I believe this happened…but I also believe that we as a community of concerned citizens can do something about it. This is disgusting. The police had there hands full with what CNN reported were “Anarchists” that were just being dicks. Smashing windows, littering and killing the peaceful protest that thousands were gathered to commence.
So the police were just doing their job right? Did Amy Goodman cross that imaginary line and get herself arrested? Umm, I don’t think so. The cops didn’t recognize her and now it will bite them in their ass.
What can you do to make your voice heard? Sign a digital letter and pass it on. The more people that voice their outrage the better chance that it won’t happen again.
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11 responses so far ↓
1 Rob // Sep 3, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I sent my digital letter. Rob:-]
2 Jake // Sep 3, 2008 at 3:16 pm
me too. Jake
3 Andy Coon // Sep 3, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Thanks guys.
4 larry // Sep 3, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Where I’m from if an officer tells you not to cross this line or to stay on the sidewalk, that means you. Even if you are reporter and you have clearance from the FBI. In your YouTube video I did not see her get back on the sidewalk. She demanded that see a supervisor, but she did not get back on the sidewalk. I was a news videographer for 8 years. Get on the sidewalk in that type of situation, means get on the sidewalk. They are in no mood to talk and answer questions.
5 Lenslinger // Sep 3, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Larry’s right. When a cop in riot gear tells you to move, you do so. Assuming they’re going to recognize any kind of press-pass in that environment is asinine. Right? Probably not. Wrong? Doesn’t matter. Oppression? My ass. I’ve covered many protests - usually with a TV camera on my shoulder. Even that doesn’t guarantee my safety, let alone special proection. When the cops say get on the sidewalk I do - and continue to do my job. Then I go home. Riots simply are not the time to argue semantics. Whomever this woman is, she’d do well to take a course in real life.
6 Andy Coon // Sep 3, 2008 at 7:36 pm
As a videographer… yeah you sit back and capture what is going on. So you do your job and get the footage. Like the cameraperson did when Amy got arrested.
But as an executive producer covering the Republican National Convention, you want answers why your producer and journalist are under arrest doing their jobs. She has a show to produce. All she did was ask for the immediate supervisor, they didn’t give her a chance to get back to the sidewalk.
This was a good thing to happen and I’m glad that they got footage of this farce. This isn’t the first BS event that happened in Minnesota.
Police impound Permibus
Massive, warrantless raids on peace protesters in Minneapolis, ahead of RNC
It’s a fucking joke…
7 Andy Coon // Sep 3, 2008 at 7:46 pm
8 Lenslinger // Sep 3, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I hear ya, Andy - but cops in SWAT gear don’t give a shit about esoteric titles. Perhaps they should, but they don’t. Granted, I’m a bit jaundiced when it comes to your average protester, but you can’t possibly expect a hopped-up riot cop to deal with much more than their peripheal vision. Just sayin’.
9 Shawn // Sep 4, 2008 at 10:02 am
I understand Amy’s stance, she wanted to help her fellow news staff but the truth is she was asked to obey a lawful command and she did not get on the sidewalk.
Asking to see the supervisor after you do not obey a police officer will get you no where.
Also I believe if you are in the news business and are reporting at an event like this - you assume the risk that you may be caught up in event like this.
That said, I hope they release those other people soon - is it fair the Amy is out and they are not ?
No.
I
10 Josh // Sep 4, 2008 at 12:37 pm
This is unfortunate but they way this country is I’m not surprised. I’m disappointed but not surprised. This is extra evidence that freedom of speech is out the window.
11 Andy Coon // Sep 5, 2008 at 12:18 pm
From ABC News Blog
Approximately three-hundred protesters were held on the bridge for nearly an hour over Interstate 94 in St. Paul. After hours of people protesting, police instructed demonstrators to file onto the bridge and then announced everyone would be arrested, refusing to allow anyone off the overpass. Law enforcement barricading the bridge fired pepper spray, instructing protesters to put their hands behind their heads.
ABC News’ Jennifer Duck was trapped with the marchers on the bridge and observed many young children scared and crying. She spoke to several marchers who said they wanted to go home, but the police refused to allow any movement. Members of the media, and many trying to follow police direction were being pepper sprayed in the face.
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