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| Re: Today I got a summons from the LA...(yeah, well, next time...) (230641) | |||
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Re: Today I got a summons from the LA...(yeah, well, next time...) |
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Posted by Fred G on Tue Mar 21 06:38:37 2006, in response to Today I got a summons from the LA Sheriff and added to the LA terrorism list (Long), posted by Easy on Sat Mar 18 20:02:12 2006. "What are you doing?""Taking pictures." You could have done yourself a big favor right here by simply stating something like "I'm a railroad enthusiast/hobbyist/fan and my hobby is photographing trains and stations". What you said would be perceived by 8 out of 10 Americans as a smartmouth comment. Duh, he can see that you're taking pictures. "Why? Are you a tourist?" "No, I'm just taking pictures." This was your second chance to diffuse the situation. There's nothing wrong with calmly and professionally explaining yourself. You didn't. "Do you know where you are? This is a subway. Do you remember 9/11?" Yeah. I know." "Let me see some ID." "Did I do anything wrong?" "I told you what you were doing. You can't do that since 9/11. Let me see some ID." "What for? I didn't do anything wrong." "Are you refusing to show me your ID? Do you want to escalate this?" "No. I just want to know why." "Turn around and put your hands behind your back..." There's some placing arrest language here, no? What did he say while he was cuffing you? I don't doubt the accuracy of your account; however it's not the lyrics but the tone that makes the music. You have the right to take photos, but a cop has the right to ask you why as part of his job. I'd bet a six pack that the judge looks at you and calmly states "next time show your ID when an officer requests it" (I'd like to lose this bet). This isn't going to be the Scopes trial. As others have stated, I'd consult an attorney, not so much for beating the ticket, but to have your name expunged from this "anti-terrorist list" if there is one. There must be, since the cops all along the Shoreline just wave to me when they see me with my camera around my neck. And no, I'm not being an armchair railfan here. I've been questioned by police many times while railfanning. Showing ID really isn't as big a deal as the majority of you think it is. In textbook terms it is, but in the world of common sense it's not. your pal, Fred |
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