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NEWS AND VIEWS THAT IMPACT LIMITED CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with
power to endanger the public liberty." - - - - John Adams

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Police in Ferguson arrest and threaten more journalists























The Real Question of the Day:
  • The cops in Ferguson are openly attacking and arresting the press knowing it will be reported.  So the real question is: "What are the cops doing to citizens of all races when the cameras are not rolling?"
  • We need law and order.  That is a given in any civilized society.  But that does not mean that just because someone puts on the uniform of a doctor, judge, policeman or politician that they suddenly become a saint.


(Washington Post)  -  Since chaos erupted in the streets of Ferguson, Mo., more than a week ago, journalists from all over the world have flocked to the scene. They have also, increasingly, become the target of police arrests.

Overnight, several journalists reported being detained, threatened or otherwise prevented from covering the unfolding story. The arrest late Sunday night of three reporters — Robert Klemko of Sports Illustrated, Chicago-based Financial Times reporter Neil Munshi and Rob Crilly, a foreign correspondent for the Telegraph (and no stranger to war zones) — reportedly came as the journalists attempted to gather more information while police faced off with protesters.
Media in Ferguson

They were ordered arrested by Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson, who has been serving as a critical bridge between the Ferguson community and law enforcement.

The journalists said that they were released shortly after their arrests, but not before plastic “handcuffs” were put around their wrists.

Threats, tear gas and even arrest have become occupational hazards for reporters in Ferguson. Some journalists have been seen wearing bulletproof vests and gas masks, as the risk of injury by real bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas is high.

In many cases, journalists eager to get the story have run into agitated cops worried by the threat of molotov cocktails, rocks, gunfire and general chaos.

Late Sunday night, a volunteer radio reporter operating a popular video livestream of events in Ferguson was threatened by an unnamed police officer.

“Get the f— out of here and keep that light off or you’re getting shelled with this,” the officer appeared to yell. Several other reporters also appeared to be the in the area, and the tense exchange was broadcast to thousands through the Argus Radio livestream channel.

Despite repeatedly identifying himself as a member of the media, Mustafa Hussein found himself threatened with a gun for having the keylight on his camera on.

MSNBC host Chris Hayes tweeted that police threatened to spray him with mace if he didn’t “get back.”

Read More . . . .


When in doubt attack the press for reporting news





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