# Let's Pit the DEA...one more time. (RO) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 2, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654 "2012-05-02T16:32:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/121 "2012-05-04T05:55:19Z")
> [@bdgr](#): > > So, the Associated Press was lying when they said the DEA locked him in his cell while processing his paperwork? > > What do you base this on? Well, the AP is only basing it on Chong’s own allegation. It’s not as if they did an independent investigation. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/122 "2012-05-04T06:05:42Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Well, the AP is only basing it on Chong’s own allegation. It’s not as if they did an independent investigation. What makes you think that? Because they contridict your fantasy? If I submit a story to my editor (not the AP but a major newspaper chain that follows similar guidlines), and I base something off of what a citizen says in a case like this. It has to be a quote. If it is something that isn’t in doubt, like in this case, I can just say it. In other words, both Chong and the DEA agree on this or it would be a quote from a source. In the real world, what likely happened is that they stuck in him in a cell and forgot he was there. It happens, usually not this bad but it happens. You can bet your ass if he voluntarily locked himself in a cell that would be the first thing out of the DEA media reps mouth to the press. So your fantasy scenario is illogical, isn’t backed up by facts, and really couldn’t happen. If Chong had refused to leave, they would have simply shipped him off to the city jail for trespass. They wouldn’t just let him wander around trying doors. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/123 "2012-05-04T06:06:52Z")
Now I’d like to pose some questions to Chong’s supporters: What inferences can be drawn from the fact that Chong was picked up at a house where 18,000 ecstasy pills were found (street value of approximate $200 thousand), several firearms, and thousands of rounds of ammunition? What does Chong’s testing positive for methamphetamine at the hospital suggest? What does Chong’s conflicting statements as to the reasons why he took the methamphetamine suggest as to his credibility? In particular, does his statement that he took this unknown substance to stay awake suggest that he was aware that it was methamphetamine, and would such knowledge undercut his statement that this substance was just something he found in the cell and rather suggest that he brought it in with him? ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/124 "2012-05-04T06:20:27Z")
> [@bdgr](#): > > What makes you think that? Because they contridict your fantasy? > > If I submit a story to my editor (not the AP but a major newspaper chain that follows similar guidlines), and I base something off of what a citizen says in a case like this. It has to be a quote. If it is something that isn’t in doubt, like in this case, I can just say it. In other words, both Chong and the DEA agree on this or it would be a quote from a source. OK, here’s the story, pertinent parts bolded: > [@](#): > > _ **Chong told the AP** _ that he went to his friend’s house April 20 to get high, part of a national, annual countercultural ritual. Chong slept there that night. The next morning, agents stormed into the house. The raid netted 18,000 ecstasy pills, other drugs and weapons. Nine people, including Chong, were taken into custody according to the DEA. > > Chong was questioned then agents told him he was not a suspect and would be released shortly. He signed some paperwork, was put in handcuffs and sent back to the holding cell. > > As the hours dragged into days, _ **he said** _ he kicked and screamed as loud as he could. At one point, he ripped a piece of his jacket off with his teeth and shoved it under the door, hoping someone would spot it and free him. > > _ **The student said** _ he ingested a white powder that he found in the cell. Agents later identified it as methamphetamine. _ **Chong said** _ he ingested it to survive. The next day, hallucinations started, _ **he said.** _ They included Japanese animation characters who told him to dig into the walls to search for water, which he tried, tearing apart the wall’s plastic lining. It’s pretty clear that CBS/AP is reporting Chong’s allegations. Here’s what the DEA has said: > [@](#): > > The top DEA agent in San Diego, William R. Sherman, said in a news release that he was “deeply troubled” by what happened to Chong. Sherman said he has personally ordered an extensive review of his office’s policies and procedures. However, the agency declined to say what those were. and an anonymous source: > [@](#): > > Chong was not going to be charged with a crime and should have been released, said a law enforcement official who was briefed on the DEA case and spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak about the ongoing investigation. So the DEA is launching an investigation to confirm it’s understanding of the events before going forward with their version of the story. I do not understand “deeply troubled” to mean “Daniel Chong’s version is accurate,” but rather “whatever did go on, should not have been permitted to go on” (_i.e._ if Chong conspicuously refused to leave, he should have been transferred to the psych ward; if Chong skulked about and gained unauthorized access to a holding room, security needs to be beefed up at the facility). ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/125 "2012-05-04T06:23:48Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Now I’d like to pose some questions to Chong’s supporters: > > What inferences can be drawn from the fact that Chong was picked up at a house where 18,000 ecstasy pills were found (street value of approximate $200 thousand), several firearms, and thousands of rounds of ammunition? That he was at a house where people sold drugs > [@](#): > > What does Chong’s testing positive for methamphetamine at the hospital suggest? that he took methamphetamine > [@](#): > > What does Chong’s conflicting statements as to the reasons why he took the methamphetamine suggest as to his credibility? In particular, does his statement that he took this unknown substance to stay awake suggest that he was aware that it was methamphetamine, and would such knowledge undercut his statement that this substance was just something he found in the cell and rather suggest that he brought it in with him? could be either. It doesn’t matter. If he was a meth head with his teeth falling out of his head, he didn’t deserve to be locked in a cell for 5 days without food or water. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/126 "2012-05-04T06:34:57Z")
> [@bdgr](#): > > could be either. It doesn’t matter. If he was a meth head with his teeth falling out of his head, he didn’t deserve to be locked in a cell for 5 days without food or water. If he brought it in with him, it means he lied about having found it in the cell, no? And telling a lie about that might suggest he’s telling other lies too, right? Telling a lie about the events at issue certainly doesn’t make you a _more_ credible historian regarding those events, correct? ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/127 "2012-05-04T06:38:22Z")
> [@bucketybuck](#): > > I’m pretty dumb. But it’s good to know that I am not the dumbest person on the internet. Based on the posts in this thread by **Dr. Deth** I would say you’re not even in the bottom two. > [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > My surmise is that after he was released, he refused to leave and skilled about and went into a room that he didn’t realize would lock behind him. Alternatively, that he was intoxicated and the DEA allowed him to remain in the cell, but did not prevent him from leaving. I’ve met some inbred, slack-jawed, drooling, dipshits in my time but you really take the cake. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/128 "2012-05-04T06:41:39Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > If he brought it in with him, it means he lied about having found it in the cell, no? And telling a lie about that might suggest he’s telling other lies too, right? > > Telling a lie about the events at issue certainly doesn’t make you a _more_ credible historian regarding those events, correct? I don’t care what he says. I’m not going to base my opinion of the events on what he says. nobody is. the facts are that it happened. The DEA has apologized. They admitted they screwed up. Nobody but you is trying to say they didn’t. The DEA isn’t even contridicting his story, and it’s in their best intrest to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/129 "2012-05-04T06:43:04Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Based on the posts in this thread by **Dr. Deth** I would say you’re not even in the bottom two. > I’ve met some inbred, slack-jawed, drooling, dipshits in my time but you really take the cake. Well, this has gotten unpleasantly personalized. Perhaps you need a break from the internet if mere disagreement causes you bilious rage. Nobody goes to their deathbed wishing that they were more righteously indignant in life. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/130 "2012-05-04T06:44:03Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Well, this has gotten unpleasantly personalized. Perhaps you need a break from the internet if mere disagreement causes you bilious rage. Nobody goes to their deathbed wishing that they were more righteously indignant in life. You do know you’re in the pit, right? Someone get Kimmy a map… ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/131 "2012-05-04T06:49:38Z")
> [@bdgr](#): > > You do know you’re in the pit, right? Someone get Kimmy a map… Yeah, I know where I am. I guess I don’t share the view that being angry on the internet is a fun way to spend your time. You do, I suppose — and that’s fine, it’s allowed in the Pit, as you note. It’s just not my bag, yanno? ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/132 "2012-05-04T06:50:52Z")
> [@bdgr](#): > > Nobody but you is trying to say they didn’t. Weeeeell don’t forget about Dr. Deth. Give credit for being an idiot to all those who deserve it, otherwise all that hard work earning the title of “Laughing Stock” just won’t be worth it. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/133 "2012-05-04T06:51:12Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Yeah, I know where I am. I guess I don’t share the view that being angry on the internet is a fun way to spend your time. You do, I suppose. Me? No, I haven’t really said anything angry. but I think anyone who comes in the pit and complains because people are being mean shouldn’t come in the pit. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/134 "2012-05-04T06:55:43Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > OK, here’s the story, pertinent parts bolded: > > It’s pretty clear that CBS/AP is reporting Chong’s allegations. No, you left out the pertinent part (sorry I missed this post) > [@](#): > > Chong was swept up in a drug raid on April 21. After questioning him, agents told him that he would not be charged and to hang tight in the holding cell until they finished the paperwork to release him. The door did not reopen until April 25 when agents found a severely dehydrated Chong covered in his own feces. It does not say “according to chong” before it. I’m sure you missed this by accident. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/135 "2012-05-04T06:57:18Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Well, this has gotten unpleasantly personalized. Perhaps you need a break from the internet if mere disagreement causes you bilious rage. Nobody goes to their deathbed wishing that they were more righteously indignant in life. Wow, you really are that ignorant. I’m not anywhere near having “bilious rage”. I’m actually in more of a “pointing and laughing” place at the moment. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/136 "2012-05-04T06:59:58Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Wow, you really are that ignorant. I’m not anywhere near having “bilious rage”. I’m actually in more of a “pointing and laughing” place at the moment. Do whatever you want, **Kolak** , I’ve got my own life to live. I don’t need to live yours. If being angry on the internet floats your boat, have at it. But I hope you’ll understand if I find other things to do. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/137 "2012-05-04T07:04:45Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Do whatever you want, **Kolak** , I’ve got my own life to live. I don’t need to live yours. If being angry on the internet floats your boat, have at it. But I hope you’ll understand if I find other things to do. :: points and laughs :: ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/138 "2012-05-04T07:07:29Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Weeeeell don’t forget about Dr. Deth. Give credit for being an idiot to all those who deserve it, otherwise all that hard work earning the title of “Laughing Stock” just won’t be worth it. I missed Dr Deth’s statement. If I’m ever that bored, I’ll scroll up and look for it. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/139 "2012-05-04T07:08:59Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > . But I hope you’ll understand if I find other things to do. Like admitting you were wrong? Cuz that would be swell. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654/140 "2012-05-04T10:32:47Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Do whatever you want, **Kolak** , I’ve got my own life to live. I don’t need to live yours. If being angry on the internet floats your boat, have at it. But I hope you’ll understand if I find other things to do. What’s your gender, Kimmy? I want to know if you’re a typical raging asshole or just a silly little twat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-pit-the-dea-one-more-time-ro/620654.md?page=8)