. Legally, she has no basis for any such nonsense as a state clearly without dispute has jurisdiction to regulate those who drive on its highways and there is no religous protection allowing someone to drive around drunk.
2 October 2007
at 5:16 p.m.

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gypsy10 (Anonymous) says…

Yea, this story is actually quite amusing. Holy Hangover - lighten up people. I've known a few hippies and the hippies I have known and presently know have better family relationships than all of my uptight, stressed out friends (way better actually). Their relationships with their kids are outstanding; the reason I see the most - kids with parents that are free-spirited aren't scared to talk to their parents. Keeps the lines of communication completely open - that's a good thing.
BTW - Good one Gretchen :)
2 October 2007
at 5:16 p.m.

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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

Just because their ideas are “non-conformist” doesn't make them valid or valuable. More often than not such “free thinkers” are just plain wrong. In any event, they are free to believe whatever they want, just so long as they obey the City of Lawrence, State of Kansas, and Federal ordinances and laws like the rest of us.

Since Laura's conviction was for a misdemeanor, I suggest she and J.M. Puff-n-Stuff: Godsmack, high tail it back to Washington. There is no extradition for failing to pay your fine on misdemeanor convictions, and I am convinced that the DA did not ask for a couple of months in jail because they were afraid to place her young daughter into the care of someone who calls himself “J.M. Soveriegn: Godsent” and who rambles on about flags, maritime law, Skull and Bones society, and liens on birth certificates. You never know but his beliefs on proper child rearing techniques might be equally “non-conformist” and “free thinking” and they might have been concerned what other laws J.M. might not feel obliged to obey.

I mean with a middle name “Sovereign” and a surname “Godsent” you might just have a bit of a problem keeping your ego properly sorted out.
2 October 2007
at 5:17 p.m.

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thebcman (Anonymous) says…

Laura … the light is on but nobody's home .. and the light is flickering
2 October 2007
at 5:31 p.m.

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GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

Thanks gypsy. We've definately got a strange ranger in this article… a french fry short of a happy meal? Elevator doesn't quite go to the top floor?
2 October 2007
at 6:01 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Hey, I hope you all realize that it's my _mom_ you're talkin' about….
2 October 2007
at 6:17 p.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

DotsLines wins the Troll of the Week award. And it is only Tuesday. Kudos!

–

Perhaps I missed something in the Dots' lil flame war, but where has it been mentioned the this chick is mentally ill? The Washington chick, not Dottie.
2 October 2007
at 6:43 p.m.

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BrianR (Anonymous) says…

“…what is being taught to west's daughter?”

If she's a typical kid, she'll be a Republican.

After reading many of the posts here, and I haven't read them all because that would be time I could just never get back, Ms. West is looking pretty sane and reasonable.

2 October 2007
at 6:54 p.m.

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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

Compared to Mr. J.M Sovereign: Godsent, a watermelon looks sane and reasonable.
2 October 2007
at 7:20 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

After all, she now is a local celebrity, is she not? Look for her at the coffee shop.
2 October 2007
at 7:23 p.m.

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greenworld (Anonymous) says…

Godsent and West say they are members of a group that believes the U.S. is not a country but a foreign corporation that has invaded America. Yeah right and Pres Bush wears panties.

She said she was driving her private “vessel” on a religious mission. The article doesnt mention that their was a registration, it was registered and sent from God or is it dog.

These people are the same ones that you will read about real soon who will get as many people into their cult and sit around and eventually drink Koolaid and you know what happens after that.
Good night, lights out,
2 October 2007
at 7:26 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

greenworld says: “Pres Bush wears panties.”

I've suspected as much.
2 October 2007
at 7:30 p.m.

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GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

What color is the moon in your world, Ms. West?
2 October 2007
at 7:40 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Blue… but rarely seen.
2 October 2007
at 7:49 p.m.

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GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

Only once. ;o)
3 October 2007
at 1:06 a.m.

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Newell_Post (Anonymous) says…

$220? That's all? I think I'll drop my license, registration, and insurance and take my chances….