Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

October 21, 2010

Last July, a speed trap in Byrnes Mill, Missouri snagged Rich Stephens, a former professional football player. Stephens was arrested by two officers, one of whom handcuffed and kicked him. Stephens was jailed, but not charged with a crime. He eventually had to pay $160 to retrieve his pickup truck from an impound lot.

Rather than filing a formal complaint that would be either ignored or dismissed after a perfunctory inquiry, Stephens is seeking more tangible redress: He has challenged his police assailant, Officer Tim Walker, to a refereed mixed martial arts match, with the proceeds going to charity. The challenge came in the form of a full-page ad bought by Stephens, as well as a television news interview and a sign posted on his pickup truck.

Byrnes Mill Chief of Police Ed Locke considers Stephens? challenge to Officer Walker as a threat to ?officer safety.? Of course, Walker would be permitted to fight back, which isn?t the case for people needlessly abused by bullies in blue.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.