A friend of mine travelled to Kalifornia recently with his family (Americans since birth, of no discernable ancestry) and told me of a disturbing encounter which he attributed to the excesses of the Patriot Act.
I would very much appreciate some input from those more knowledgeable than myself **if his perception is reality**, and comments or citations on just what the Patriot Act changed.
I did not question him in minute detail about events, not thinking at the time that this was perfect for seeking input from enlightened people (like here), so excuse the fuzziness in some of my descriptions!
The story is this: He was taking pictures at some open air square (in Los Angeles I believe) in which there were a number of "art" pieces and/or architectural items of interest. He was approached by a presumed LE individual who asked that he stop taking pictures. He was then asked what he was taking pictures of, and for his driver's license. At some point in the "stop" more presumed LE people arrived, evidently of another agency.
My friend was asked what the derivation (ancestry) of his name was. He asked what was the problem and was told that he was taking pictures on Federal property, and that doing so was against the law. He said that no signs were posted to that effect. The serial number of his camera was recorded by the "officials".
Evidently the square has a prison and some sort of building housing legislators. My friend was told that had he been taking pictures facing the other direction, there would not have been a problem. He asked if he was going to be charged, and was told "no". He asked if he was going to be fined, and was told "no". He asked if his film was going to be confiscated and was told that "the law still considers that private property".
BTW, my friend is about 5 foot 5, heavyset, no tattoos or anything.
Are the official's actions described above something newly allowable because of the Patriot Act's passage? Is it illegal to take pictures of Federal Property? (I guess the Grand Canyon is off limits then! LOL) , and does doing so open you up to detainment and questioning?
I would greatly appreciate it if knowledgeable individuals can speak to the legality and source of powers used during the "incident", and if you like, what really does the Patriot Act allow?
As you might imagine, my friend turned away my suggestions of contacting his elected representatives and making noise, preferring to "spread the word" among coworkers about the evil Patriot Act (is it??).
I realize that most of us would be greatly irritated were we stopped as my friend was, so please don't simply chime in and agree.
If we can get some knowledgeable comments here about the matter, I would love to refer my friend to this thread for his reading pleasure!
Thanks!!
BB62
I would very much appreciate some input from those more knowledgeable than myself **if his perception is reality**, and comments or citations on just what the Patriot Act changed.
I did not question him in minute detail about events, not thinking at the time that this was perfect for seeking input from enlightened people (like here), so excuse the fuzziness in some of my descriptions!
The story is this: He was taking pictures at some open air square (in Los Angeles I believe) in which there were a number of "art" pieces and/or architectural items of interest. He was approached by a presumed LE individual who asked that he stop taking pictures. He was then asked what he was taking pictures of, and for his driver's license. At some point in the "stop" more presumed LE people arrived, evidently of another agency.
My friend was asked what the derivation (ancestry) of his name was. He asked what was the problem and was told that he was taking pictures on Federal property, and that doing so was against the law. He said that no signs were posted to that effect. The serial number of his camera was recorded by the "officials".
Evidently the square has a prison and some sort of building housing legislators. My friend was told that had he been taking pictures facing the other direction, there would not have been a problem. He asked if he was going to be charged, and was told "no". He asked if he was going to be fined, and was told "no". He asked if his film was going to be confiscated and was told that "the law still considers that private property".
BTW, my friend is about 5 foot 5, heavyset, no tattoos or anything.
Are the official's actions described above something newly allowable because of the Patriot Act's passage? Is it illegal to take pictures of Federal Property? (I guess the Grand Canyon is off limits then! LOL) , and does doing so open you up to detainment and questioning?
I would greatly appreciate it if knowledgeable individuals can speak to the legality and source of powers used during the "incident", and if you like, what really does the Patriot Act allow?
As you might imagine, my friend turned away my suggestions of contacting his elected representatives and making noise, preferring to "spread the word" among coworkers about the evil Patriot Act (is it??).
I realize that most of us would be greatly irritated were we stopped as my friend was, so please don't simply chime in and agree.
If we can get some knowledgeable comments here about the matter, I would love to refer my friend to this thread for his reading pleasure!
Thanks!!
BB62
