[Leica] Photo student harassed in Seattle by Homeland Security

[red735i at earthlink.net (Frank Filippone)]

Even funny is the statement by the local Lock authorities, that welcomes
photos.  Seems like A does not talk to B.

I think this kind of miscommunication is the basic problem, when coupled
with enforcers that are not picked for their negotiating skills.  You ( the
public) get oppositional directed orders from enforcers that threaten you
with either a gun or a badge or both.  Disobey the badge ( even though the
order is not in compliance with the law) and you get to go to jail for
disobeying a Police officer.....  They got you.

I believe BD is most right... act in a way that makes "The Man" nervous, and
you will attract officious  trouble.

BTW, there was a Graduate student that had permission to photograph a power
plant form the manager of the plant.  Her work was done on an 8x10 camera.
One evening, the cops saw what she was doing and demanded her to stop.  (
She was on a public road, photographing from the safety of the nearby public
field, , legally parked, etc.)  She complied when they told her to go.  She
was threatened to go to jail for actions that were suspicious.  Can you
imagine any rational cop ( operative word is rational) that would think an
8x10 camera, on a tripod, with all the paraphernalia, photographing a power
plant,  is a suspicious act?   The power plant has been there since the 70's
( probably there in the 30's, but I am not sure).  Photographed extensively
for its fine art promise.  If you were going to get a picture of something
for nefarious reasons, wouldn't you just go to the WEB files and get a
picture from some other photographer?  Would you use an 8x10 monster?  Would
you OWN an 8x10 monster if you were a nefarious type?

Not racial, but ignorant profiling, officious stupidity, power to force
people to do what you want them to do,  and paranoia.

Remember to not bring those dangerous nail clippers in your pocket for your
next flight.....

Frank Filippone
red735i@earthlink.net