I’d be OK with the mainstream press taking over the task of keeping the public informed.

Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

My favorite public photography folks are polite, well-behaved, and tend to be quiet, or almost silent. Videos recorded at or outside of sites that are funded by the public seem to be best for documenting these issues.

Instead of waiting for school teachers to teach about individual rights and limited government authority, or waiting on the press to ask questions or courts to handle cases, these guys go out and update us with a quick reality check.

Some people question post 911 protocols where everyone is seen as a suspect.

Some people question the idea that people are expected to yield the right of way Re: their peaceful/nonviolent and legal activities because terrorists might be planning to disrupt American culture. All the while thanking Troops for freedoms.

Positive interaction:

37:22

Single guy with a camera and early request to show ID and credentials:

Told to stop filming:

Independent/alternative media- out asking questions and told to stop filming at 2:46 and 5:12. Policy explained at 7:48. Entire video here:

Months later:

“A man whom Sunnyside police arrested for videotaping a SWAT team has received an $8,000 settlement, reports the Yakima Herald-Republic. After the man posted a videotape of his arrest on YouTube, police requested the charges be dropped and the man sued for the violation of his rights.”

“The city owned up to the mistake, and the police department has taken training on rights of civilians to film their actions. Better yet, the city’s insurance company, Washington Cities Insurance Authority, plans to recommend similar action to other cities it represents.”

“People have the right to film and take pictures of police actions in a public area, so long as they don’t physically get in the way or interfere with officers’ ability to carry out their duties.”

One guy with a camera. Early request to show ID:

Single guy with a camera and a request to show ID:

Public records protocols:

Told to leave a public library. Several videos here: Information Suppression Update

 

The family friendly, hometown pride-oriented local small town papers and TV news folks are more welcome to do interviews related to public policy. Unfortunately, they seem to have moved away from asking questions.

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:

US Border Patrol, Port Angeles, WA

An upgrade in staff requiring a new, $11.9 million, 50 agent facility. Secret arrest statistics, denied FOIA requests, heroin in the community, no cross-border USBP arrest in more than 8 years, fraudulent overtime claims, 1,200-horsepower interceptor boats and zero questions from the press.

More here: News tip/story idea

 

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Photo- Local salmon fishing season