I just got my sixth death threat in today's mail.

[friesianrider]

I write letters into my local newspaper a lot, mainly because the same 5 Republicans always write in obsessively blaming Clinton for this and that. I wrote in something about Bush being responsible for my friend's death (he was only 19 and hated Bush) in Iraq and how we needed a date to bring our troops home - and I'm 22, so you'd think adults would embrace young people's involvement in politics. So in response, some Bush supporters sent me a death threat. For the sixth time since January. They threatened to burn down my house and shoot me in the head when I'm driving. I took it to the police but they really don't seem to care. It had no return address of course and no signature.

If this is the example of the "moral" individuals in this country, let me never be moral.

[FreedomAngel82]

1. I'm sorry

The police don't care?? Ugh! :mad: Is there anybody else you can send this to? I'm so sorry. :hug: Freedom of speech my ass.

[DaveinMD]

2. you should

include this fact in your next letter.

[friesianrider]

3. I tried to...

I wrote the newspaper and told them about the incident, and said I'd like to write a response in the paper. They said they "didn't want to get involved" and suggested I STOP writing in letters. Nice, huh?

[DaveinMD]

11. holy crap

what a bunch of fascists. They should write an article about the threats.

[Gabi Hayes]

4. FORCE the authorities to DO something! Go there EVERY day

call your congressman

write the same newspaper

call your local TV stations

CALL THE FBI, the department of homeland security!

if this isn't TERRORISM, then WTF is????

[friesianrider]

14. That's what I'm saying...

Domestic terrorism. I volunteer as an escort at a women's clinic that performs abortions, and the psychos there do the same kinds of stuff. One even proudly shouted (in front of a cop) that he was going to follow me home and kill my family for supporting murder. The cop did nothing then, and the police now say they can't get involved because "they don't know who sent the letter."

[mongo]

60. You should have had the guy who shouted at you in front of the cop

arrested for menacing. At least that's what it's called here in Ohio. Threatening bodily harm against a person is a misdemeaner here, so you pretty much have to do it in front of a cop. But people get arrested for it all the time.

As far as the letters go, there really isn't that much the cops can do about it - they just don't have information to determine a suspect.

I would make sure a friend has a copy of the letters in case something bad happens - but most likely it is just a blowhard trying to scare you.

[jokerman93]

69. emails can be traced to ISP

Just a minimum of work by someone who has the right software could identify the author of the email - unless it was sent through a remailer.

Those cops are full of shit.

[RebelOne]

70. Here's is a little tool to help locate the ISP.

headertool.apelord.com/

[Cobalt Violet]

5. That's the way the "culture of life" works.

:sarcasm:

[JDPriestly]

6. This sounds serious.

Did you save the letters? Did you take them to the police? These are probably empty threats, but you never know. Did you tell the newspaper about this? I don't know what to tell you to do. The police tend to be overworked, but still, sometimes people do what they threaten they will do.

[friesianrider]

18. Police took all the letters, but I made copies....

The newspaper said they wouldn't get involved.

[peacebuzzard]

71. Frie, I know some are engaging you to reveal your issues even more but

I guess my questions would be:

1. Where are you situated? How safe would further comments be? Do you have children, animals, cars parked in the street?

2. Is your neighborhood watchful, friendly, secure?

3. Can you quickly move if the situation becomes urgent?

Sorry for being a fatalist, but I live in a predominately ultra conservative area and because I travel with great frequency and leave my home unattended w/ the exception of my animals and a daily visit from a Pet Sitter I need to be as incognito as possible. With the exception of a few bumper stickers, that is as far as I try to change things around here. I have already been through the debating, stolen yard signs, etc. I do not wish harm on my home or animals and for now I am stuck w/ a very high mortgage due to all this cheap money that has become available and it will not be so easy to move away. For now. Anyways, where can you run and hide? Everywhere has problems.

Please, take care.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

7. what is your personal stance on the second amendment?

is it a hardline?

[Ilsa]

50. I was going to suggest the same thing...

This sounds serious since more threats are coming. I think Mike Malloy (AAR) carries, if IIRC. Does your state have a concealed-carry law?

[bilgewaterbill]

8. Any copies of your letters available online? nt

[Kurovski]

9. You should contact the FBI,

contact your representative and Senators, call your paper and tell them you believe yours is a story worth telling.

You might want to contact a larger local paper as well. If you have the letters, or other forms of proof, you should go ahead with any or all of these things.

Good luck.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

20. I'd second the FBI...

My gut sense is that they might take an issue of domestic terrorism more seriously. Sometimes local police take the position of "boys will be boys" on these matters.

[Trajan]

52. Ill third the FBI call ...

Look: this is not the first time such ugliness has happened: with local cops unwilling to seek the perpetrators ...

CALL the FBI ... these are LEGITIMATE THREATS against you: they should be taken seriously ....

[RPM]

63. i agree - call fbiv & get a gun

call the FBI - they used the mails, they committed a federal offense.

and buy a gun for good measure.

[jackstraw45]

61. Agree...your local police aren't protecting you

CALL the FBI and DEMAND some answers or pressure on your local police to put down the doughnut and investigate.

YOU PAY THEIR SALARIES!

[jojo54]

10. Your local police must be in some freeps back pocket.

When you write into the newspaper, do you have to include your address? If not, then don't. If so, then contact the paper and say "Why do you need it? I'm getting death threats!"

Frucking freeps!!

[babylonsister]

12. Holy Shit! I don't know what to say yet. I'll be back

to share my opinion. For what that's worth, but it's all mine!

[PuraVidaDreamin]

13. Take it to the FBI

Seriously, Do IT!
Good Luck

[mermaid]

15. You Don't Have Much To Worry About

sick fucks who send death threats are angry, yes...but they are little wimps who would never actually act out on it.

You should worry more about those who are INSPIRED by those who send death threats...and those who are INSPIRED by the bile and pabulum puking put out by the hatemongering cowards.

I once got a death threat, too, after sending a letter to the editor, regarding my opposition to GWB's Faith "biased" Initiative.

These people only know how to lash out violently at anyone who disagrees with them.

they can dish it out, but they can't take it when THEIR views and opinions are questioned...or are not shared by absolutely everyone.

[friesianrider]

22. I think it might be a woman...

the writing looks "feminine", but she uses a lot of curse words (and she also misspells a lot too lol)

[Gabi Hayes]

31. my sister is a frickin JUDGE, and just finished testifying at the TRIAL

of some idiot who wrote threatening letters to the courthouse

that was yesterday....waiting to hear what happened

I'll ask her for advice on what you should do

[Bouncy Ball]

16. I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm totally surprised I haven't. Five letters in a year to a major newspaper. Keep making noise about this. They are probably just the usual repukes who are all hot air, but don't take any chances.

I'm sorry about your friend, too.

[KLF44]

17. Take the letters and talk to your county or state District Attorney.

Don't take anything these wingnuts might do lightly.

[mitchtv]

19. take it to the media

You may end up with unexpected allies.
keep a diary

[stillcool]

21. egads, that sucks....

a friend of mine used to get letters like that, and he finally ended up using an alias to write letters. Its the price we pay for 'freedom of speech', where anything you say can be used by anybody else to justify whatever they want it to.

[thinkingwoman]

23. your next ltte

should be about these threats. Out the culture of life.

We've got to stop putting up with this kind of crap.

In fact, your post, word for word, would make a great ltte.

[phaseolus]

24. You could touch base with your state police...

Part of the reason they exist is because local PDs can sometimes be lazy, incompetent, or corrupt. There may be limits to what any police department can do with an unsigned death threat, but you'd think they would at least look busy...

[Robbien]

25. Call the paper and let them know what is happening

Also ask if they will publish another LTTE from you and write about your reaction to these death threats.

[friesianrider]

27. They said no...

"We have a policy of only printing one letter every 30 days from the same writer."

They also said they didn't want to become involved in this situation. I'd love to just write in and let them know it won't stop me from writing. My friend didn't die for me to STFU because some psycho threatens me.

[Lorien]

43. None of us have written them

how can we help?

[shance]

45. That's horrible a paper is willing to print a letter but not protect those

who are willing to exercise Democracy and voice an opinion that needs to be heard.

They are more than willing to print your letters, but are not willing to publicize threats to you?

You might want to speak with an attorney.

That seems to be complacency in any logical situation. They have some responsibility in publicizing your letters or atleast not ignoring any legitimate threats to you.

[SouthernDem2004]

26. Actually, you need to speak with the Postal Inspector... /nt

[Occulus]

51. Yes! And, as a postal employee,

Im pleased to report that that particular element of the USPS doe s a fantastic job, does not promote incompetence, rewards extraordinary performance above and beyone the blah blah blah. Point is, the Postl Inspectors do not screw around and take their jobs very seriously.

I believe this would constitute mail fraud. I could be wrong on that score, but I don't see how.

[NMMNG]

57. Making death threats via mail is a federal offense

although I'm not sure the technical legal term would be "mail fraud". Whatever it is, contact the USPS and a lawyer. These people are dangerous and they know where you live.:scared:

[Stinky The Clown]

28. Take your wonderfully involved 22 year old ass down to the local

police again and again. Ask them to sign a paper saying you're not in any danger. If they refuse (or not) go to your county/city council, your city attorney, your states attorney, the state police .... and every news outlet you can get to.

This is NOT something you should take lightly, no matter how many blow-offs the local Barney Fifes wanna give ya.

THIS.IS.SERIOUS

And when you're down there talking to Barney, interrupt his polishing of his one bullet and get a gun carry permit. Get a gun. Learn to use it. This last brought to you by a 58 year old man of reasonable sanity who is in favor of total gun bans ..... but until they're banned ..... forewarned is forearmed. Practice with it frequently.

[SouthernDem2004]

29. What exactly do you expect the Police to do?

He has an unsigned letter with no return address.

Try the Postal Inspector. They are the ones that deal with mail issues.

[JanMichael]

34. Gee, I don't know, maybe take the threat (S) seriously?

Perhaps they could try to help find out who sent the letters?

Hell, at least acknowledge that there's a potential problem?

Other than that what the fuck are they there for? To harrass homeless people and eat doughnuts?

[SouthernDem2004]

35. Maybe he should clarify what the Police told him. Also...

How exactly would the Police find out who wrote the letters??? If you have an idea please let me know. I will pass it on.

[JanMichael]

36. I don't know either, I'm not a detective.

All I'm saying is that these are politically charged times and when death threats, multiple death threats, are made someone needs to take note and be prepared to act.

Or eat doughnuts, whatthefuckever.

Oh sorry I forgot multiple exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!

[friesianrider]

30. I'm seriously considering learning how to use a gun properly.

I just don't know what to expect of the police or what they can reasonably do.

[getmeouttahere]

38. I don't see how that will help....

there's always someone that can handle a gun better...

maybe I'm not the best person to give advice on this matter...I'd rather be dead than have to own a gun to feel safe...it's like Brian Wilson said in a song once..."I just wasn't made for these times" but maybe my song would be "I just wasn't made for this country"

[davepc]

66. start here.

http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/pennsylvania

good luck.

Self defence is a human right.

[Straight Shooter]

32. Don't cover the threats in a LTTE. Pay for an advertisement and print it.

I don't know the size of your town, but I think it would be worth the cost to pay for an actual advertisement and let everyone know the death threats against you.

If you can afford it, have them print a photocopy of the letter, and caption it "Does anyone recognize this handwriting? $100 reward."

Fight them.

[MindPilot]

37. no don't make a big deal of it--don't make it public

that is just feeding their bloodlust. These are the same kind of people who write computer viruses and start fires. They want to know they messed up your life. Your revenge is to deny them.

[libodem]

39. that's some pretty straight shootin', Mister.

I have to agree with ya, on that one.

[mongo]

62. quarter page ads - even in a small paper

are hundreds of dollars. Most likely in the 300-500 dollar range.

[MindPilot]

33. I've had a couple of these

The last one was about a year ago -- a phone threat. The cops took it very seriously. They told me of course there wasn't a whole lot they could do since the guy had caller id blocked. But here's a paraphrase of what the cop told me; Be on the lookout, but not paranoid; don't let them change your life because that's their goal. Chances are they are they will never do anything; they are cowards hiding behind a phone or a keyboard. If someone really wants to take you out, they are not going to announce it first. They are the ones stewing in anger and frustration, once you let them make you afraid they have won. They are not terrorists, they are cowards.

Edit: spelling

On second edit: sending a death threat through the mail is a federal felony. Go pay a visit to your local postmaster.

[cry baby]

40. That is disturbing.

I wonder if your paper would print a LTTE explaining that every time you disagree with your govt. and write a letter about it, you get death threats from repubs. Maybe that would show moderate people how freakin crazy the right wing is.

[Lorien]

41. Is the newspaper actually publishing your full name

and address? I usually send mail letters via email and use my intials; there are three other women with my name living in my area, and the Freepers are nuts enough to attack any of us if I were to sign my full name to letters.

Try a social experiment; sign as a 42 year old man. They won't be nearly as bold, I assure you. Deep down, every Freeper is a bedwetting coward.

And yes, I think you should keep hounding the police. I also think that you should send copies of all the letters to your newspaper!

[friesianrider]

53. They publish my full name...

And always ask for phone number and home address, but they usually only publish either the town I live in or my township.

I think I'm going to just start using an alias. I hate to cave to their pressure, but I have horses and kitties outside, and these sickos would do something damaging to them I'm sure. They obviously know where I live, so what's to stop them? I'm sure they're just total cowards who wouldn't dream of actually following through with anything, but still. You never know with these psychos!

[Rex]

42. I'd say call the FBI

but it is led by a pro-RW torture enthusiast. People on the right truly hate the truth, they will kill to stop others from having ideas. Never underestimate the power of hate and fear.

Be careful.

[shance]

44. I agree with those who say next ltte should be about the threats to you.

That in and of itself is terrible.

It shows the irrational hatred coming from those who do not want to hear the truth about what is happening.

Take care and kudos to you for continuing to speak up.

[Kerrytravelers]

46. I'd write a LTTE about the death threats.

I"m bold and not in your shoes, so take this with a gran of salt.

I'd say it pretty much the way you did in the original post.

[Vadem]

47. Jeez! Call the FBI and make a complaint....don't delay!....n/t

[togiak]

48. Why does the Right Wing

attract these kind of wackos..... time and time again you hear about people on the left getting death threats.... what is it about extreme right wing ideology that attracts violence?

[friesianrider]

55. And have you ever heard of a right-winger getting death threats?

Maybe a rare incident or two, but it's getting to the point to where I'm telling my friends "yeah, haven't gotten a death threat yet from Tuesday's letter. Maybe it'll come tomorrow." I just highly doubt right-wingers get anywhere NEAR as many threats and harassment for their views as we do.

[AmandaRuth]

49. I think that if you have received 6 death threats in the mail

and the police refuse to act, than that is the story. Something is wrong here.

Please take extra care.

[davepc]

67. The police have no legal duty to provide protection for any individual

not in their custody. This has been decided in the courts again and again and again and again and again.

"...fundamental principle of American law that a government and its agents are under no general duty to provide public services, such as police protection, to any individual citizen." Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)

See also the decisions in:

* Riss v. City of New York, 22 N.Y.2d 579, 293 NYS2d 897, 240 N.E.2d 860 (N.Y. Ct. of Ap. 1958)
* Keane v. City of Chicago, 98 Ill. App.2d 460, 240 N.E.2d 321 (1968)
* Morgan v. District of Columbia, 468 A.2d 1306 (D.C. Ct. of Ap. 1983)
* Calogrides v. City of Mobile, 475 So.2d 560 (S.Ct. A;a. 1985)
* Morris v. Musser, 478 A.2d 937 (1984)
* Davidson v. City of Westminster, 32 C.3d 197, 185 Cal.Rptr. 252, 649 P.2d 894 (S.Ct. Cal. 1982)
* Chapman v. City of Philadelphia, 434 A.2d 753 (Sup.Ct. Penn. 1981)
* Weutrich v. Delia, 155 N.J. Super 324, 326, 382 A.2d 929, 930 (1978)
* Sapp v. City of Tallahassee, 348 So.2d 363 (Fla.Ct. of Ap. 1977)
* Simpson's Food Fair v. Evansville, 272 N.E. 2d 871 (Ind.Ct. of Ap.)
* Silver v. City of Minneapolis, 170 N.W.2d 206 (S.Ct. Minn. 1969) and
* Bowers v. DeVito, 686 F.2d 61 (7th Cir. 1982).

[Carolab]

54. Send it to Air America.

I'm sure Randi or Mike will talk about it.

[friesianrider]

56. Good idea. I'll do that...

[Catherine Vincent]

58. These are the reasons a lot of people don't write LTTEs.

The paper insists that you include your address.

[shance]

59. Then something needs to be done to protect the anonymity of people writing

I don't know why it is a problem.

Newspapers/publications don't have to give out addresses and there are certainly ways to verify the individual who wrote the letter without publicizing who they are and where they live.

[mongo]

64. This is where po boxes come in handy

We don't let ANY mail come to our house. Even though we have home delivery (yes, I've lived in towns where they don't deliver your mail)

[lonestarnot]

65. Death threats are illegal in AZ.

[flvegan]

68. Might this not also be a hate crime (by definition, at least)?

I also vote for a call to the FBI. Also, keep the originals somewhere else. If something happens to you (it won't but you never know) maybe they'll want them then.