Gothamist: Evicted Rapist Says Landlord was Racist

NannyState

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:47:53 -0500

He's out in the street. I'm sure, however many years ago for this convict, that would have been the good news.

Spiritof76

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:19:39 -0500

The article gives no impression that his past was uncovered after the eviction. All it says is that her lawyer hired a private eye and uncovered his history. That could easily have happened before the eviction. In fact, you don't even need an investigator. You can find any sex offender at nsopr.gov in about 30 seconds and all you need is the name. You can find out all about Wintje with a quick search there, which shows details including his address. Although I don't understand why he has six cars listed when the conditions of his release include a prohibition against operating a motor vehicle.

gregorsamsa77

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:01:50 -0500

eight year olds, dude

Politburo

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:31:47 -0500

No, I'm not referring to the commerce clause, because as you say, that only applies to interstate commerce (unless the Supreme Court twists itself into a knot and decides that certain intrastate commerce could hypothetically affect interstate commerce and therefore should be classified as such.. but I digress). States are free to regulate intrastate commerce, via the 10th amendment, and in many cases this is delegated to the local level. It's unclear what law the complaint was filed under, but I believe every state has their own version of the Civil Rights Act.

van_veen

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:45:58 -0500

This is probably under a local or New York state law, and the issue is not whether she can evict a convicted rapist, but whether or not the old lady can keep black people out of a building she rents to the public. If that's the case, I don't think his past matters. Like interlad said, it looks like his past came out after she evicted him. I'm not at all defending what he did, but I also don't want to promote racism, even if it's from a 70 year old lady.

John Del Signore

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:38:43 -0500

What's wrong with Walter, Dude?

Felix Hoenikker

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:35:48 -0500

@5 Pendejo, not bendeco. And shut the fuck up Donnie.

Bottomless Chips

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:05:50 -0500

I believe you're referring to the commerce clause, which is not relevant as this was not interstate trade. The federal government cannot legally enforce their various HUD-borne laws or the Civil Rights Act laws when it's a non-interstate matter. Unfortunately, we've come to accept such laws that force integration amongst us. Again, I find racism to be heinous, but you should be able do what you will on your property. If this is a local, NYC law or state law, well it's then legal but I'm firmly against such laws.

Politburo

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:31:58 -0500

"Though certain laws may exist, Constitutionally, you should be able to evict a tenant of YOUR property for whatever reason." Renting your property is commerce. Commerce can be constitutionally regulated.

pkreder

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:09:50 -0500

Let me tell you something, bendeco. You pull any your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you and stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger til it goes "click". You said it, man. Nobody fucks with the Jesus.

JacqueMehoff

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:53:00 -0500

so this guy would be against the marriage of vic damone and diahnn carroll.

interlard

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:43:04 -0500

I guess even rapists have to live somewhere... I just don't want it to be next door to me. Or anyone I know. Or anyone I don't know. From the story, it looks like the raping only came out after the landlord's attorney did some digging. Which means it wasn't the reason for eviction. Still, it's hard to feel sympathy for the guy. Does he have a record of really positive community-centered volunteer work to redeem himself?

Bottomless Chips

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:08:42 -0500

Though certain laws may exist, Constitutionally, you should be able to evict a tenant of YOUR property for whatever reason. Sadly, this may include interracial dating but more than likely this guy was convicted because...HE RAPED SOMEONE.

JacqueMehoff

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:42:03 -0500

no need for google, when you're evicted you're on a blacklist all brokers, realtors, landlords have access to.