Helidriver Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Just a short intro. I recently moved to the US, Long Island, NY to be exact....about 10min driving from JFK, but outside the city limits. I grew up in Norway, and I didn't come to the US to exploit the job market or escape oppression...just because I met a girl in the Caribbean, and we are now married. The US never attracted me, apart from that I wanted to visit to see some historic sites and museums etc (and now I shop at Roosevelt Field and volunteer at a museum!!) That being said, I am perfectly aware that this is supposedly the land of the free and the greatest country on earth...and honestly...I love it here. But lately, say the last 6 months I have seen a trend (or maybe it was always there I just didn't notice??) I work overseas on a rotation schedule, 5 weeks on and 5 weeks off....so when I'm here I have a lot of time on my hands, and we also have a small 25lbs dog. We live about 20min from my mother in laws place, and I walk there every day for exercise and to walk the dog. The most convenient route goes straight past a school with sport fields etc. I usually walk past every day at around 2pm (to coincide with the mail arriving at my mother in laws). I have never stopped at the school, never talked to kids, always leashed my dog...however I have glanced at the sports field as the kids play football etc...but never stopped or even slowed down. So, today, I was approached by a woman in her 40s that asked my to "discontinue" walking past the school, or she would have to call the cops on me. Apparently the school has observed me walking past fairly often, and I am now considered a "threat to the kids safety" Uhm....what? Tried to explain to her, very calmly I might add, what the situation is...but was told that the school takes sex offenders very seriously!! That's one...here's another: We have an open field right next to our house, thats not used for anything...apart from walking dogs. The other day I was back there with my dog...on a leash...and another older guy approaches with a big Labrador. The dog is not listening to him and is pulling him towards me and my dog, and I start walking slowly away from them to not create a scene. He then proceeds to unleash his dog, which then immediately takes off for my dog. His dog jumps on mine, and she is trying to hide behind me. His dog is behaving in what I judged to be a very aggressive manner, so I grabbed the dogs collar to keep her away from my dog until the owner can come get it. I then get yelled at and called a lot of very PG things, but it all boiled down to that I had to get my f'n hands off his dog, or he was going to give me the beating of a life time...and then (drumroll) call the cops. 3rd and final.... I love chinese food, and I will often call ahead and pick it up on my way home. Earlier in the week I stopped and parked the car right outside the door, with my dog in the car. It was a nice day, not cold, not hot, and I open the window and sunroof enough for her to have a fresh breeze through the car. I was gone for maybe 2-3min, and the dog could see me at all times through the window....she was standing in the front seat wagging her tail the whole time (no doubt waiting for chinese food as well). So, when I come out a woman in her 60s is standing next to my car, taking pictures and speaking on the phone. All I can hear is "here he is now" and she briskly walks towards me and launches into a tirade about how that was her lawyer she was talking to, and that she was seriously thinking about pressing charges...and if I hadn't come out the second I did she was going to (drumroll) call the cops on me. ***?? Is this the land of the free?? Anyways, how seriously should I take this? Am I going to be a registered sex offender for walking my dog?? Getting a bit worried... Ken (sorry if this is political and gets closed....just felt like I needed some second opinions here) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
camaroz06 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 (edited) Ha (not laughing at you, just how crappy your neighbors seem to be), take it in stride. While land of the free we are also: land of no common sense land of meatheads land of too much time on my hands so I get needlessly involved in other peoples business etc etc etc If anything I would kindly tell the woman that asked you to stop walking by the school to kindly shove it. Kindly I remind you. Shes actually infringing on personal rights, and no you're not going to be a registered sex offender. Also, it could be that you live in a neighborhood full of douches. Edited March 18, 2011 by camaroz06 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moose135 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Hey, Ken - I live on Long Island too, probably not that far from you (I'm about 25 minutes from JFK). I think most of it comes from the post-9/11 mantra of "If you see something, say something" that has been pushed to beat people into submission. As an aviation spotter/photographer, I get a lot of that shooting around JFK. Most of the time when the police stop to check us out, it is because some "concerned citizen" called and they need to respond. Frankly, if someone tells me they are going to call the police, I'll offer to do it for them. You aren't doing anything illegal if you are walking your dog on a public sidewalk, even if it happens to go past a school. At worst, the police will check your ID and let you go on your way. A hassle? Maybe, but you won't end up with a record because of it. Hang in there - not everyone on Long Island is like that! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Sounds like you need to get a cat... I keed I keed. I'm not going to get too deep into the political aspects of this but I will say "land of the free" entails the good things as well as the bad things. At times ones freedom overlays anothers and that's when character of the two is shown. Some people's character is such that they feel their rights (or the obviously paranoid thoughts of you infringing on thier rights without evidence) is more important than yours. Sadly at times, it's the loudest that win the arguements not the justified. It's not a perfect country, but it is still the land of the free. Bill P.S. welcome to the US! I hope your good experiences here far outweigh your bad ones. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helidriver Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 (edited) Thanks guys, that was pretty much what I thought as well. But it's a bit disconcerting having been threatened with the cops more the last week than the entire first 32years of my life.... Moose135: I see from your photos that you go to AAM a bit, I volunteer there, usually try to get there every Thursday...I was there yesterday. Thanks again! Niart17: good point...would have to agree with you there. And thanks for the welcome. This is certainly the land of opportunities!! So far I love it... Edited March 18, 2011 by Helidriver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Skyraider Maniac Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Methinks you'd be better off farther south - Charleston is nice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonW Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Ken, my girlfriend is originally from Long Island and I've gone down to visit her parents with her on a number of occasions. I have witnessed some of the same type of incidents you described. That being said, I wouldn't worry too much about this. It sounds like you hit a bad patch of luck is all. In order to be on the safe side, in the future, keep your car windows rolled most of the way up to avoid your dog frightening anyone. There are always people looking to take advantage of the legal system for a quick buck, I know it sucks, but you have to try to cover your @ss on occasion. As for the school, I wouldn't be too worried about it. Sounds like an over sensitive school administrator. If you have no criminal record, the police will probably just let you go on about your business. Make sure to stay off of school property during the school day and you should be good to go. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Two Mikes Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 We are also the land of too much time on our hands and the land of the lawsuit happy. Not to mention the land of I need to feel important. I feel for ya man. Don't judge the country on the backs of a few ignorant people. Those types are everywhere, regardless of nationality. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PNW_Modeler Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 It's not unique to Long Island I am afraid. People are too worried about what everyone else is doing they fail to see what a dillhole they are. Perfect example is the guy in my neighborhood that walks down the sidewalk screaming at cars going by because he thinks they are going too fast....I have since made it a point to drive 3 mph, staring at him the whole way if I see him now....it irritates him to no end! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richter111 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Come to Wisconsin, we are Minnesota nice here in Superior Quote Link to post Share on other sites
C-130CrewChief Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I highly doubt that the police would have taken any of that seriously. Honestly, you would have law suits yourself. In none of those instances, were you in the wrong. Next time, let them call the police. Stand there, and let the cops laugh at them, and maybe even scold them. The police have a lot better things to do than mess with an upstanding member of the community, because he likes to take his dog places with him. People are quick to call the cops, because cops are a good way to stop an argument. A lot of these people cant deal with other people like adults, so they need mediation. You my friend, are dealing with a few jerks. When I come across these types of people, I try to think of all the other people who are nice, like the person who held the door open for me, or the car that actually stopped to let me cross the street, etc. If you pay attention, there are a lot more nice people, than jerky people out there.....We just don't remember them as well. The ratio of nice people to mean people, in my experience is 100 to 1. You may also consider.... Those people who confronted you may have traumatic experiences that led them to act illogically. We should consider throwing a little pity to them, because of all the issues they have blending with society. (you are not the only person who they are jerks to) More than likely, they are in denial that they are Aholes, and think everyone else is a bunch of Aholes. This is not just in the USA..... In my experience, it is everywhere you have a large population mass. I hope you find more nice people than mean people. Curt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
C-130CrewChief Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Come to Wisconsin, we are Minnesota nice here in Superior Northern people are really nice! However, it makes us city folk feel like someone is sneaking up from behind!!! :) Just kidding, Nice people in general. Curt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CorsairMan Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 In order to be on the safe side, in the future, keep your car windows rolled most of the way up to avoid your dog frightening anyone. There are always people looking to take advantage of the legal system for a quick buck, I know it sucks, but you have to try to cover your @ss on occasion. Ok - I'll bite. How on earth can someone claim damages in this situation? If she thought there was something to report to an authority... ok, knock yourself out. But I don't see how she would have any ability to collect anything. She was likely not talking to any lawyer (that costs money) but she was an idiot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
toadwbg Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Come to Wisconsin, we are Minnesota nice here in Superior Iowa too, we are much more layed back here! We have corn and pigs to worry about LOL! Seriously, don't seat these fools. They will get what's comming to them- Karma! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aaronw Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 You really need to stop oppressing your neighbors. They simply are expressing their freedom to be (hmmm, how to get around the netnanny) well lets say the lowest end of the digestive system. #1 and 3 are what we generally call busy-bodies, they have nothing else to do, so their hobby is telling other people how they are supposed to live their lives. #2 is simply a jerk (and guilty of assault, so let him call the police). I would suggest you introduce him to #1 and 3, then maybe none of them will have time to harrass you anymore. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
thegoodsgt Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Next time take out your phone and take a picture of the old lady. Or simply pretend to. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
f14tomcat Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 On walking your dog past the school and the other ashehat letting his dog lose. Call the police yourself and let them get on the ashehats case. You did/done nothing wrong. Now your dog in the car. Down here in North Carolina it IS illegal to leave your dog in the car, if it can get to hot. That is what she maybe what she is after. Just be careful there. Otherwise, have fun. Wayne Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sharkmouth Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Having lived in New York City (now out of the city a good 60 miles) I have been at the brunt of those situations. In the first scenario, a registered sex offender is someone convicted of the crime. By NY State law, they must report where they reside and school authorities are informed who then inform the parents. If someone speaks to you about that again, remind them that you will gladly sue them for harassment. No police officer will arrest you since you can sue for unlawful arrest (see the previous post about this country being law suit happy). So, use this fear of law suits as well. Remind the owner of the aggressive dog that if your dog is traumatized (yes, hard to prove but there are actually pet psychiatrists available), you will sue for treatment, pain & suffering of the dog and your own pain & suffering. Be explicit in informing said person that you will allow him/her to beat you so that the compensation is greater plus the satisfaction you will have from pressing legal charges for assault and battery. In the third scenario, just look at the senior and smile... "I bought my dog his/her favorite Chinese food." That usually throws them off. Regards, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pep Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 HellDiver, I know how you feel. I too am an immigrant in this country, and thought I love everything that is has to offer I really do miss the simple way people used to resolve issues back home... talking. My story: My wife (a US citizen) and I recently had the good fortune to be able to purchase our first house. And are very happy with most of our neighbors. The first week we where there; I was walking my two beagles, they had already done their business and I had it bagged and tagged in my hand and returning home. All of a sudden I hear from behind me "Hey buddy! We don’t let our dogs go on other people’s yards!" funny thing is my dogs never went on his yard. He took out a shovel and picked up some poop and dropped it into the drain. I showed him my bags and said sorry but it wasn’t my dogs. He just grunted… Next day I was walking my dogs again and even though I was trying to skip his house, the female peed on the lawn. It took him two seconds to come out screaming out the front door, I tried to calm him down it wasn’t even on the front yard; but the small part between the walkway and street. Guess what... he threatened to call the cops on me! Two days later he has a huge sign that read "DONT LET YOUR DOGS CRAP ON MY YARD" One day the code enforcement was doing their rounds and guess what! He got a fine for the sign! I’m not sure what exactly deserved a fine but I was informed by a neighbor that it was in the $200 range. Now he has cameras lol! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerofan Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 (edited) #1 and 3 are what we generally call busy-bodies, they have nothing else to do, so their hobby is telling other people how they are supposed to live their lives.#2 is simply a jerk (and guilty of assault, so let him call the police). I would suggest you introduce him to #1 and 3, then maybe none of them will have time to harrass you anymore. Although I don't live in the USA, I do live in a large urban center. I agree with what Aaronw says. Basically IMHO all three needs to get a LIFE and/or some FRIENDS. They sound like lonely people who needs to go out and enjoy what beauty the world has to offer. With the school incident, if there was a real problem the school principal or local police liason would have approached you about it rather than some crazy cat lady. If you don't have any criminal record, I'd just brush them off the shoulder and continue on as you usually do. However, it is also true that after September 11th many people are more vigilant about their observations but the ones you mentioned don't real fit into suspicious and unusal activites that would threaten a community, nation or the world. Just an added fact, I live in the city showcased by a world event in the winter of 2010. Eventhough much good things were said by news agencies around the world, we have just about the same problems you encountered. It is the majority of good natured people, I hope I can include myself with them, that really enjoyed hosting the world and presenting a postive atmosphere that turned the event into a big party - just don't get me into a discussion about the cost of that shindig. My point is that don't take these minority of lonely people's action to heart and don't let them take you down to their level because you'll just turn into one of them and one is already too many. Now Helidriver, get it off your mind and get back to enjoying your scale model projects. . Edited March 18, 2011 by aerofan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne S Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Cell phones are great. Yes it is land of the free, when they threaten to "call the cops" you are free to do the same, being that I am not a people person as it is, If I am annoyed enough by the person ill call the police station my self. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JasonW Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Ok - I'll bite. How on earth can someone claim damages in this situation? If she thought there was something to report to an authority... ok, knock yourself out. But I don't see how she would have any ability to collect anything. She was likely not talking to any lawyer (that costs money) but she was an idiot.Okay, a bite. Great.I'm not saying anything here other than if you cover yourself, you give the morons no opportunity or opening to even give you hassle of any kind. Much simpler in my opinion. Not sure what Canada is like, but down here, even if the fools have no legal leg to stand on, they still proceed with suing you. Makes your life generally miserable for while. In the end, even though nothing ever comes of it due to the fact they didn't have much of a leg to stand on, it gives you agitation and takes up time in your life better spent doing other things and you don't have to go through the trouble of worrying about it. I know, it's happened to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne S Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Ok - I'll bite. How on earth can someone claim damages in this situation? If she thought there was something to report to an authority... ok, knock yourself out. But I don't see how she would have any ability to collect anything. She was likely not talking to any lawyer (that costs money) but she was an idiot. Does not cost money to talk to a lawyer. If his wording is correct tho, she did say "pressing charges" which would constitute something criminally he did against her "not a civil lawsuit". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
big fatty Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Your problem is that U live in the NORTH east. Move south young man and never look back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Skyraider Maniac Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Your problem is that U live in the NORTH east. Move south young man and never look back. That's what I was saying! Just not as blunt I was trying to be nice, LOL. But excellent point Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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