I'm a miserable bastard. I get even more snotty when I'm fighting a cold, as I've been doing the last four weeks. Long after the bacterial infection is gone, I'm still unable to speak more than a sentence without erupting like Mount Vesuvius. My friends just love that, although I swear I'm no longer contagious. My throat just tickles when I speak. This weekend, I made a point of gargling warm salt water several times a day. I also decided, last night, to get "Bronkaid." I stopped at two different drug stores, where the clerks refused to sell me this over-the-counter medicine because the sale must be logged by a pharmacist for some reason.
Okiedokie.
On my way home, I noticed I was running out of gas and stopped at Quick Fill, located on Linden Street in Bethlehem, right next to the 7-11. That's close to Freedom High School. I'm usually oblivious to my surroundings, but couldn't help noticing all the strange items for sale at this supposed convenience store and gas station.
For one thing, the place was full of those extra long T-shirts worn by gang bangers. But what really blew my mind was all the drug paraphernalia on display. A hookah sat on top of one counter, and all kinds of bongs and crack pipes were arranged neatly inside a glass case.
"Come on man, what are you doing? You're selling gang clothing and drug paraphernalia to kids," I said to the store manager, a person who refused to identify himself but appeared to be of Indian or Pakistani descent.
He told me "It's not my problem. It's up to the parents to watch their kids." He also told me it's a free country, and in his Indian/Pakistani accent, said I should leave if I don't like it. He declined to name the store's owner, but called me a "scum bag."
Well, in this free country, where I can't get a bottle of Bronkaid without jumping through hoops, it's hard to believe that a store located near Freedom High School is brazenly selling drug paraphernalia, especially when the store manager admits knowing that kids will use them to consume illegal drugs.
Last May, in Montgomery County, a convenience store manager selling the exact same kinds of bongs and crack pipes on display at Quick Fill, was arrested for state drug law violations. His business, like Quick Fill, was located close to a high and middle school.
Bethlehem, incidentally, has a Health Department that monitors the illegal sale of tobacco. Why not drug paraphernalia?
64 comments:
because the health bureu is run by a pychotic drunk? Besides jc spent all their money on something else
You're not following the Republican Health plan: Don't get sick. If you have insurance, don't get sick. If you don't have insurance, don't get sick. If you're sick, don't get sick. Why are you sick? But if you REALLY have to get sick, please die quickly.
The guy had you pegged Ohare. I hope he sent your picture to there enforcement branch. Those Pakistani/Indian owner dudes don't care who your buddies are.
Ms. Maloney is a competent and honest health bureau director.
My concern is that drug paraphernalia is being braxenly sold close to a school, and by someone who is rationalizing this activity. Based on what happened in Montgomery County, I question why police are not taking a more proactive approach to businesses that make it easier for gets to get mixed up in drugs and gangs.
Anon 1:21, This post has nothing to do with health care reform. It concerns drugs and children. You really have a one track mind.
"The guy had you pegged Ohare. I hope he sent your picture to there enforcement branch. Those Pakistani/Indian owner dudes don't care who your buddies are."
What a bizarre little troll you must be. Because you detest me, you don't give a shit about kids who are getting unnecessary exposure to drugs and gangs. So it will be OK if your teen age daughter has a bong in her purse, I guess.
Really, Isn't Ms. Maloney the same drunk chick that crashed her car DUI and got into a fight over a married boyfriend.
Your circle of friends is indeed impressive Ohare.
Many stores prominently display brillo pads and those glass tubes with roses in them that are often used as crack pipes.
In the same school district that permitted a meth-addicted middle school principal to sell the stuff from his office until he was busted with his pants around his ankles watching porn on a school computer - all while the school went without things like hot water for months, does anybody care?
On another note, that Bronkaid will kill you - no joke. Go see the doctor and get some albuterol, Bernie. You don't need bad meds.
Penn Jersey gas in Washington Twsp. outside Bangor also sells pipes and rolling papers and they are prominently displayed for all to see. What can a concerned citizen do? This is the land of the free...no?
Oh please. Another soldier of the failed war on drugs.
Obviously, different municipalities have different laws. This is the first time you saw a head shop? Whitehall and Easton are just two towns I know for a fact allow these sales. What makes a "crack pipe" anyway?
There is a PA Wine and Spirits shop even closer! Oh no! The state is pushing the most addictive and destructive drug of our society on unsuspecting teens at Freedom!
I got the same response about drug paraphernalia on display at the 7-11 on Susquehanna St in Allentown. "Not my problem." Maybe we should try outing the corporate owners of these convenience stores. Anybody have a phone number for 7-11?
There are several establishments within walking distance of the school that also sell Pepsi and Doritos to all ages. The obesity epidemic is killing our kids. Just look at the size of many of those waddling into school. Shall we go after the junk food peddlers within walking distance of these schools?
Wiki - Pseudoephedrine
"The House passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 ("CMEA") as an amendment to the renewal of the Patriot Act."
Because if you got the meds you needed, the Terrorists would win. Isn't Obama working on repealing the Patriot Act?
"Shall we go after the junk food peddlers within walking distance of these schools?"
Big difference between Doritos and crack cocaine.
AQnon 3:56, aka 3 AM troll, I do not perspnally know Ms. Maloney but she is competent and professional. Everybody deserves a second chance.
"Obviously, different municipalities have different laws."
Nope. Same law throughout the state. Anyone who sells items he knows are being used to consume drugs, is guilty of selling drug paraphernalia.
"that Bronkaid will kill you"
I think I'll pass on it.
Anon 8:53, I'm going to ask why this is tolerated.
It's tolerated because we cannot continue to waste law enforcement's time on victimless crimes. Perhaps we should be patrolling neighborhoods and locking up criminals and "gang bangers" instead of hassling small business owners. Newsflash: tens of millions of people smoke marijuana and they aren't children.
Big difference between Doritos and crack cocaine.
And Jack Daniels? That's OK, right? That's not an "icky DRUG*!
No 13 yr old can buy Jack Daniels, but he can walk into Quick Fill and buy a bong or a crack pipe.
We have an obligation to prtect our children, and stores like that should not be tolerated.
"It's tolerated because we cannot continue to waste law enforcement's time on victimless crimes."
Wrong. I don't consider a 12 year old doing crack cocaine a victimless crime. Go sell that bullshit somewhere else.
You might have a valid point if you can claim evidence of any 12-year old buying a pipe in that store let alone it being used for "crack."
Looks like Stretch Armstrong is in the house today.
anon1:21,
Not to bore the socks off an otherwise interesting discussion but please can we spare everyone of the “Republican health care plan-don’t get sick” nonsense. That sort of blatant misrepresentation /propaganda is a waste of everyone’s time. It is tedious.
Scott Armstrong
"You might have a valid point if you can claim evidence of any 12-year old buying a pipe in that store let alone it being used for 'crack.'"
The store manager essentially admitted it, blames the parents, says it's a free country and calls me a scum bag.
Thats the same gas station the has "cash price" in very tiny writing on their sign.
Apparently you do not understand the drug laws. If the motive was to eliminate drug use, these devices you mention would also be illegal to sell. But the goal is to perpetuate the 'War on Drugs' and it's huge budget as well as the careers it's created.
There is also a more dark side: the marginalizing a huge segment of the population and the taking away their rights.
"If the motive was to eliminate drug use, these devices you mention would also be illegal to sell."
They are illegal to sell. "35 P.S. 780-113, (32) and (33): Possession, Delivery and Possession with Intent to Deliver Drug Paraphernalia (knowing, or under circumstances where on reasonably should know, that it would be used to inhale or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance). These charges are Misdemeanors and upon conviction there is a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both."
Not only is there a high school in the area, Spring Garden "Elementary" School is less that a mile as well.
"Big difference between Doritos and crack cocaine."
Are you accusing Quick Fill of selling crack? And I'd like to see a comparison of crack-related vs. obesity-related deaths. I'll bet obesity is a far worse problem.
I think it's safe to say that crack cocaine is far ore dangerous than Doritos ... and illegal. A store that sells objects whose only real use is to enable the consumption of this dangerous and illegal drug should be stopped.
If you think Doritos are dangerous, make an appointment w/ your state rep. The laws that are already on the books should be enforced, especially when it cocerns the safety of children.
Were shot glass, brandy snifter, and beer mug sales targeted during Prohibition? Maybe that's why Prohibition didn't work! Silly post.
There was no specific law targeting shot glasses. There is a specific law targeting frug paraphernalia.
You want 7-11s to be able to sell that crap to kids. I don't.
They are illegal to sell. "35 P.S. 780-113, (32) and (33): Possession, Delivery and Possession with Intent to Deliver Drug Paraphernalia (knowing, or under circumstances where on reasonably should know, that it would be used to inhale or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance). These charges are Misdemeanors and upon conviction there is a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both."
I think the local law enforcement is powerless unless they can entrap the proprietor into admitting they are used for illegal drugs. An inanimate object does not declare itself useful for a particular use. Right up the street is Tinder Box, a "tobacco" shop.
You want 7-11s to be able to sell that crap to kids. I don't.
If you are going to babble incoherently about this, at least provide evidence that "kids" are being sold this merchandise. You sound ridiculous.
I would not favor entrapment. In this case, the store manager all but admitted the intended illegal use by children. But I'm no law enforcement official and did not trick him. he knew how I felt and did not care.
BTW, cops aren't going to waste time on misdemeanors. I don't blame them either. Talk to your representative if you want to drug war escalated to lock up even more people. But we stills gots our al-kee-hol! Yahoo!
The clerk's rudeness aside, his point about parental responsibility is valid. I get your frustration, but you're blaming a symptom. If the crap is illegal to peddle, he should certainly be arrested and fined.
But the crap being illegal is pointless. Prohibitions don't work. They are bloated jobs programs that have made drug-related crime and addiction worse.
Bernie,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Bernie,
Anyone who thinks this isn’t problem doesn’t understand the serious implications of drug use by children. One's entire life is shaped by these few short but important years. It is a sad fact that too many children are left to their own devices, their situation can quickly deteriorates when drugs and related paraphernalia are readily available.
I would think the media could shine a light on this and in the process shame the vender into some responsibility. Thank you Bernie for bringing it to our attention.
Scott Armstrong
Hardware store by my house sells rope and rat poison. If you knew my wife, you'd know my temptation. Restraint is a matter of personal responsibility.
Armstrong - Do you have alcohol in your house? You may want to check the statistics concerning alcoholism. Of course drugs have a detrimental effect on children. Duh. So does the alcohol in your house and the prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet.
The trick is - and stay with me here - PARENTING. I suppose you want your job as a parent to be offloaded to the government in this case but ONLY this case.
Let's think and be sensible. Not all adult items are sold to children.
Is it possible to enjoy Doritos responsibily? YES.
Is it possible to enjoy alcohol responsibily? YES.
Is it possible to enjoy crack cocain responsibly? NO.
And, is it possible that those glass pipes are NOT for crack cocaine? NO.
This is an open and shut case. Bernie is 100% correct. When it comes to kids, we cannot simply rely on parents to do the right thing. Sometimes store owners have to do the right thing, too, even if it means missing out on a few bucks.
I assume Monkey Mama has used cocaine and had a problem with it. I can assure you that her statement about responsible use is false as there are millions of functioning addicts in this country just as there are functional alcoholics.
And the glass pipes are for weed. Duh. (Psst, there are tens of millions of marijuana smokers in every facet of life.)
The problem with our endless and expensive and underachieving war on drugs are people like Monkey Mama who have absolutely no clue what they are talking about.
It's anon 3:56 who doesn't know what they're talking about.
I never tried cocaine. I have many friends who smoke weed, though, and not one of us uses a GLASS pipe.
If you think there are responsible crack users out there, then I can only assume you are a crackhead yourself and therefore unable to engage in any meaningful dialogue.
"Is it possible to enjoy crack cocain responsibly? NO."
What a hateful, racist comment. Your intoxicants are fine in your responsible white world. Yet, you begrudge others their preferred intoxicant under the premise that YOU know THEY are irresponsible. And you've even passed draconian laws to distinguish between powder and rock cocaine so that university bound whites are hand-slapped, while kids downtown are put in penitentiaries for being caught with the same substance. Coincidence? Yeah. Take off the sheet and give equality a chance.
Look, the point is that it is not possible to use crack cocaine responsibly. It is impossible to use any form of cocaine responsibly. It is impossible to use LSD or acid or any form of heroin responsibly. They are all debilitating drugs. Even if you advocate legalization, as you seem to do, it is irresponsible to expose children to drugs or items that make it easier for them to consume drugs. This convenience store is less than a mle from an elementary school. It is also very close to Freedom High school. The proprietor of that store doesn't give a shit whether kids buy bongs and crack pipes. I do. So does the state legislature. You might want to change our laws, bt they are what they are. Franklu, nobody is buying what you are smoking.
You sound like that guy who used to be all ovr Topix, ranting about Jim Crow and legaLIZATION.
The store owner may well be providing much appreciated products to neighborhood adults, including parents of said children. The recovering, formerly irresponsible, who believe nothing may used responsibly, should not execute their penance by visiting zealotry on others who've not exhibited similar tendencies.
Dude, you're out of your mind. Nobody wants that shit near their children. Period.
Anon 254,
Wow! Did you even read my post? Helpful suggestion, next time make sure you have established a clear understanding of any statement before attempting a response.
Scott Armstrong
Ohare no one wants you near their children but there you are!
As a father of two teenage children, I am dispusted with the attitude of the employee at the store. Thank you Bernie for standing up to what is right. Comparing crack-cocaine to doritos is absolutely ridiculous.
Yes, it's my job to "parent" my children, but give me a break. And I don't think it's a waste of time for the police to monitor these type stores that are close to schools.
Good for you Bernie.
And I don't think it's a waste of time for the police to monitor these type stores that are close to schools.
When does it become a waste of time? 1 mile away? 2 miles away? When are the cops going to swoop in on the Tinder Box who sells "tobacco products?" What about the market that sells rolling papers, blunts, and other "questionable" but legal merchandise?
Protect the children! Oh no! Thanks, but I have my children covered. How about you?
When my pap was a magistrate in the 40's and the 50's, decent men would have shown this scumbag that he and his store weren't welcome,
and neither he nor the cops would have given it a second look.
Now, we have lawyers, lawyers, and more freaking lawyers. These guys will continue to do what they do, because there is no real consequence.
We can pass laws, proclaimations, protest, and picket. And whether it's the crack pipe seller or the CEO at Goldman Sachs, or the school board who just keeps taking and spending your money,they know the law will be tougher on someone who would kick their ass for being a scumbag than it would on them for being a scumbag. And they laugh at us all the way to the bank.
I wish I could disagree with you, but you're making a lot of sense.
So anon 5:08, you want citizens to allow you and Ohare to decide what laws are worth defending and who is worthy of defense or a "beat down"? Fortunately neither you nor Ohare are allowed anywhere near the Law unless when you are being arrested.
Amen!
Ohare nice to see you agree with someone who would violate someones civil rights. Sort of makes all your "rule of law" lectures sound like bullshit!
8:14 -
I don't want citizens to allow me to decide anything. I want citizens to quit abdicating their responsibility and hiding behind representative government.
Society has punted, allowing corrupt politicians/lawyers to create an insulated system that enriches them while conferring greater protections on those who would harm the people than the people who would defend their communities.
Someone said the cops wouldn't be bothered with misdemeanors. Probably so. God knows their hands are full with all the other bullshit going on. But that doesn't mean you just give in and say, OK-not worth maintaining community standards anymore because the cops are too busy. If we had maintained community standards instead of giving in to the ACLU/victimization nonsense, their would be less crime to deal with. Maybe then cops could pursue those misdemeanors when they are violated.
Now, if your community thinks this scumbag is the kind of guy you want in your neighborhood, and is above the law, then you not only shouldn't give him a beat down, you should give him a plaque and hang out in the gutter with him.
We'll leave you to it.
Anon 10:24, Cuckoo!!
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