Taking pictures in the US

[sig]

I'm really sorry about the cross-posting, but there is a discussion going on at photo.net, which should concern many of us:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=005zOm

[carolynanna]

This is a very serious threat. I just read the post and I am worried about this. I live right near ground zero and I have found myself in many conflicts with security guards being a little too 'secure'. I appreciate the thread and that should always be in the forefront of our minds but.... any other thoughts?

[ronners]

The reaction seems extreme, but is to be expected of a country that is still trying to figure out how to balance security and freedom. In the end everyone learns to compromise a bit, so I wouldn't be too concerned.

[gary]

Good quote on the thread attributed to Benjamin Franklin:

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

[sig]

Well, I am concerned. According to the reactions on the photo.net forum, this was not an isolated incident. When a US citizen may be arrested, questioned and get his private belongings confiscated with no apparent reason, what do I, a foreigner, have to look forward to? I don't want to end up in Guantanamo.


I was planning a trip to the USA later this year. Now, I think I'd better give up the whole idea.

[ronners]

Unfortunately if you take time to think about that quote you realise that it's not actually true. It's all a question of moderation and compromise, and good old Benjamin didn't quite see it that way. This quote was blindly used by several people in the original photo.net thread, and in today's world it looks rightly anachronistic.

[Curioso]

I guess it's high time the US citizens understand that the government goes to far. I'm really afraid to se that such a developed country accept to ban some individual rights and freedom because they fear some threat... A democracy which reached maturity should be more concerned about protecting individual rights. Such a event remind me what I experienced in Angola (not really known for its concerned about freedom...).

Have you seen the movie "Bowling for Columbine" ? An interesting point of view on some american aspects. It's too bad for american people.

[Curioso]

This event is really amazing. I guess the police officer which is so concerned about someone taking pictures would hesitate to make such an inquiry with someone holding a weapon... Is it paranoid ?

What do you think about that ?

[Curioso]

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

This was obviously a violation of the fourth amendment of the US Constitution.

[mdchachi]

Actually no, it was not a violation of the 4th amendment. The guy went with the cops *voluntarily* and *consented* to giving up his film. Sure they were intimidating and heavy-handed but it doesn't sound like he was legally wronged.

As for Bowling for Columbine, I suggest not swallowing everything it says.
At least read this to help get a balanced picture:
http://www.hardylaw.net/Truth_About_Bowling.html