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Just one guy's opinion here. For the record, I'm not associated with anyone involved in this (FYR, Loretta Nall, Cooper, etc.), nor am I an attorney, etc. And I haven't seen Cooper's entire DVD, just the sample clips.

"2. I think it would be a good idea for everybody to view the dvd for themselves and make their own judgements."

For those who are unaware, there are sample clips available on Cooper's website, both on the main page *and* in a "sneak previews" section.

"4. We have recieved over 100 great reviews. The only negative review has come from Loretta and that is because her and I had words months ago."

I read Loretta Nall's comments (follow the links and you'll find them easily enough), and it seems blatantly obvious to me that she has some strong personal grudge against Cooper. That doesn't necessarily mean that anything she says is untrue, but it does raise some suspicions in my mind that she may be at least taking things out of context, assuming ill motives on Cooper's part, etc.

"6. I am not a cop!!!"

It's a natural suspicion, but after watching the sample clips, I think he's on the level.

"7. Of course I am making money with this dvd"

Sure he's making money. This is America, he's operating in the finest capitalist tradition, and God bless 'im for that. Sorry to disappoint the socialists out there, but there's nothing wrong *in itself* with making a living, or even with getting rich.

"8. The Consent to Search segment was taught by me based on my experience."

I have no doubt about Cooper's statement that a refusal makes cops determined to get in. But I think he's only telling half the story. I'm sure there are some times when a refusal inspires a reaction of, "ok, he's probably clean, but we'll still teach this bastard a lesson about who's *really* in charge." Either way, it amounts to the same thing.

"9. An asshole cop like I was and the majority of cops"

I don't know Cooper personally, but as far as "the majority" goes, hey, no argument at all from me. I've encountered, either directly or one step removed, examples of all the worst that American police have to offer; the officer who thinks "contempt of cop" is the worst offense possible; the sheriff's department where the officers make most of their incomes from drug sales to jail inmates; the officer who pulls people over for "driving while black"; the officer who plants evidence; the officer who lies under oath; the officer who views the general public with contempt; etc. I've come to believe that the average cop is probably trying to do the right thing (as he sees it) generally, but has long since decided that "you've gotta get a little dirty to be effective," and so doesn't lose any sleep after spending a day committing perjury or violating someone's rights if it "serves the greater good." And that's the average cop; half are even worse.

And here's the thing. I've never been arrested. I haven't even smoked any weed in years. None of my close friends are criminals. I'm about as close to "Mr. Respectable" as you can get. And I'm not in an occupation or lifestyle that leads to frequent contact with the police.

"I think some of the anger directed toward me with this topic should be directed toward law enforcement for this type of behavior."

Agreed. I fully expect some law enforcement officer to check in here and make the requisite remarks about "the thin blue line" or recite his favorite Jack Webb speech from "Dragnet." Here's one law-abiding citizen who just doesn't buy it anymore, and who has come to view *any* encounter with the police as an inherently adversarial situation where the other party has all the advantages. And I'm sure that I'm far from the only one. If any LEOs are reading this, maybe *that* is the real take-home message here; the well-deserved loss of confidence from the American public.

"12. Bottom line, we all have more in common than we have different"

Not exactly what Cooper seemed to mean by this, but some of his information and advice does dovetail with FYR's. During his "actual marijuana arrest" clip, he describes taking advantage of the driver's open (all the way) window to take a big sniff. He says at one point in the narration, "you have the right to remain silent; use it!" Again, I haven't seen the entire DVD, but it seems to me that representing it as simply "Waive Your Rights" vs. "Flex Your Rights" is a distortion and oversimplification.

My bottom line -- I'll probably buy Cooper's DVD; it seems like an interesting look at the dark side of law enforcement from the inside, and probably has some useful information. But ultimately, I can't agree with consenting to a search. That amounts to tossing away any possible defense, then keeping your fingers crossed. Given my low faith in cops, this seems tantamount to dropping your pants, bending over and grabbing your ankles, and hoping you don't get screwed.