Please see the update

Results to be seen here

Ian, at Brown = Terrorist relates a recent and rather disgusting trampling of his constitutional rights.

I then saw a Seattle Police patrol vehicle driving on a nearby path, one that was inaccessible to the public, and parking in the hilltop parking lot. At that point, I knew what was coming. A few minutes later, I watched in dismay as eight men descended from the parking lot, down the hill, making a bee-line for me and my tripod.

One of the Seattle policemen, using his strongest, most authoritative voice, gripping his holstered sidearm, was now demanding to see my ID. I asked what this was about and why I had to show him my ID. ìLook, we can do this one of two ways. You show me your ID right now! I’m not kidding!î the cop yelled.

Let me be the first to admit to my total loss of composure. Eight grown men, five of which were in uniform and wearing sidearms, now surrounded me. I just had a camera, a tripod, and a bad flashback to Rodney King. You bet I was emotional. How composed would you be?

I read this at Eclecticism. I must admit, my first reaction was disgust. My second reaction after reading the first hand account was sadness. A sadness so deep I actually stopped and cried for a few minutes.

In response, I will be trying to organize a photo shoot at the Locks as a means of protest. Anyone else who cares about our rights as Americans to photograph interseting PUBLIC subjects are welcome to join me. If you are a photographer in Seattle, please consider coming.

If you are hesitant (and this is fair given what already happened) at least pass this on to others you know who may want to come along. Feel free to post the link to any and all boards that may have folks who would come (I’ll be posting to dpchallenge in just a few minutes after this post goes live.)

DETAILS:
Sunday August 1st, 2004
1PM - 4PM
We’ll meet at the front gates at just before 1PM, if you’re late, just look for the gaggle of tripods inside the property by the locks.

Besides being a protest of sorts, this location is a wonderful spot to just photograph in general. The locks themselves, the boats, the spill-over, the salmon ladder, the statues, the scenery, the railroad bridge; all offer a plethora of subjects.

Please leave a comment if you plan on showing up so we can try to get an idea of how many will be showing up. If you don’t want your name being publicly accessible, then sign with a pseudonym.

Please see the update

Results to be seen here