How Linda Cropp Lost My Vote

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The bill also would make it the buyer or seller's responsibility to prove that the items will not be used for illegal drugs, instead of requiring the police to prove the particular item's illegal use.
Mr. Mendelson and Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp, a Democrat who is running for mayor, introduced the bill last week.

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Linda, Linda, Linda think for a second about what you are saying, you introduced a bill that make people prove they are innocent this runs amok of the Supreme Court's decision on Coffin v. United States which points to the presumption of innocence as a key element of our legal system. To put this example in terms that show you how backwards this can be. Kitchen knives can be used for cooking, but they can also be used for murder. You wouldn't for a minute try to make it Bed, Bath and Beyond's responsibility to prove that knife purchasers will not use their knives for murder would you? Could imagine a day where the police would be allowed to search your home for kitchen knives and then you would have to prove that you weren't going to use them for murder? Think about the precedent you are setting. Additionally what is substantial proof, using the doctrine of innocent until proven guilty the District has to prove _beyond as reasonable doubt_ that you are guilty. Under your bill the what will be the burden of proof of innocence, how can you reasonably prove your "future intentions" beyond a reasonable doubt? This just bad legislation pure and simple.

Update A friend asked me if the ban also includes lighters? This would have been a better example than the knives