The Revolution will be Televised

As everyone in the free world knows Josh Wolf is free.

Except I'm late .... Wayne Garcia (naturally) had it first ...

Please go to his website and scroll down to view his unedited video.

I have tried to watch the whole thing and have suffered many interruptions. What strikes me is the 'show of force'. There seems to be a cop for every protestor.

Also this case is extremely important to bloggers in the sense that many questions were raised pertaining to whether a blogger enjoys the same protection as a journalist.

As well, the question is raised whether an activist can claim journalism for protection. Interesting.

I habitually videotape my surroundings when I am involved in public discourse and it has a way of quelling adverse behavior. As well, you get some compelling stuff. I don't offer any of it anywhere but I'm sure I could be paid for it. In fact, I have been asked for my stuff a dozen times. Not yet.

I am generally also attending these activities as a participant. So, while I have already taken 'a side' I believe that would be true of ANY journalist or activist or independent reporter on events. Or any blogger. I am aware of an undercurrent of fear and danger to those involved. Many people who blog and encourage attendance do not attend. I have never seen so many Tampa cops 'gainfully employed' as when we did the World Can't Wait in downtown Tampa. Seriously. Like we were up to something. People singing songs, making speeches, Tampa World Can't Wait Oct 5 carrying signs and drawing with chalk. Here, in our community, on the sidewalks we paid for, in a park open to the public. Oh yeah, and there was a permit required. Imagine that. On streets that BELONG to us .... (oh and by the way SOME of the Tampa cops are very cool; a very small percentage and thank you --- you know who you are)

Go see the video from Josh. It's extremely compelling. It has always sickened me to see the show of force surrounding people who are exercising their United States of America Constitutional Rights to Assembly, Free Speech and Peaceful Protest.

I understand there is some violence and an officer ended up with a fractured skull. I haven't gotten there yet. As well, that goose-stepping along so close to protestors was icky.

I do not EVER EVER condone violence in any way, shape or form. I'm merely stating that the police were attempting to exert control over people who were doing nothing out of the ordinary. They were walking down a street but since the street was empty other than a gazillion police vehicles, it appears they had acquired the infamous 'parade permit'.

Free speech ZONES.

Parade PERMITS.

Thanks, George !!!

When you're gone --- things will be a lot better and that can't be soon enough for ME.


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