Re: [Leica] Colored Tape! and Mounties

["Joe Stephenson" <joeleica@flash.net>]

Your colored tape story reminds me of an incident that happened in the 60's
at a demonstration. There were a lot of plain clothes "cops" (FBI, CIA,
local?), and they put paper clips on their lapels or collars so they could
recognize one another. One of the demonstrater's somehow figured this out
and started handing out hundreds of paper clips for demonstrators to use.
Great fun. Anyone who thinks the police are smart and efficient was never in
the peace movement.
Sincerely,
Joe Stephenson

- -----Original Message-----
From: Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Colored Tape! and Mounties


>Doug Richardson wrote:
>
>>Subjected to that sort of hassle, I wouldn't have waited for a tap on
>>the shoulder, but would have packed up my gear and gone back to the
>>office - quick time!  There are times - irrespective of the size or
>>one's ego - when walking away is the only answer to the official
>>rudeness which so often passes for "security". As an editor, I'd
>>support any photographer working for me who packed his gear and went
>>back to the office when faced with this sort of treatment.>>>>>>>>
>
>Hi Doug,
>
>It wasn't any big deal as you may think it was, as only a couple of "ego"
>guys  complained.  All the others, myself included, just taped up and
>didn't fined it any hassle at all.  It became a joke with the male photogs
>at what other "item" could be taped indicating size of anatomy! :)
>
>It was purely a common sense security thing at the time.  Don't forget it
>isn't too many years ago, the dozen or so photogs covering major news
>events were using Speed Graphic and there weren't any 3 foot long lenses
>poking out of the crowd.  It was the beginning of the " long lens army we
>see at events today."
>
>Don't forget we the media get used on occaision by terrorist groups to get
>a "clean shot" at somebody.  So the police can't be blamed for checking,
>they even carried rolls of tape so local news photogs could tape at press
>briefings before the event.
>
>Sure there are times when the "yellow tape lines" are rediculously applied,
>but  I don't argue, it's a no win situation.  I just break out a longer
>lens and go find a place to circumvent the situation.  It's called using
>your brains, long lenses and don't whine.  I come home with pictures while
>the whiners are still standing there bitching!
>
>One thing I've learned is, too many photographers with long lens and
>extenders think of using them only in sports situations and not for every
>day use.
>
>Works for me and saves the arguing no picture situation.
>ted
>
>
>Ted Grant
>This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
>http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>
>
>