….now before you jump on me about the “order of magnitude” comment with encryption – I fully realize that with increasing strength that decryption becomes several orders of magnitude more difficult, but as this was not a technology conference, I didn’t want to belabor the point.

I’ve been staying out of the folly of video posts about the Pittsburgh G20, but this video is worth a watch.  This is by no means the worst thing that happened or was recorded, but the videographer in this case is really outstanding.

I teach a class on recording police, including encounters in which the journalist is or is not involved.  This journalist did everything correctly.  I wonder if he / she was looking exclusively through the viewfinder?  That is my surmise.

Great job.  I’m sure the cops will not be held accountable for this assault.

There are a number of places with commentary, if you want to join the discussion:

• The comments section of the post itself is the best discussion, and the one I’d prefer to house the archive.
• My Vimeo page for the video has quite a few comments as well.
• Also, there is a hilariously childish discussion on a third-rate yuku site called “The Rant.” I don’t know whether to laugh at these people or feel bad for them – if nothing else, the site seems to serve as a place to vent.  I didn’t expect my post to cause these kind of tantrums, but perhaps it’s therapeutic for the participants.

UPDATE:

Now a forum has started here at a website I’ve never heard of called bcvoice.com.  It’s somewhat similar to the yuku site, but with a modicum of maturity.  One thing I love is that people – quite a lot of people at this point – will sit and waste their time at their keyboard wondering aloud why this <insert fairly random disparaging adjective> “kid” would waste his time asserting his basic rights in his own community.

Well, it seems that the outrageous charges against them have now been dismissed, clearing the way for them to proceed with their civil rights lawsuit.  Here’s an exerpt from a facebook message I got on the matter this rmorning:

What happened at Hofstra will forever remain with all in attendance and those who suffered most. May it be burned into America’s conscience as well, but let it be a turning point. A moment in time from where clear divergence emerged.

Police and veterans from across this Nation have contacted us with their support and ultimately the same message: “We’re tired of this!”

So it is with great determination and much momentum we move forward, Nick and several into a civil case, and myself into a fight with the Army.

Shortly after our action at Hofstra, I was sent notice by the Army that I would be prosecuted for my refusal to reactivate and deploy to Iraq last summer. The Army wants to separate me on grounds of misconduct which I vowed to fight in May and continue to stand by firmly. I’ll know more on my exact hearing date soon, but with a good amount of support, I believe we can win this thing and prove once and for all that servicemembers have a right to refuse participation in the occupation of Iraq.

The message also encourages readers to join a Facebook group, “I support Matthis Chiroux’s decision not to go to Iraq.”

I have since placed an inquiry with the village code officer and learned that there is no such ordinance.

The officer asked for ID, and I refused to show it to him.  He then called for backup, and… well, just watch the video:

Notable exchanges:

• At the very beginning, before the video, the officer says he can detain someone for any reason he wants.
• The officer claims that recording him is against the law – an utter lie obviously intended to inhibit my 1st amendment right to conduct journalism.
• The Deputy, Julie, repeatedly berates the idea that the USA is a “Free Country” (even calls it a joke!)
• Julie also asks me who I’m voting for! (I was / am a Ron Paul supporter, by the way )
• The other deputy, Rich, tells me to leave the country even though I’m espousing the liberties ensured by the Constitution.
• Perhaps most importantly, the officer continues to offer the imaginary local statute as his only pretext to demand identification and to detain me.
• Although I repeatedly tried to calm the officer down by telling him he was nice and polite, he really was not.  Especially toward the end, he continually invaded my personal space (coming less than 1 foot from me).  I was mostly very confident, but I was cold-ass-nervous when he got up in my face, I’m not gonna lie.
• Anything else you all notice?

As any reasonable person would do, he has filed suit against them.

Joe’s website, while rich in content, has a pretty unwieldy design, so instead I’ll first link you over to the Oregonian, who is reporting on this.

Portland police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz said he believes the public doesn’t have a right to record officers’ conversations – on or off the job – without their consent.

“Just because somebody is a police officer doesn’t mean they give up their rights,” Schmautz said.

I love it. It has become a “right” for public officials to operate cloaked in opacity.

If you are interested in Joe’s website – it’s here. Beware of broken CSS and such.