RWer targets my car

[Steve L]

I still have my Kerry bumper sticker as well as one that reads "God is Not a Republican." I usually park my car directly across the street from my house. The guy that owns the house directly across the street has 2 or 3 SUV's with the usual "I Love God", "Abortion Stops a Beating Heart", and "Bush/Cheney04" stickers. I knew we'd have a run in eventually but I didn't think it would go like this.

Last Wednesday I leave my house to go to work and when I get to my car I find a bright orange sticker on the windshield that reads-

NOTICE

TO THE CITIZEN-Your attention is called to the violation of a law which is essential to the peace, safety and welfare of all citizens.

Ordinance 76.01 through 76.99 make it a violation to allow an auto in this condition to remain on public property. You will be allowed 48 hours to remove this car. Failure to do so will result in a warrant being issued for you and your car being impounded.

ISSUED BY THE ABANDONED VEHICLE UNIT

When I called them they said a neighbor had called and reported my car being abandoned and not moving for a long time. Only problem is that my car is less than 5 years old. Has barely a scratch on it, leaves with me to go to work every day, and has has current plates and tags. My car is far from the oldest one on the street and I have neighbors with multiple cars who don't drive some for weeks. Amazingly the cop didn't come to my door even though my car was in front of my house and registered to that address. I haven't confronted this guy yet. Ideas?

Did I mention I live in Ohio?

[bleedingheart]

1. Report him to the IRS, tell them that based on conversations

at a neighborhood barbeque that you suspect he isn't paying "his fair share"..

So when he gets the big "AUDIT" notification in the mail, he may understand the meaning of not using the law to mess with people for no reason.

edit: hopefully your nose is clean because reporting him could backfire...and no..I have never done this to anyone but I know people who have done this to others out of spite...

[solinvictus]

5. I agree..

If you know beyond a shadow of a doubt who did this, inform on the rat with the IRS. Tell them, anonymously, that they've been bragging at local get togethers that they have been "dodging the tax man". One of the Junior G-men at IRS would love to check their books for the past five or more years.

[Roland99]

52. Fuck that...report his house as a Meth Lab!

[BlueEyedSon]

2. Legal action?

[mistertrickster]

3. Okay, this is really evil, but too good not to pass along.

Wait until your idiot neighbor goes on vacation. Then buy a wrecked car for 100 dollars. Do not get a bill of sale, pay in cash. Remove VIN's. Plaster that wrecked car with anti-abortion stickers, Republican campaign stickers, fundy Christian stickers, etc.

Park it in front of your neighbor's house.

(On edit--to my knowledge, none of this is illegal. If any part of this is illegal, you should not do it. I in no way encourage anyone to commit illegal acts.)

*******

An easier way to do pretty much the same thing would be to find somebody who's got a junked car that barely runs sitting around someplace. It's got to be a real eyesore.

Park that someuvabitch in front of your neighbor's house and move it a foot every day for about two weeks.

That should send a message. You want junk cars . . . you got 'em.

[XanaDUer]

8. Remember that the VIN is all thru the car

not just on the dashboard.

It is on the engine, and I think some other places.

If you can eradicate all the VINs though, this could work.

:evilgrin:

[mistertrickster]

13. Yeah, that's the part that may be illegal, heh . . . I don't know for sure

nt

[XanaDUer]

16. Right.

That is why I was warning the OP because some think the VIN is in one place.

[Occulus]

39. AFAIK, removing VINs at all is illegal n/t

[Pathwalker]

49. It is in Michigan.

You'll land in jail in michigan for removing ANY VIN # on a vehicle.

[XanaDUer]

57. Well, there you go

THus that plan of revenge is not feasible. Better to let the police handle it, if that neighbor was the one who called, as a false report.

[bryant69]

4. That's a BS tactic

What did the cops say? You might be able to get him on harrassment.

I wonder about that sometimes, I have a sticker in my window from the Propoganda Remix project, and a car down the row had a poster "Thousands of America Military men serving Iraq are going to vote for George W. Bush. Are you going to negate their vote by voting for Kerry?"

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Kerrytravelers]

6. I would take pictures of you car to show the current condition...

... and where it is parked. Then, I would go down to the police station and let them know what is going on. Hopefully, a Kerry voting cop will be the one yu talk to (just kidding.) Stay calm so the cop doesn't think you wear a tin foil hat.:tinfoilhat: (some people are unaware of what rethugs are capable of... can you believe it?) If you aren't satisfied, contact a lawyer.

I would also contact my local Democratic Party, the state party and your nearest Democratic representative. Let them know what is going on to Democrats.

I wouldn't confront this guy. You never know what he is capable of. If he'd sink as low as to report your car, he might pull other stunts as well. You need to be safe and keep yourself out of harm's way- we can't lose a good Democrat!

[Misunderestimator]

46. I agree with your approach.

[cdb]

7. Set his SUV's on fire.

No, just kidding, don't do that.

Make up a notice just like the one on your car and put it under his windsheild wipers.

NOTICE

TO THE DELUSIONAL CITIZEN-Your attention is called to the violation of a law which is essential to the peace, safety and welfare of all citizens of the world.

Ordinance 666.01 through 666.99 make it a violation to allow an auto in this condition to remain on public or private property. Jingoistic and thoughtless bumper stickers are a disgrace and embarrasment to our great nation and encourage the death of decency, democracy and freedom. You will be allowed 48 hours to remove these stickers from your vehicle. Failure to do so will result in continued contempt and mockery by your fellow citizens.

ISSUED BY THE PATRIOTIC VEHICLE UNIT

[Steve L]

10. Thanks!

That's great! Thanks for taking the time to compose that. I'll print that off and use it if it happens again.

[musette_sf]

12. and add an enlistment form too (eom)

[WearyOne]

47. thats a good one !

[Mad_Dem_X]

11. I like that one!

There are quite a few cars in my neighborhood that could use one of those. LOL

[smirkymonkey]

53. That's priceless!

I like it! :)

[RevolutionStartsNow]

9. Obviously your bumper sticker drives him nuts

My advice is to put a few more on your car. And maybe a sign in your window.

[renaissanceguy]

17. Or better yet, put your bumper stickers

on his car.


http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.21272015

[Cash]

14. First of all

Are you sure beyond a shadow of a doubt your neighbor is the one who called it in? I highly doubt the police will tell you who did report it.

Beyond that, I'd be more reasonable. Let the authorities know that the car cited is the one you drive to work everyday and you don't know how someone could have mistaken that vehicle for being abandoned. Maybe ask them to let the "neighbor" who called it in know that they made an error.

Really, you don't want to retaliate over something you can't necessarily prove who did it. My guess is you've either got someone in your neighborhood who is nosy, someone who is being malicious, or some kids playing a prank. Don't let them think they got the best of you.

[sendero]

18. Whether he is or not..

... I am (sure they did it) and I for one am tired of Dems being the only ones who "turn the other cheek".

Fuck that. Get even with the fools.

[Cash]

24. How can you be sure?

You're not Steve L.

[sendero]

34. I'm assuming...

... the account by the OP has all the salient facts and is true. That being the case, I'd have no doubt.

It might be possible to get the dept to tell you. That would be better, but not required.

[Bluerthanblue]

48. if 'we'....

.... do as 'THEY' do, then they have won-
'We' have become just like 'them'- Doing what is 'right' doesn't always 'feel' good- Doesn't always show immediate results, and doesn't satisfy our desire to 'get even' but it still leaves us in the 'right' -

the REAL 'right' that is- not the 'so-called' right- The 'christian right' doing what is so very obviously wrong by saying "yeah but HE did 'this' or 'that'- and saying that 'justifies them, but thier two "rights" make them doubly WRONG-

i'd rather be left behind, than be in thier handbag going 'right' down into the darkness-

as i say to my child, if you don't like it when someone does something to you, why imitate them? that is telling them you think they are worth following- or that thier behaviour is something 'good'-

no one said this would be easy- or quick, but most good things take time, suffering, pain, and patience-

[noamnety]

50. The voice of reason

There is no need to escalate the animosity. A businesslike call to the department that issued the citation, and a request for them to treat it as a false report if possible, or at a minimum to notify the people who reported it that the car is not abandoned, is all that's needed.

[Kansas Wyatt]

15. Can you take photos of your car, copy all registration, & maintenance logs

And go down to your police station with all of the evidence that clearly shows that your neighbor made a false report?

Surely their are laws on the books that are specifically for false reports, and make sure a complaint is filed against your neighbor for making false reports to the authorities.

[sendero]

21. That would be ..

... the best course of action, since $100 of tax monies were wasted by the person who had to come out and sticker the vehicle, make a report, etc.

[Kansas Wyatt]

And it would go on the neighbor's record.

So the next time the neighbor tried this crap, maybe they would not be believed. It would also document a pattern of hostility, if any further trouble came up with this neighbor.

[JHB]

26. This seems the best course to me...

...It may not be as satisfying, but it does guard against an honest mistake. You should, however, mention that if this particular neighbor was the one who called the complaint in then he's dragging the police in on a simple case of not liking someone's bumper stickers!

Get it recorded. If it really was that guy making a harrassing complaint, he's bound to try it or something else again. If you have this complaint on file, it will help in establishing a pattern in case it needs further action later on.

[Verve]

51. This is by far the best idea!

File a false report claim. Tell the police station you want this harassment to stop and are not leaving the station until you are able to file a complaint against this neighbor.

[Lars39]

19. Don't confront him, just have a talk with the police.

It may not have been him that falsely reported your car.
I would think the police might not think too kindly on the neighbor who did this.
Police might not be too keen on anything else coming from this neighbor, too.

[TahitiNut]

20. I'd swear out a complaint that he filed a False Police Report ...

... and do it immediately. He broke the law, and did it for partisan political reasons. I'd vigorously pursue prosecution.

[lonestarnot]

23. This would be the most likely and reasonable answer.

[Az]

22. I would play it civilly

Simply go over and ask him if he meant to report your car. Inform him that the cops said he made the claim and you were wondering why he would do such a thing. Don't raise your anger or anything. If you can make sure his kids are present do so. Let him broil in his own hypocrisy.

If he does something like that again all bets are off.

[NV Whino]

25. I would ask:

Why are you parking in front of his house rather than your own?

I'm sure that is not illegal, but that action alone may be precipitating the alleged reaction from your neighbor.

[Az]

28. A common situation in many neighborhoods

My parents live in such a community. On one side of the street they have mailboxes. On the other is parking. Both mailboxes on one side of the street and both houses are allowed to park on the other.

[NV Whino]

29. Ah, you live in SteveL's neighborhood, do you?

[Az]

30. I don't believe I gave that impression

Merely suggesting that such conditions were within the boundaries of normal social expectations.

[NV Whino]

31. I don't disagree with your speculation,

but it doesn't answer the question that was asked of SteveL.

[Az]

35. Sorry but I am not going to be able to answer the question for him

I can contribute to the conversation though by suggesting corellaries and such. I wonder what you were hoping to accomplish by this line of thought. I don't believe I offered any sort of beligerant comments. I didn't presume to answer the question for him. So it just seems odd to me that you are reacting in this way. Sorry if I offended you. It certainly wasn't intended.

[NV Whino]

41. And I don't mean to offend you,

but I think it's a question that needs to be answered. Let me give you a couple of "for instances," each of which garner different reactions.

1. If he were continually parking in front of my place, taking up space where I or my guests would park (and there were no extenuating circumstances such as you mentioned), I'd be pissed too.

2. In my small town some people park vehicles on a particular stretch of the main street with for sale signs on them. The vehicles are not parked in front of residences. The residences are accessed by a private drive behind a wall. The vehicles have all been in good condition and relatively new. The vehicles are not left for days on end, they are parked in the morning and removed later in the day. Residents have a problem with this (behind the wall or across the street, I don't know which--maybe both), and put signs on the vehicles that this is not a used car lot. (As far as I know it is not illegal to park on a street with a for sale sign on the vehicle as long as the vehicle does not remain there indefinitely.) I don't have a problem with this situation since it is not infringing on anyone's immediate parking area.

edited for clarity.

[bleedingheart]

32. It is a common situation in urban neighborhoods

and if the neighbor was so upset about people parking in front of his house he could do what they do in our area...Put a chair in the space...but then again it results in everyone doing it until the people get sick of the "unsightly" chairs so the authorities get involved and they then require that people buy "tags" to park on certain streets....and this all results because of petty people...

[NNN0LHI]

27. Don't get mad. Get even. Use your imagination

I will PM you with an idea. Just don't do anything illegal.

Don

[stevedeshazer]

33. How do you know it was that guy?

You'd sure end up looking stupid if someone else is responsible.

[Cash]

38. (Applause)

I agree. As a kid I used to pull pranks like this all the time. Sometimes calling the grocery store to ask if they have "Prince Albert in a can" just isn't enough of a fix.

[Verve]

54. LoL!

The best prank call my brother and I ever completed as kids was when he called KFC and asked "How big are your breasts?" The quick witted employee responded with "More than you can handle!"

[oc2002]

55. ..call the local police department from anonomous tip that he is a crack

dealer..haha.

[LostinVA]

36. During college,m I worked in the Abandoned Auto Enforcement

Area as a summer job. Now, this has been a long time ago, and every city id different. However, in NC it sued to be illegal to cite a car as abandoned if: it was on the owner's property AND had current tags and had all of it's wheels attached. I would call up that department of your city and raise hell -- call up whatever official/newspaper/etc. you have to. Plus, asked who reported it. If they say they can't tell you, give your neighbor's name, say 'I know you can't legally tell me this, but my neighbor's name is Mr. X., and he has a personal grudge against me because of my political affiliation. I consider this a vindictive and probably illegal action on his part. He knows my car is in working order. I just wanted to let you all know this, because if it happens again, I will have to get an attorney to get to the bottom of this." In some states, you can get arrested for this. We used to have exes calling in fake abandoned cars on their exes ALL the time.

[knitter4democracy]

37. I would just deal with the cops.

We had a neighbor call us in for letting our daughter (who wasn't even two yet) run around in our front yard without any clothes on (while we were there watching her). The cop who investigated was obviously pissed that such a stupid call came in. She apologized over and over for wasting our time while saying that she had no choice but to follow up on the call.

Get pictures and all, go to the police, and show them how it's not an abandoned car or anything. Show them that it was a false complaint. That'll make them pretty mad for being used in a petty neighborhood disagreement.

[bleedingheart]

40. My landlord in college called the cops on me for having a study

group at my apartment.

She lived across the street. She saw me enter the building with six friends.

We were studying for an engineering exam, we had pizza and pop..

No music...no nothing...but she was a very nebby old lady and so she called the cops to complain cuz she had some sort of vivid imagination..

The Pittsburgh Police showed up..with a WAGON..thinking they would have to pick up a bunch of us for disorderly conduct....

So they get to my place, ring the bell...and me and a guy I was studying with go downstairs, thinking that it was someone from our class...and we see 4 police officers!!!

They were royally pissed off about the call. I even invited them in to verify visually that we were just studying...and they then called back to the station and told them to ignore any further calls from the old lady....talk about a waste of taxpayers money.

[wicket]

44. sounds like my old landlord

Nosey ol' biddy! Boy am I glad I don't live there any more.

[knitter4democracy]

45. The cops really hate those calls.

It takes them away from real business.

[DebinTx]

42. I'd be concerned about the police

putting that sticker on your car when it clearly wasn't abandoned. I'd put the heat on the police to explain themselves. They didn't contact you at all, so that means that they didn't do their job. Make them eat dirt and insist that they go back on the neighbor who complained, for filing a false report. Tell them too, that you'd best not come out to go to work and find your car gone (be extremely nice to them when you do it, you may need their help one day). Document the whole thing for any future aggravation from the police and/or the neighbor.

[Bluerthanblue]

43. if you are SURE it was your 'christian'...

...'neighbor'- then i would do what will be the absolute last thing he would expect, and the exact thing he SHOULD have done-

i'd leave a note under his windshield wipers telling him that you forgive him for his 'misjudgement' of you, and offering to discuss why you believe as you do- That voting for Kerry was indeed voting for those who are 'the least of these' - That the bible and Christ in particular was FAR more interested in taking care of the 'little' guy, the downtrodden, the needy, than He was at increasing the 'riches' being stored up by those who already have far too much.

You (if you don't believe in God, and -that's fine) might also rub a little salt in his wounded soul by saying that you won't hold his actions as representive of all those who claim to 'embrace Christ' but as a person, just like all of us- one who sometimes makes very poor choices, and hurts others out of fear, pride, anger and a desire to 'vent' on the nearest, easiest target.

Your loving response to this 'christians' rude behaviour is better than revenge- because YOU will have nothing to regret- or feel ashamed of (unlike him).

it's a sticker- MLK and those who stood up for what they held dear faced far more formidible attacks- as i fear we all will if we are truly in this for the 'long haul'- but doing right in the face of wrong is right, even when it doesn't satisfy our instinctual desire for 'revenge'-

don't mean to belittle your experience- i'd be pissed too, but i'd want to act rather than 're-act'

[goodboy]

56. where in ohio?