I was inline skating in Port Dickinson, New York, when a police officer “pulled me over.”  He claimed I had shouted something and told me that inline skating was prohibited by a village ordinance.

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?