Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/07/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I recall that several decades ago California had a law requiring a person to show proper identification when asked. If you would not or could not, you could be hauled in for "failure to identify". I recall hearing that this tactic was used to arrest nude bathers at Black's Beach. Jeffery Smith New Orleans, LA -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jls=runbox.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jls=runbox.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Jim Laurel Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 1:45 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: Re: [Leica] Photo student harassed in Seattle by Homeland Security This has been an interesting thread. In this case, a citizen in good standing was harassed by authories, and effectively barred from doing something that is perfectly legal - in this case, photographing the Ballard Locks as part of a class assignment. There is no prohibition on photography at the Locks. If photographing certain buildings, bridges, power plants, or other facilities is to be illegal, then there should be laws that clearly say so. There should either be postings notifying people, or a general policy prohibiting photography of certain things. We could follow the lead of other free (TIC) countries like Syria, Iran, and Burma which have had such policies in place for many years. And as far as I know, there is no requirement for US citizens to carry or produce ID, so long as no law has been violated. How much longer will it be before police can arbitrarily demand "papers" from anyone they like? As an upstanding, tax paying American citizen, I think it's only right and fair that I should be able to know the specific letter of the law, so that I may comply as required. As long as I am in compliance with the law, the authorities should have no right to impede my activities in any way. As it is, I no longer feel comfortable that I know when I am stepping over the line. Today, almost any photograph, viewed in a certain light, can be construed as a national threat. How are we going to stop terrorism? Is it going to be by ceding our freedoms and investigating everybody's private lives? Or is it more effective to look at the real causes of terrorism and how foreign policy contributes to those causes? --Jim _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information